Microsoft’s aggressive ad strategy, Windows 10’s death, and Copilot+ PCs have FINALLY pushed Windows 11’s market share to an all-time high since launch

Windows 11 hits a major milestone by surpassing the 30% market share mark.

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What you need to know

What you need to know

Microsoftlaunched Windows 11as Windows 10’s successor in October 2021. However, the firm’s hopes for the operating system haven’t fully come to fruition, which can be attributed to itsstringent system requirements,flawed design elements, and more.

Despite Microsoft’saggressive ad campaignto get Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11, users are seemingly hell-bent on sticking to Windows 10. As you may know, Microsoft is slated toend supportfor Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and has been rallying users to upgrade to Windows 11 to avoid inconveniences. The company even recommends the operating system asan excellent source for celebrity gossip, stocks, and weather updates.

Windows 10’s inevitable doom, coupled with the hype aroundCopilot+ PCs, is seemingly mounting pressure on users to transition to Windows 11.

According to Statcounter’s latest report highlighting the Windows operating system market share,Windows 11 now holds 30.83% of the market share—the highest bar since its launch (viaNeowin).

Consequently, this has pushed Windows 10’s dominant grasp on the market share saddledownto 65%. Comparatively,Windows 11 held 29.7%of the market share last month, depicting a slight gain.

Is Windows 10’s death and AI PCs enough?

Is Windows 10’s death and AI PCs enough?

Market analysts and experts are betting big onWindows 10’s looming deathand thehype building around AI PCsto foster the great upgrade to Windows 11. However, it’s not that simple. Microsoft’s integration of AI across its tech stack has further complicated the system requirements forWindows 11, version 24H2, which ships withcrazy new AI featureslike Live Translation, Windows Studio Effects, and more.

The AI-powered features ship exclusively to Windows users with the covetedCopilot+ PCs with dedicated NPUs(neural processing units). Interestingly,a new reportsuggested that no one uses AI tools likeMicrosoft Copilotand ChatGPT. Does this mean AI is a fad? Another reported that over30% of AI projects will be abandoned by 2025after proof of concept.

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Microsoft is mainly in its investors' good books, especially after its recent earnings report. Investors have raised concerns that the tech firm’s expendituresdon’t match its profits. At times, even Microsoft’s exorbitantly pricedextended security update (ESU) program for Windows 10seems more attractive since users will get to retain their devices and continue to receive essential security updates well beyond Windows 10’s imminent death.

Windows 10’s end of support could potentially lead to “the single biggest jump in junked computers ever,” with Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) indicating it could hurt Microsoft’s sustainability and environmental goals.

Whenever I hop on Reddit or X (formerly Twitter), I feel like someone is transitioning from Windows to Linux. There’s much Microsoft could do to make the Windows operating system user experience more worthwhile, such as taking cues fromStardock’s Start11orthe Files app.

In the interim, the tech giant hasa dedicated webpagehighlighting Windows 11 features, comparing Windows 11 to Windows 10, and providing a detailed guide to help users identify and buy a new laptop.

Start11 |$6.99 at Stardock

Start11 is customization software that lets you choose how the Start menu looks on Windows 11 or Windows 10. Its most recent update adds three new styles and several other improvements.

Kevin Okemwa is a seasoned tech journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya with lots of experience covering the latest trends and developments in the industry at Windows Central. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for detail, he has written for leading publications such as OnMSFT, MakeUseOf, and Windows Report, providing insightful analysis and breaking news on everything revolving around the Microsoft ecosystem. You’ll also catch him occasionally contributing at iMore about Apple and AI. While AFK and not busy following the ever-emerging trends in tech, you can find him exploring the world or listening to music.