Why is Windows 11 market share decreasing?

Windows 11 market share fell in December 2025, with Windows 10 seeing a surprising increase in users.

What challenges did Microsoft face in 2025?

Microsoft struggled with underperforming AI initiatives and problematic Windows updates throughout 2025.

Will Windows 10 users switch to Windows 11?

Despite Windows 10 support ending, its user share grew while Windows 11's share declined in late 2025.

Home / Technology / Windows 11 Stumbles: Market Share Drops as Windows 10 Gains

Windows 11 Stumbles: Market Share Drops as Windows 10 Gains

5 Jan

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Summary

Windows 11 market share declined in December, falling below 51 percent.
Windows 10 user share unexpectedly increased as support ended.
Microsoft's 2025 faced challenges with AI initiatives and Windows updates.

Windows 11 Stumbles: Market Share Drops as Windows 10 Gains

Microsoft concluded 2025 facing significant headwinds, particularly with its AI initiatives and a series of underperforming Windows updates. These challenges contributed to a difficult year for user adoption across its product lines.

Entering 2026, discouraging figures for Windows 11 have emerged. Statcounter data from December 2025 reveals a continued decline in its market share, which fell by over three percentage points to 50.73%. This drop occurred despite the official end of support for Windows 10 in many global regions.

Conversely, Windows 10 experienced a resurgence, with its user share increasing from 42.7% to 44.68%. Even Windows 8 saw a rise in usage. The year 2025 proved challenging for Microsoft, marked by AI ventures that failed to gain traction and numerous inadequate Windows updates.