It’s official—Windows 11 is now the most used version of Microsoft’s operating system. According to the latest data from StatCounter, Windows 11 commands 51.36% of the market as of July 2025, finally overtaking Windows 10, which now sits at 45.57%. This long-anticipated shift comes just months before the Windows 10 end-of-life date on October 14, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the history of Microsoft’s flagship OS.
📈 The End of a Legacy, The Rise of a New Standard
Windows 10 held the crown for over seven years after dethroning Windows 7 in early 2018. Its longevity and wide hardware compatibility made it the go-to OS for businesses and consumers alike. But the tide has now turned.
While Windows 11 adoption started slowly, due to stricter hardware requirements and user hesitation, it’s gained significant traction thanks to:
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Pre-installed Windows 11 on nearly all new devices since late 2021
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Growing enterprise migrations ahead of the Windows 10 deadline
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Increased awareness of AI-powered features and productivity enhancements in Windows 11
🖥️ Market Share Snapshot – July 2025
| OS Version | Market Share |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 | 51.36% |
| Windows 10 | 45.57% |
| Others | 3.07% |
💡 What This Means for Users and Businesses
This milestone reinforces Microsoft’s future vision of a cloud-connected, AI-enhanced computing platform. For users still on Windows 10, the message is clear: it’s time to upgrade before support ends.
Key implications:
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Security risks will rise for Windows 10 after October 2025.
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Businesses still running legacy systems need to migrate fast or face compliance and compatibility issues.
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New features in Windows 11, including AI tools like Windows Copilot, are now central to the OS experience.
The Windows 11 market share surge in 2025 is a defining moment for Microsoft. It signals the closing chapter of the Windows 10 era and the solidification of Win11 as the new default for personal and professional computing. With continued support, feature rollouts, and tighter integration with Microsoft services, Windows 11 is poised to dominate for the rest of the decade.