Windows 11 Gains Momentum as Support for Windows 10 Approaches End

The adoption of Windows 11 has seen a significant uptick in Germany, reaching a record high as of January. Nevertheless, a substantial majority of users continue to operate on Windows 10.

Recent data from Statcounter indicates that more than one-third of Windows devices in Germany are now running the latest version of the operating system. In contrast, Windows 10 remains installed on the majority of other systems. Microsoft's Chief Financial Officer, Amy Hood, reported a 4% increase in revenue from the OEM and device sector compared to the previous year, attributing this growth to preparations for the impending end of support for Windows 10, scheduled for October 14, 2025.

As of the end of January, Windows 11 accounted for 35.2% of all Windows installations in Germany, marking a significant increase of 12.9% from the previous month. Following a period of stagnant or declining usage in the last quarter of 2024, this surge in adoption is notable. Meanwhile, the market share of Windows 10 has fallen to 62.3%, the lowest level observed since April 2019. Other older versions, including Windows 7, hold a mere 1.5% share, while other earlier editions collectively account for less than 1%.

A similar trend is observable in Austria, where Windows 11 is installed on 34.6% of devices, an increase of 11.3%. However, in Switzerland, Windows 11 has shown consistent growth, with a market share now at 44.8% after a 4% rise from December to January. Windows 10 usage in Switzerland stands at 53.6%.

Statcounter's statistics are based on the analysis of five billion visits to 1.5 million websites each month, although they do not track individual users.

For users opting to remain on Windows 10, there is an option to purchase a support extension after the cessation of free security updates. Businesses can secure this extension for $61 per device for the first year, with the possibility of extending it for up to three years, although prices will rise in subsequent years. Private users can access a one-time option for $30 for a year of extended support.

As Windows 11 presents higher hardware requirements than its predecessor, it necessitates TPM 2.0-capable processors. Additionally, Microsoft has integrated its AI service, Copilot, into the new operating system, pushing for the use of Copilot+ devices that feature ARM CPUs and dedicated AI processors. Recent preview versions of Windows 11 have introduced new AI functionalities for Microsoft Paint.