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.

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

Key moments