Dell reveals that the adoption rate of Windows 11 is lagging compared to Windows 10, with users still hesitant to make the switch. According to Dell's COO Clarke, Windows 11 adoption is about 10–12 percentage points behind Windows 10 at a similar stage post-launch.
Transition Challenges and Opportunities
The Windows 10 transition reached its peak in July 2025, becoming the most popular Microsoft operating system nearly four years after launching. Despite Windows 11's new features, many users are loyal to Windows 10. Clarke identified major hardware requirements as a significant hurdle, with around 500 million computers capable but not upgraded yet. Additionally, another 500 million systems would require new hardware to run Windows 11.
Market Trends and Predictions
Clarke noted potential growth in the PC market tied to Artificial Intelligence PCs and Neural Processing Units (NPUs). Even as Dell's outlook for the broader market remains steady, AI-related technology is expected to boost growth. The company reported $10.1 billion in server and networking revenue, marking a 37% increase year-over-year.
However, escalating component costs, particularly RAM, could impede further rapid adoption of Windows 11, despite Microsoft's ongoing efforts to encourage the transition.
