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

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What you need to know

  • A report indicates Windows 11’s market share hit 35.55% three years after Microsoft shipped the operating system.
  • This news comes after the tech giant announced it’ll charge $30 for extended Windows 10 support beyond its imminent death.
  • A report by the International Data Corporation (IDC) indicates the growth in global PC shipments is directly linked to a dire need to upgrade supported software and purchase future-proof devices.

As a seasoned analyst with decades of experience in the tech industry, I find it fascinating to observe the dynamics of the operating system market, particularly the ongoing saga between Windows 10 and its successor, Windows 11.

Three years after being shipped, Windows 11 is starting to pick up speed, as shown by a recent report from StatCounter. In October 2024, Windows 11 accounted for 35.55% of the operating system market share. However, Windows 10 remains in control with 60.97% of the market share.

Starting October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10. This move is expected to boost the popularity of Windows 11, as Microsoft has been actively encouraging users to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, even going so far as to use intrusive full-screen popup ads to get their attention.

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As a researcher studying user behavior, I have observed that some users may hesitate to upgrade to Windows 11 due to a couple of potential factors. Firstly, the strict system specifications set by Microsoft might be a deterrent for many, as not all computers meet these requirements. Secondly, there seems to be a design flaw in the operating system that has raised concerns among users, which could also contribute to their reluctance to upgrade.

Windows 11 upgrade seems inevitable

The slow recovery of the PC market can be partly explained by the fact that it’s been sluggish, but recent data shows signs of improvement this year. As per the International Data Corporation (IDC), the market experienced a 3% increase in the second quarter of 2024, amounting to approximately 64.9 million units. This growth is primarily attributed to heightened interest in AI-focused PCs and a less exciting commercial update cycle.

Interestingly, despite the rising shipment of AI PCs, it seems that consumers are not primarily drawn to these devices because of their artificial intelligence capabilities. Instead, they are upgrading to meet the software requirements (Windows 11) and secure future-proof systems. It’s been whispered that Microsoft might rebrand its Windows 11 AI features under a fresh Windows Intelligence banner.

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After Microsoft stops providing official support for Windows 10, it doesn’t mean the end of the line for this operating system. Users have the option to purchase extended support services, which are designed for both commercial and individual customers.

The tech giant recently revealed it’ll charge $30 for an additional year of security updates for Windows 10 beyond 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.

A community advocating for the public’s welfare submitted a request for Microsoft to rethink their choice to cease support for Windows 10, stating that this move would result in an unprecedented amount of discarded computers. In essence, Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program serves as a crucial extension for Windows 10 users who favor it over Windows 11 and aren’t keen on purchasing new equipment.

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2024-11-07 20:19