Windows 11 Market Share Surges to 36 Percent Before Windows 10 Sunset

Microsoft’s Windows 11 has achieved a significant milestone, reaching 36.65% market share in January 2025, marking its strongest monthly gain as Windows 10’s end-of-support deadline draws near. The surge represents a crucial shift in adoption patterns, with Windows 10’s market share declining to 60.33%, indicating accelerated migration to the newer operating system.

Key Takeaways:

• Market share growth of 2.53% for Windows 11 in a single month surpasses typical adoption rates
• Windows 10’s end-of-support deadline of October 14, 2025, drives increased migration
• Enterprise sector shows accelerated adoption due to enhanced security features
• Hardware compatibility remains a primary barrier for many potential users
• Commercial inventory builds up as businesses prepare for the transition

Market Share Dynamics

The latest data shows unprecedented growth for Windows 11, with its market share jumping to 36.65% in January 2025. This surge coincides with Microsoft’s broader success in the desktop market, demonstrating increasing user confidence in the platform. Windows 10’s share has dropped to 60.33%, reflecting a significant shift in user preferences and migration patterns.

Security and Enterprise Adoption

Business adoption of Windows 11 has picked up pace, driven by enhanced security features and the approaching end-of-support date for Windows 10. Microsoft’s security enhancements have become a compelling factor for enterprise migration. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of staying current with supported operating systems.

Hardware Requirements and Challenges

Despite the growth, hardware compatibility continues to influence adoption rates. The strict requirements for Windows 11, including recent CPU models and TPM 2.0, have led some users to maintain their Windows 10 installations. Recent feature delays have also impacted user decisions, though this hasn’t significantly slowed the overall migration trend.

Commercial Sector Response

The commercial sector is actively preparing for the transition, with inventory buildup observed across various industries. For those looking to automate their business processes during this transition, automation tools like Latenode can help streamline the migration process and maintain productivity.

Future Outlook

As the October 2025 deadline approaches, Windows 11’s adoption rate is expected to accelerate further. Microsoft’s strategy focuses on improving user experience and addressing compatibility concerns. The company’s Windows OEM and Devices unit has already reported a 4% year-on-year revenue increase, indicating positive momentum in the Windows ecosystem.