StatCounter’s March 2023 data reveals a shifting landscape for Windows versions across personal computers worldwide, excluding Apple devices. The analysis shows that Windows 11 has secured a notable foothold, accounting for roughly one in five Windows-powered systems. This milestone, representing about 21% of the Windows ecosystem, signals broad adoption of Microsoft’s latest operating system within a relatively short period since its release. The takeaway for businesses and IT departments is clear: a meaningful portion of PC users are now operating on Windows 11, while the legacy platforms still underpin a sizable portion of the market. (StatCounter)
Even with the excitement around Windows 11, Windows 10 remains the dominant choice among PC users. The March 2023 figures indicate that Windows 10 holds about 73.5% of the PC OS market within StatCounter’s dataset, reinforcing its status as the long-running workhorse for many individuals and organizations. Windows 7, once a dominant force, has continued its gradual decline, slipping from 5.3% to 3.7% during the month. This ongoing shrinkage highlights how migration to newer Windows releases is progressing, albeit at a measured pace that keeps Windows 7 in circulation for certain business segments and consumer niches. (StatCounter)
The remaining top five operating systems in the chart include Windows 8.1 and Windows XP, whose combined presence has dwindled to a fraction of the market. Collectively they account for about 1.2% of PC users, with Windows 8.1 contributing a larger share than Windows XP but still far below modern Windows releases. These numbers underscore the broader push toward modern Windows environments, security updates, and compatibility improvements that accompany newer software. For IT teams, the persistence of these older systems serves as a reminder of legacy device cohorts and the planning required for upgrade cycles. (StatCounter)
In terms of growth dynamics, Windows 11 stands out by showing a robust year-over-year expansion. The data shows that its share rose by roughly 13% from March 2022 to March 2023, illustrating strong momentum as more users adopt the feature set and performance improvements associated with the newest Windows release. By contrast, the share attributed to Windows 10, while still dominant, experienced a slight decline, dipping by nearly 1% over the same period. This divergence reflects the natural lifecycle progression of operating systems, where a newly released platform attracts early adopters and enterprise pilots before broadening to a wider audience. (StatCounter)
Overall, the March 2023 snapshot paints a picture of a market in transition. Windows 11 is gaining traction and expanding its footprint, while Windows 10 remains the backbone for a majority of users. The continued presence of older Windows versions, though diminished, reminds stakeholders of the importance of planning for compatibility, security updates, and support strategies that span across multiple generations of devices. For readers evaluating device refresh cycles or software deployment plans, this data provides a practical lens into user behavior and upgrade timing patterns. (StatCounter)