- Windows 10 still runs on two out of five active desktops worldwide
- Enterprises delay updates with paid security extensions for mission-critical systems.
- Consumers keep older PCs active for simple tasks and backups.
Despite End of free support for many versions of Windows 10Usage data still shows a slow transition to Windows 11.
According to November 2025 Statcounter data, Windows 11 takes up 53.7% of active Windows desktops, while Windows 10 still occupies 42.7%.
The data reflects both consumer and business devices and only contains a sample of a limited number of websites, which already limits confidence in interpreting adoption trends.
Updates to Windows 11 seem very slow
Even with this limitation, Windows 10's resilience is hard to shake, and the gap between both systems is closing much more slowly than many OEMs expected.
Corporate environments continue to demonstrate a more cautious approach to large-scale operating system change.
Many businesses still using Windows 10 now rely on Extended Security Updates as a structured delay mechanism rather than a permanent refuge.
Analysts describe the approach as strategic, targeting mission-critical systems tied to legacy applications and specialized hardware without current Windows 11 driver support.
In many organizations, funding for large-scale computer replacements remains undistributed across a wide range of active device fleets.
The cost of migration extends beyond licensing and hardware to include compatibility testing, deployment planning, retraining, and workflow disruptions associated with office software transitions.
One of the main obstacles for Windows 11 is the lack of features that cause immediate changes in the purchasing behavior of businesses.
Once the free support period expired, there was no clear incentive to interrupt normal device replacement deadlines.
Hardware vendors are reporting an update that lags significantly behind previous operating system transitions.
Dell Executives have publicly confirmed that Windows 11 adoption is trailing previous update cycles by double digits at similar points after earlier support dates.
In an uncertain economic environment, businesses seem reluctant to undertake large, unplanned upgrade programs that are closely tied to operating system deadlines.
Consumer usage data further complicates the assessment of overall adoption.
Many Windows 11 device buyers continue to use older Windows 10 machines as secondary computers for limited tasks.
These legacy systems continue to generate traffic that contributes to public usage statistics.
In some parts of Europe, consumers also continue to receive security updates without direct payment, further reducing the need to replace working equipment.
Familiar workflows and adherence to existing ones productivity tools increase this latency among non-enterprise users.
Available data suggests that Windows 11's growth reflects net additions rather than true replacements.
On paper, Windows 10 appears to be declining slowly as data shows Windows 11's limited operational advantage.
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