Windows 11 has overtaken Windows 10 in terms of desktop share, with recent data showing it at 53.7% usage among Windows desktops, according to StatCounter's November 2025 report. Despite this, many businesses and consumers continue to prefer Windows 10 due to various challenges associated with migration.
Migration Challenges for Enterprises
Enterprises face significant hurdles in moving to Windows 11. Many rely on Extended Security Updates for Windows 10, using them to delay critical system upgrades. Businesses must handle costs related to licensing, hardware upgrades, compatibility testing, deployment planning, retraining, and potential workflow disruptions. As a result, the adoption rate for Windows 11 has lagged behind previous operating system cycles by a considerable margin, according to hardware vendors.
Consumer Preferences and Regional Variations
On the consumer side, the adoption of Windows 11 is slow because many continue using Windows 10 machines as secondary devices. This usage pattern sustains Windows 10's presence in usage statistics. Additionally, in some European regions, consumers receive security updates for Windows 10 without additional costs, reducing the need to switch to newer systems. The comfort with familiar workflows and device setups further discourages change.
Device Upgrades Over Replacements
Overall data indicates that Windows 11's growth results mainly from new devices being introduced, as opposed to replacing Windows 10 on existing hardware. The decline in Windows 10 usage is gradual, reflecting a slow transition process rather than a rapid switch to the new operating system.
