Technology & Business2009–2026
Windows Version Market Share
The Windows upgrade cycle is a race where the incumbent usually refuses to leave. XP lingers, Windows 7 becomes the beloved default, Windows 10 absorbs almost everything, and Windows 11 finally surges as Windows 10 support ends.
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Source: StatCounter Global Stats and Microsoft lifecycle dates Annualized global desktop Windows-version shares reconstructed from StatCounter monthly series; values are approximate. illustrative data Updated 2026-07-05
The race in numbers
3lead changes
17years covered
8contenders
Windows 10longest reign — 7 yrs at #1
Final standings · 2026
- 1Windows 1172.0%
- 2Windows 1026.0%
- 3Windows 71.2%
- 4Other Windows0.4%
- 5Windows 8.10.2%