In Q4 2025, a sizable poll of over 34,000 respondents highlighted a significant shift in user intentions. Following Microsoft's discontinuation of Windows 10 and mounting frustration with Windows 11, 55.4% expressed interest in migrating to Linux. This indicates potential headwinds for the tech giant.
User Preferences and Dissatisfaction
Of those surveyed, only 4.5% considered a switch to macOS, while a mere 1.9% contemplated moving away from PCs entirely to consoles or other endpoints. The substantial 61.8% total reflects broad disillusionment with Microsoft’s evolving ecosystem.
Several users voiced dissatisfaction with Windows 11's interface, labeling it a step down from Windows 10. Concerns over additional Microsoft products—including 365, Copilot, and Teams—being perceived as invasive or akin to bloatware were also prevalent.
Migration and Perceptions
Despite the notable interest in switching, 38.2% stated they would remain with Windows. This split in user loyalty suggests a challenging landscape for Microsoft as they promote their latest operating system. The feedback underscores user resistance to feeling compelled into ecosystem changes, reinforcing the pressure on Microsoft to adapt its strategy.
