Windows 11’s market share hits all-time high — Microsoft’s $30 extended support charge beyond Windows 10’s imminent death won’t cut it
Windows 11’s market share hits 35.55% in October 2024 as Windows 10’s imminent death looms.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
What you need to know
Three years after its shipment, Windows 11 has begun to gain momentum. According to a recent report by StatCounter,the operating system’s market share hit 35.55%in October 2024. Still, Windows 10 continues to dominate the category with 60.97% of the market share.
As you may know,Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and this decision will likely contribute to Windows 11’s growth in market share. The tech giant has made several plays over the past few months to get users toupgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11before itsimminent death, including usingannoying full-screen multipage popup ads.
Users' reluctance to upgrade to Windows 11 could be attributed to several reasons, includingMicrosoft’s stringent minimum system requirementsandthe operating system’s flawed design.
Windows 11 upgrade seems inevitable
It can also be attributed to the depressed PC market (though trends show it’s on an upward trajectory this year). According to the International Data Corporation (IDC),the market grew by 3% in the second quarter of 2024— translating to 64.9 million units. Market analysts and experts attributed the growth to “Plenty of market hype around AI PCs and a less sexy commercial refresh cycle.”
Ironically, a recent report by the institution indicatesthe growing shipment of AI PCs isn’t driven by the AI capabilitiesin these devices but by the consumer’s need to upgrade supported software (Windows 11) and purchase future-proof devices. Rumors suggest Microsoft couldrebrand its Windows 11 AI features under a new Windows Intelligence umbrella.
Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 isn’t entirely the end of the road for the operating system. Alternatively, users canpay for extended Windows 10 support, which is available for commercial and consumer users.
The tech giant recently revealed it’ll charge$30 for an additional year of security updates for Windows 10beyond its end-of-support date. It’s worth noting users can only pay for one year of extended support. After this point, users are advised to upgrade to Windows 11. However, they can continue using the operating system but are susceptible to malicious ploys by bad actors as they’ll no longer receive crucial security updates.
Get the Windows Central Newsletter
All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.
A public interest group filed a petition asking Microsoft to reconsider its decision to cut support for Windows 10, indicating it would lead to “the single biggest jump in junked computers ever.” As such,Microsoft’s ESU programprovides an extended lifeline for Windows 10 users who still prefer it to Windows 11 and aren’t particularly interested in buying new hardware.
🎃The best early Black Friday deals🦃
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.
