For the first time, Windows 11 has clearly overtaken Windows 10, marking a major shift in the PC ecosystem.
A decisive market shift
According to Statcounter data, Windows 11 has reached 73% market share, while Windows 10 has dropped to 26%. The transition accelerated sharply in early 2026 after a relatively stable period throughout 2025.
Microsoft’s push pays off
The shift didn’t happen naturally—it was driven by Microsoft’s aggressive strategy:
- Ending official support for Windows 10
- Offering paid and conditional support extensions
- Encouraging upgrades through persistent prompts
As a result, most users have now migrated to the newer OS.
What this means for users
With Windows 10 effectively sidelined, Microsoft can now focus its efforts on Windows 11, including:
- Faster feature development
- Stronger security updates
- Deeper ecosystem integration
The company is also looking to revive user feedback channels, aiming to shape future updates more closely around user needs.
Not everyone is happy
Despite its dominance, Windows 11 hasn’t been universally embraced. Some users have criticized:
- Heavy integration of AI tools like Microsoft Copilot
- Changes to familiar workflows
- Increasing reliance on subscriptions
A new Windows era
The numbers signal a clear turning point: Windows is now effectively a single-version ecosystem centered on Windows 11.
What comes next will depend on how well Microsoft balances innovation with user expectations—especially as AI becomes more deeply embedded in the operating system.