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Windows 11's Slow Adoption: A Barrier for Many, Lack of Compelling Features, and Performance Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Windows 11's adoption rate has been slow, reaching only around 30% market share among desktop Windows versions, despite its launch in 2021. This is in contrast to Windows 10, which quickly became the most popular version of Windows and still holds that title today. The slow adoption of Windows 11 can be attributed to several factors, including stringent system requirements, a lack of compelling new features, and performance concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • Windows 11's system requirements, which include the mandatory use of TPM 2.0 chips, have left many computers unable to upgrade.
  • Microsoft's list of officially supported CPUs for Windows 11 has further narrowed down the pool of eligible devices.
  • Windows 11 lacks significant innovations compared to Windows 10, with features like Auto HDR and Co-Pilot AI not being game-changers for most users.
  • Performance concerns have been raised, with some users reporting laggy UI experiences on high-end systems.
  • Windows 11's performance issues have led to a perception that it might not be as well-optimised as it should be.
  • Windows 10 is scheduled to stop receiving updates in late 2025, forcing users to upgrade to Windows 11 or risk running an unsupported OS.
  • Users are holding onto Windows 10 for as long as they can, due to a lack of excitement for Windows 11.

Statistics:

  • Windows 11 has reached around 30% market share among desktop Windows versions.
  • Windows 10 held a 70% market share among desktop Windows versions in 2022 (Source: StatCounter).
  • Windows 10 is scheduled to stop receiving updates in late 2025.
  • Only 60% of computers eligible for Windows 11 meet the minimum hardware requirements (Source: Microsoft).
  • The majority (70%) of users with Windows 10 are considering sticking with it and upgrading to Windows 11 later (Source: YourStory).

Sources:

  • StatCounter (Source: "Windows Version Market Share Statistics")
  • Microsoft (Source: "Windows 11 Minimum Hardware Requirements")
  • YourStory (Source: "Over 70% of Windows 10 users may stick with the older OS due to slow hardware updates")

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