Despite its grand entrance two years ago, Windows 11 finds itself playing second fiddle to its predecessor, Windows 10, according to recent data from StatCounter. Windows 10 commands a lion’s share of the global Windows-based operating system market, boasting a substantial 71.64% dominance. In contrast, Windows 11 holds a modest 23.61%, indicating a slower adoption rate than its forerunner.
StatCounter’s comprehensive analysis encompassed all Microsoft Windows operating systems from the past two decades, revealing Windows 7 in third place with a 3.34% market share, followed by Windows 8.1 at 0.61%, Windows 8 at 0.35%, and Windows XP at 0.35%.
Windows 11’s subdued acceptance echoes the vigorous reception Windows 10 enjoyed two years post-launch in 2015, outpacing its successor by 10%. Presently, more than 1.4 billion active devices worldwide run on either Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Critics have scrutinized Windows 11 for its revamped Start menu and taskbar, which shed some beloved features of Windows 10. Higher system requirements, particularly the need for a compatible TPM, added complexity, although workarounds existed for TPM-less systems.
Windows 11’s feature-rich update introduces Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot, widgets, and comprehensive support for DirectStorage. However, the taskbar, while improved, still lacks certain features compared to Windows 10’s, like displaying program names alongside icons or flexible positioning on the screen.
Even in the gaming realm, Windows 10 maintains its stronghold. According to the September Valve Hardware Survey, it remains the favorite among gamers, commanding a substantial 58% share, with Windows 11 slightly trailing at 37%. These numbers illuminate Windows 10’s enduring popularity, leaving Windows 11, for all its advancements, still striving to capture the same level of user enthusiasm.