A recent company analysis highlights a clear trend: many users of aging Windows releases are hesitant to jump to Windows 11 and instead opt to stay with Windows 10. In February, data shows a notable spike in Windows 10 adoption that surpassed the growth seen for Windows 11 installations. This shift follows Microsoft’s January decision to end Extended Security Updates for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, a move that pushed organizations toward upgrading hardware and software to newer iterations.
According to the report, Windows 10 gained market share in February, rising from 68.86% in January to 73.25% in February. That uptick underscores how many businesses and home users view Windows 10 as a reliable bridge while evaluating longer-term replacement strategies. In the same period, Windows 11 broadened its footprint by 1.01%, achieving a peak market share of 19.13%. The numbers suggest that roughly one in five modern PCs now runs Windows 11, while the majority continues to rely on Windows 10 for daily tasks, compatibility, and stability.
Windows 7 remains present as the third most utilized Windows version, but its overall footprint continues to shrink. The data show a decline from 9.55% to 5.39% in Windows 7 usage, and Windows 8.1 slipped from 2.28% to 1.15%. The forced sunset of Extended Security Updates acts as a critical inflection point, encouraging more users to retire older machines and adopt newer software that receives ongoing security support and feature updates.
Meanwhile, users who upgraded or attempted to use older hardware frequently reported friction with upgrade prompts, including intrusive full-screen banners urging Windows 11 adoption. Some devices simply do not meet the requirements for the newest operating system, yet the notifications persisted, prompting conversations about hardware readiness, performance expectations, and the practicalities of keeping essential systems secure. Analysts note that the upgrade cycle is multifaceted, influenced by device age, software compatibility, and the perceived value of new features compared with the cost and downtime of migration. In many environments, IT teams weigh the benefits of a staged upgrade path versus a rip-and-replace approach to minimize disruption while maintaining security standards. These dynamics shape how organizations approach operating system lifecycles, user training, and policy planning across Windows-focused deployments.
Overall, the February data illustrate a cautious but steady transition: Windows 10 remains the backbone for stability and compatibility, Windows 11 expands gradually as hardware supports increase, and older systems retreat from the scene as security and performance concerns become decisive factors. This trend reflects broader enterprise tendencies toward measured modernization, ensuring that critical applications stay compatible and secure while users experience dependable daily performance. Analysts suggest that ongoing monitoring of device inventories, software inventories, and update readiness will continue to influence the pace and direction of Windows adoption in the coming months, particularly for organizations managing mixed environments across North America.