Microsoft’s Windows 11 has reached a significant milestone, surpassing Windows 10 in usage among Steam users for the first time since its launch in October 2021. According to the Steam hardware survey for August 2024, Windows 11 now accounts for 49 percent of users on the gaming platform, a notable increase from nearly 46 percent in July. Meanwhile, Windows 10 has seen a corresponding dip, falling to 47 percent. This shift marks a critical point in Windows 11’s adoption, signaling that more users are embracing the newer operating system as the October 2025 end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 approaches.
Rising Adoption Despite Initial Hurdles
When Windows 11 debuted in 2021, its adoption was slower compared to its predecessor. While Windows 10 reached 400 million active devices within a year of its 2015 launch, it took Windows 11 two years to achieve the same milestone. This slower uptake can be attributed to Microsoft’s stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11, which included the need for a TPM security chip and more recent CPUs, limiting eligibility for many older machines. In contrast, Windows 10 was a free upgrade for users of both Windows 7 and Windows 8 and lacked such stringent requirements, enabling millions of users to upgrade without the need to purchase new hardware.
Despite these initial challenges, Windows 11’s market share has been steadily growing. Across the broader web, Windows 11’s usage climbed from around 23 percent in July 2023 to nearly 32 percent in August 2024, according to data from StatCounter. This upward trend reflects a broader acceptance of the operating system, both among gamers and general users.
Impact on the Gaming Community
The Steam platform, known for its hardware surveys, is a key indicator of operating system trends among gamers. Windows 10 had long been the dominant choice for gamers, thanks to its stability and compatibility with a wide range of hardware. However, Windows 11 has started to make significant inroads, likely driven by its improved gaming features, such as support for DirectStorage and Auto HDR, which offer enhanced performance and visuals in modern games.
The increase in Windows 11 adoption among gamers could also be attributed to the natural cycle of hardware upgrades. As more users purchase new PCs that come preloaded with Windows 11 or upgrade their existing machines to meet the OS’s requirements, the shift towards Windows 11 becomes more pronounced.
The Road Ahead for Windows Users
With the clock ticking towards the end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025, Microsoft is ramping up its efforts to transition users to Windows 11. The company has announced that businesses will need to pay for extended support if they wish to continue using Windows 10 beyond this deadline. For the first time, Microsoft is also offering consumers the option to pay for additional security updates, although specific pricing details have only been provided for businesses so far.
This strategy is part of Microsoft’s broader plan to encourage migration to Windows 11, ensuring that users benefit from the latest security features and updates. As more users make the switch, Windows 11’s market share is expected to continue its upward trajectory, further solidifying its place in the Windows ecosystem.
In conclusion, Windows 11’s recent overtaking of Windows 10 in Steam usage marks a pivotal moment in its adoption journey. While the path has been slower due to initial hardware restrictions, the growing market share both in the gaming community and across the web suggests that Windows 11 is finally gaining the traction Microsoft has been hoping for. As the end-of-support date for Windows 10 looms, the pressure to upgrade will likely accelerate Windows 11’s adoption even further, shaping the future of the Windows operating system landscape.
4o
