Windows 11 continues to underperform as older versions see increased adoption

Microsoft’s latest operating system underperformed an older version last month according to StatCounter and that continues a trend heading into a potential release of another installment of Windows which is rumored to occur later this year.

According to StatCounter the real-time web analytics service, Windows 11 had a rough March 2024 that saw Microsoft’s latest operating system decline in usage to the tune of 1.03 percent or 0.97 points. Based on its testing methods, StatCounter reported that Windows 11 shrunk from a previous high of 26.68 at the end of February to hovering around 25.65 by the end of March.

Windows 11’s March decline adds to a continued exodus of users which has handed the OS a full three point turn down with no predecessor in sight.

Adding insult to injury, Windows 10 seemed to have picked up a majority of the Windows 11 drop off in March with the older operating system seeing a surprising 1.81 percent or 0.96 point increase.

Source: StatCounter Global Stats – Windows Version Market Share

• Windows 10 – 70.03%
• Windows 11 – 25.65%
• Windows 7 – 3%
• Windows 8.1 – 0.53%
• Windows 8 – 0.36%
• Windows XP – 0.33%

While not a boisterously picketed against like Windows 8m Windows 10 does live in an odd push and pull relationship with users who are choosing the older version over the changes Microsoft is opting for with Windows 11.

When Windows 10 was first released, it was arguably derided as an underdeveloped reactionary response to the debacle that was Windows 8. Users complained of forced workflows, feature-lacking experiences, and buggy development during much of its active development cycle.

However, by the end of Microsoft’s active push of Windows 10, the operating system felt relatively polished thanks to several rounds up updates and feature packed upgrades.

The unprecedented decline in Windows 11 without a replacement operating system that typically precipitates a similar trend, seems to be more indictive of Windows users preferring polish over fresh.