Windows 11 has captured 52% of the global Windows PC market share as of July 2025, finally surpassing Windows 10’s 44.59%. This milestone comes after a dramatic surge from 36.65% in January, driven by Microsoft’s aggressive upgrade campaign and strong adoption in North America’s corporate sector. In spite of some resistance in enterprise environments and technical barriers for older devices, the change signals a pivotal shift in the Windows ecosystem as Windows 10’s end of support approaches.
Almost all Windows PCs across the globe have now adopted Windows 11, with Microsoft’s latest operating system commanding a decisive 52% market share as of July 2025. This milestone marks the first time Windows 11 has surpassed its predecessor, Windows 10, representing a significant shift in the Windows ecosystem just months before Windows 10’s scheduled end of support. Industry experts anticipate a steady monthly growth of 0.5 to 1.5% in Windows 11 adoption until October.
Microsoft’s dominance in PC operating systems continues as Windows 11 claims majority market share ahead of Windows 10’s retirement.
The journey to dominance hasn’t been a smooth ride for Microsoft’s newest OS. After a lukewarm initial reception and user hesitation, Windows 11 experienced a remarkable surge in adoption during early 2025, climbing from 36.65% in January to its current position. Simultaneously, Windows 10’s share has steadily declined to approximately 44.59%, though it maintains a substantial presence across global markets. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Updates program that will cost organizations $61 per device annually to maintain Windows 10 security after support ends.
This evolving environment comes as Microsoft prepares to phase out Windows 10 support in October 2025. The impending deadline has proven to be a powerful motivator for both individual users and businesses, though the enterprise sector continues to approach the change with characteristic caution. To facilitate the migration path, Microsoft has sweetened the deal with a free one-year extended security update for consumers using specific upgrade methods.
Regional adoption patterns tell an interesting story, with North America leading the charge in Windows 11 deployment. The operating system has claimed the top spot in almost every country worldwide, with only a few holdouts like Guyana bucking the trend. Corporate America is contributing to this momentum, with U.S. commercial PC shipments projected to grow by 8.1% in 2025.
However, the shift hasn’t been without its challenges. Enterprise environments, particularly in industrial and government sectors, continue to maintain legacy Windows versions due to compatibility requirements and established IT protocols. This has created a complex ecosystem where Windows 11, Windows 10, and even Windows 7 coexist in specialised environments.
Microsoft’s aggressive upgrade campaign, featuring improved prompts and advertisements, has played an essential role in accelerating adoption rates. Yet, the market has shown signs of plateauing in recent months, suggesting that the remaining Windows 10 users may be more resistant to change or face technical barriers to upgrading.
As the October 2025 deadline approaches, the Windows environment stands at a significant juncture. Although Windows 11 has secured its position as the dominant operating system, a considerable portion of users continue to rely on Windows 10. This split between the old and new versions reflects the ongoing challenge Microsoft faces in maintaining its update cycle while accommodating diverse user needs and technical requirements.
Final Thoughts
Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 11, now dominates nearly 50% of Windows PCs globally, reflecting both its successful adoption and users’ growing acceptance of its features. As older versions are phased out, the market share of Windows 11 is likely to increase further, establishing it as the standard for modern computing.
At North Lakes PC Repairs, we can assist you with upgrading to Windows 11 and ensuring your system runs smoothly with the latest features. Don’t hesitate to enhance your computing experience—click on our contact us page to get in touch today!
