Although gamers have reported performance issues with Windows 11, many of these problems have been addressed through patches.

As of July 2025, Windows 11 has officially surpassed Windows 10 in market share, accounting for 51.36% of all Windows versions compared to Windows 10's 45.57%.

This shift in usage is occurring just before Windows 10 loses official support on October 14, 2025, likely prompting users to transition to Windows 11.

The rise in Windows 11 adoption is also seen as a preparation for future operating systems, potentially paving the way for Windows 12.

Interestingly, the increase in Windows 11 users is primarily driven by enterprises rather than consumer demand, as hardware sales remain limited due to economic factors.

Daniel Bowker from Phoenix reported that many organizations are nearing completion of their migration, with 80 percent of devices already transitioned to Windows 11.

Analyst Keiren Jessop anticipates that enterprise migrations will peak around fiscal year start dates in July and October, further supporting Windows 11's growth.

To assist users, Microsoft has introduced a one-year grace period for Windows 10 users, allowing them to extend support through the Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for a fee.

For some users, Windows 11's appeal lies in its visual updates and integrated AI features, like the Copilot AI.

While businesses may find ways to continue using older versions of Windows, individual users are strongly encouraged to upgrade due to the security risks associated with outdated software.

Some companies are considering paying for Extended Security Updates or transitioning to Windows 365 for free ESU access.

Despite its popularity, the adoption rate of Windows 11 has been hindered by restrictive hardware requirements, such as the need for TPM 2.0, limiting compatibility with older devices.