Windows 11 Continues To Creep Up Behind Windows 10 (theregister.com) 69
An anonymous reader shares a report: With Windows 11 still failing to set the world alight, campaigners are warning that millions of perfectly good PCs could become landfill fodder when support for Windows 10 runs out in eleven and a bit months.
Figures compiled by StatCounter show that Windows 11 commanded a 35.55 percent share of the desktop Windows market in October. In comparison, the share of Windows 10 dropped to 60.97 percent, continuing a downward trend that began earlier this year -- it was still at 69.9 percent in April. Unless there is some marked acceleration, Windows 11 is unlikely to dominate the market by the time Microsoft pulls the plug on free updates for most of the Windows 10 world on October 14, 2025.
Figures compiled by StatCounter show that Windows 11 commanded a 35.55 percent share of the desktop Windows market in October. In comparison, the share of Windows 10 dropped to 60.97 percent, continuing a downward trend that began earlier this year -- it was still at 69.9 percent in April. Unless there is some marked acceleration, Windows 11 is unlikely to dominate the market by the time Microsoft pulls the plug on free updates for most of the Windows 10 world on October 14, 2025.
Becase users have no option (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Becase users have no option (Score:5, Interesting)
It seems to me Microsoft is going the Broadcom way with Vmware; they concentrate on corporate users who will pay for Windows 10 updates and do not care about small customers anymore. If customers aren't happy, they can install open source solutions just like qemu to replace vmware. The end result should be many unpatched Windows 10 installs stillin use. I still have Windows 8 on a machine I seldom use.
Re:Becase users have no option (Score:4, Insightful)
and do not care about small customers anymore.
So the same old business plan then?
Re:Becase users have no option (Score:4, Interesting)
Depends how far back you look I guess. Back in the days, they hired the Rolling Stones to push Windows 95 IIRC. So, they used to be more average Joe centered IMHO at some point at least. Nowadays, a lot of young people don't even use a computer anymore, they only have a smart phone. Since Microsoft failed in that segment, corporate customers is all they have left basically.
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Since Microsoft failed in that segment, corporate customers is all they have left basically.
And gamers, and small businesses. Most niche software is for Windows because it has been the dominant platform for so long, and gaming has been Microsoft dominated for the whole time it's been happening on PCs, since PCs were Microsoft-dominated.
The small business market is collectively quite large...
Re: Becase users have no option (Score:1)
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Sure, but there's lots of non-modern software that is the reason why people are still using Windows.
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I know some still 7 and even XP! :O
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Going? Windows has been getting 10 years of support since XP. They have been doing this for more than two decades now, and before it was even less. 95 got 5 years of support, ME got IIRC 3 or 4 years.
Realistically, how long do you expect an OS to be supported for? Linux kernels used to be 5 years, now they are 2.
And how much are you willing to pay for that support? Not just to Microsoft, but to AMD and Nvidia to keep their graphics drivers current, and to software vendors to keep supporting 10 officially. Y
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To be fair, a smooth functional OS is a large undertaking. And I think I paid $30 for my Windows 10 license. Even if I paid $150 it would still be worth it. It's so cheap that people don't even realize its value considering the amount of effort it takes to build and maintain. Many people put more money into a single video game than they do for their entire OS.
I would gladly pay a subscription for Windows 10 over Windows 11. I would also upgrade to 11 if MS would cut down on the bloaty adware and nagware tha
Re:Becase users have no option (Score:5, Funny)
TFT: Windows 11 Continues To Creep Up Behind ... ...
You: Windows 11 is being shoved down your throat if you want it or not
Okay, which end do I need to protect? :-)
Re: Becase users have no option (Score:3)
You need to protect all holes with barbed wires and machine gun nests.
Next up: Microsoft locks down your PC once Windows is installed to prevent competing operating systems.
Re:Neither, because (Score:2)
they'll cancel each other out if they go deep enough.
Re:Becase users have no option (Score:5, Interesting)
I'm kind of curious where this all leads. Chromebooks are... designed to support google search, like android, but if Google gets pushed out by LLMs then desktop alternatives like Chrome will wither away; microsoft apparently isn't making enough money on windows for consumers to really matter. Canonical sort of supports consumers on Ubuntu but I doubt it occupies much of mark's mindshare. Valve has a consumer linux distro with their steam deck but they're shipping tens to hundreds of thousands of units, not tens of millions so it's not like it counts. I'm not sure where consumer OS goes from here long term. Everyone wants to focus on mobile.
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if Google gets pushed out by LLMs then desktop alternatives like Chrome will wither away
Google's LLM is now doing searches for you and providing multiple answers with links. It's a great imitation of a LLM being able to cite its sources, but obviously it works backwards from the sources. Therefore Google is able to do a better job of having a LLM that gives useful answers to questions than anyone else, because they have the best search database.
I don't see why that wouldn't persist for a long assed time, since Google has both a very strong ad network and the most recognizable name in search.
I'm not sure where consumer OS goes from here long term. Everyone wants to focus on mobile.
Wh
Re:Becase users have no option (Score:5, Interesting)
Bought my most recent laptop about a month ago, and it came with Linux pre-installed. Ordering was no more difficult than ordering any other laptop. Granted, hardware choice is more limited.
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System76?
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Yep
Re: Becase users have no option (Score:3)
I don't think it really matters if a new computer comes with Linux on it. The installer for consumer-friendly Linux distros is arguably less complicated than the new PC setup wizard on Windows, due to the absence of setup for an online account or privacy settings for telemetry.
1) Buy new Window PC.
2) Boot of Linux Live USB.
3) Install alternative OS.
You're not going to win any new Linux converts by having the system preinstalled. If someone is too stupid to follow the three steps above they aren't going to w
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It depends where you live. Last time I checked Lenovo Japan was offering machines with Windows 10 via "downgrade rights". Linux too.
Lenovo UK only offers Windows 11.
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As an individual, you have no chance against Microsoft. However, as a collective, you have a lot more power than you might imagine.
This story is just advertising, or rather "brand awareness". It's building the thought process in (y)our collective mind that Windows 11 is actually gaining some traction and that people are really starting to "go for it". Therefore, by extension, it would be okay for you to go for it too - you'll be one of many doing the same thing!
The truth is, a lot of (big) corporates simply
If 11 wasn't itself basically spyware... (Score:1)
Just curious... (Score:4, Interesting)
Re: Just curious... (Score:4, Interesting)
Mostly they give them away or sell them at yard sales or donate them, throwing them away costs money these days.
I have bought a bunch of hardware cheap over the years due to upgrades causing incompatibility. Scanners, printers, whole machines... They all worked with Linux.
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...I know a few people still running XP and Windows 7.
I'm still running Win2K, you insensitive clod!
Actually, I run it in a VM and only use it occasionally for some ancient software I still rely on, so it doesn't really count I guess.
Re:Just curious... (Score:5, Insightful)
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A lot of the old PC's you could throw some extra RAM or an SSD in and upgrade the OS to something current because there weren't really any hard requirements. This time around we have artificial requirements that will actually actively try to prevent installation.
And here you go, right on target [imgur.com].
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How many computer owners just toss their perfectly good PCs in the trash when a Windows version loses support from Microsoft? I would think (which usually gets me in trouble) that on the corporate/business side, they have some other plan for these PCs rather than just trashing them? And for individuals...well...I know a few people still running XP and Windows 7.
After the back closet was found to be full, and Accounting reminded us those machines shouldn’t exist anymore, we paid a recycling company to come pick up the carcasses. The “plan” has long been exhausted (asset usage and depreciation)
I kept one of the old PCs. Still running Win10 LTSC. Still supported. Only way to run modern windows. Microsoft shouldn't limit its use.
Meaning (Score:3)
Meaning: Microsoft demands its (previous) customers throw-away a good operating system and hardware, in order to increase Microsoft's control over their data.
Computer users have 3 choices: Pay the MS tax, migrate to Apple Mac (also a dying OS) / Android OS (doesn't scale, limited software), or learn Linux (steep learning-curve, high maintenance). Historically, the tax is the most common answer: Given the lack of pre-installed Linux / Android laptops, the preferred answer won't change because customers are being blackmailed into subverting their own interests.
Re:Meaning (Score:5, Interesting)
Linux Mint is essentially Windows without the cruft. If someone can use a Windows machine, they can use Linux Mint.
As for high maintenance, you haven't had to maintain thousands of Windows systems, have you?
Re:Meaning (Score:4, Insightful)
Linux Mint is essentially Windows without the cruft. If someone can use a Windows machine, they can use Linux Mint.
^^^^THIS, essentially.
As a long-time Mint user I can attest to the ease with which most Windows users are able to transition from Windows to Mint. It's similar enough so that most users feel comfortable with it right off.
Yes, of course there are things to learn and differences to account for, but no Windows user would ever be baffled by the Mint desktop. It's all very familiar territory.
For the record, I don't recommend any particular Linux distro, I recommend a desktop since that's what users will actually be "using" and interacting with for the most part.
The fact is that for most people the desktop IS the OS, no matter how incorrect that actually is. All they need are things to click on and menu items that make sense and let them do what they need to do. They do not know and do not care what's underneath as long as they can browse the internet, use email, write documents, etc.
With that said, the Mint desktop (Cinnamon) is the one I recommend because it's familiar, easy to use, and attractive. No sharp edges, everything seems "normal" and it's immediately understandable.
High Maintenance. (Score:3)
Computer users have 3 choices: Pay the MS tax, migrate to Apple Mac (also a dying OS) / Android OS (doesn't scale, limited software), or learn Linux (steep learning-curve, high maintenance).
Lets talk about that last comment.
Walking into Best Buy just before the Christmas holiday I found many fancy boxed versions of Linux and BSD on the shelf. Brightly colored to catch my eye, looking pretty polished enough for the average computer user to try.
That was over twenty years ago. And now you’re telling me in the Pi era of OSes that run off a USB stick and work with most all hardware, Linux is STILL considered “high maintenance” with a “steep” learning curve? The fuck
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I don't agree with his characterization.
I use a Windows 10 PC at work. It has had numerous problems which had to be corrected by someone to make it work properly. I am not that person, but I do get to watch most of the time. And because I chat up the IS personnel they tell me what they are doing and why even when I cannot see it. I have established my bona fides with them the old fashioned way, by bullshitting.
I use Devuan at home with root on ZFS. This is weird and even so it is not a big deal. It was a mo
Re: "migrate to Apple Mac (also a dying OS)" (Score:2)
May we have evidence for that assertion?
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... Linux (steep learning-curve, high maintenance).
You haven't tried Linux in the last 20 years have you?
It's like the old joke about how Windows constantly crashes to the BSOD. It was true a couple decades ago but not so much anymore.
Most modern Linux installers are completely automated. All the user has to do is answer some basic questions like user name, keyboard layout, wifi pass phrase, ect. and then sit back and let the install happen. The last time I used a Windows Installer (about 14 years ago) it asked me those same questions. And I've also fo
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Agree. I put Debian -- not the most user-focused distribution -- on an Acer laptop a couple of days ago. Default installation, as little brain thoughts as possible on my part. Touchscreen works, sound works, wireless works. It all 'just works'. Linux is sorted as long as the hardware is not too exotic.
Linux updating is _easier_ than Windows because it's all just one command. Or one click in your GUI package manager (_once your learn what that sentence means_.)
The problems people (by which I means people who
Landfill (Score:5, Insightful)
They're not going in the landfill - they're going unpatched.
Corporate IT will pay for patches but the typical home user doesn't know or care.
The only 'secure' thing would be for Microsoft to block all outbound traffic except to buy patches but nobody will stand for that and it's ransom-y.
So they'll eventually be the victims of sandbox escapes and become botnet nodes and maybe that will make their computer "too slow" at some point so they'll replace it because they won't otherwise bear any costs.
And more people are happy with a tablet/kvm every year anyway.
It's going to be interesting to see what happens (Score:4, Interesting)
Say Windows 10 still has near 50% market share come Oct 2025. It'll be interesting to see what happens.
Will the internet collapse under the weight of millions of machines being unpatched for exploits that are used in the wild?
Will MS backtrack on their own or drop some of the artificial requirements of 11 so more people upgrade to it?
Will government regulators step in and tell MS they have to do something?
Re:It's going to be interesting to see what happen (Score:4, Interesting)
I think market share will jump a lot the last few months. I know lot of people just not in a rush - either waiting to upgrade until very late, or waiting to replace hardware until very late. That and some will just go away. My gaming box is on 10 - I'll probably give in and move that to 11 - but not until like August or September. I'm not in a rush. The laptop I have will leave the windows ecosystem completely before then and not be replaced, just become a pure Linux box instead of a dual boot one.
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Will government regulators step in and tell MS they have to do something?
Will MS point at the free update to Windows 11 and say "we released the replacement product four years ago[1] and told people they didn't even have to pay for it, and we gave them the ability to pay for continued Windows 10 updates if they didn't want to/couldn't update to 11?"
How come no one is screaming that Apple doesn't support iOS9 or El Capitan anymore?
[1] - it's three years now, but will be four at Win10 EOS.
Windows 11 is Like a Bad Dream (Score:5, Insightful)
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They might learn something on the obsolescence point. But the telemetry thing has been gaining steam for a couple of decades already. That piece isn't going anywhere.
Re: Windows 11 is Like a Bad Dream (Score:3)
They cannot afford to give up the telemetry piece with AI training data being such a hot commodity. Whoever holds that training data holds the next computer revolution. Microsoft missed the cell phone revolution. They are not going to do that this time, consumer privacy be damned.
Do you realy need a Win10 or 11 computer? (Score:3)
In other words, if you're only using Office you can easily use Linux and relatively safely connect to the (inter)network.
There are certain instruments and software that only run on windows but as long as the computer is not connected to the net you sure don't need to upgrade beyond say XP or Win7.
A valid question is, does this computer really have to be on the net?
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I certainly don't, though I do keep some VMs around JIC.
Big businesses have policies they aren't going to easily change, and governments have even more, about what kind of software they will run for security and interoperability. And most of them which care about interoperation with others are cooperating with other Windows shops. Even if nobody else is using it, governments and those which want to interface with them are going to keep using Windows.
Why is this supposed to be "news"???? (Score:2)
Windows is mostly included with new preloaded PC so no shit it's selling. Like the cardboard tube in the center of a bog roll, it's difficult to buy what you need without the included accessory.
One day I'd love to see someone active in the fecalization of Slashdot own up to why they include so much space filler. You people aren't succeeding at any sort of advocacy so either you get paid enough not to care or you just don't give a shit.
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It's the same story of enshittification as any web resource. It gets enough eyeballs to sell ads, and more bullshit means more ad impressions.
Still a step backwards (Score:2)
Garbage software that isn't an improvement. I use it only under duress. My mom's solution was to switch to Linux.
Windows 7 (Score:3)
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I'm on Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 - EOS in 2027/2032
https://learn.microsoft.com/en... [microsoft.com]
Less crap than Windows 11. Still not as good as Windows 7 in some ways (e.g. no real Windows classic UI) but it can get updates till 2032.
W10 EOL not happening in 2025 (Score:1)
MS canâ(TM)t do it in 2025. It is one thing to end of life servers, another thing to do it to consumer OS on massive scale, requiring a hardware change.
Re: W10 EOL not happening in 2025 (Score:1)
Bullshit line (Score:2)
"millions of perfectly good PCs could become landfill fodder when support for Windows 10 runs out in eleven and a bit months."
"Oh fuck me, support for MS Dos 5.0 is about to expire, I will throw away my PC to get one with MS-Dos 6.22 installed" -:said no one in the early 1990s.
If people are throwing away PCs because "wInDoWz tEn iS eXpIrInG" they have no business owning a PC.
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Learn a life lesson (Score:2)
\o/ (Score:1)
I want to thank Microsoft - as a customer since Windows 3.1, the BS re. "This Laptop is not eligible for an upgrade to win 11" pushed me to look elsewhere - and together with the arrival of Apple Silicon, I couldn't be happier to have a lightweight laptop which is more powerful yet runs so long you can forget to plug it in and not notice!
Great job m$
Meanwhile... (Score:2)
I have the latest Fedora with the latest web browsers installed on my laptop model that debuted in 2011.
There are few things I can't do. Post to instagram and view comcast.