As Microsoft continues integrating artificial intelligence into its flagship operating system and prepares updates to appease regulators, many users are still apprehensive about switching to Windows 11.
In this article, we will cover statistics, hardware requirements, feature differences, and the expected Windows 11 23H2 download.
By the end, you will clearly understand the distinctions between Windows 10 and Windows 11. Let's jump right in!
The current market share
While no official numbers from Microsoft are available, the most recent statistics from Statcounter suggest that Windows 10 maintains a dominant market share of 67.42% in December 2023, compared to 67.95% in December 2022.
On the other hand, Windows 11 has experienced growth, climbing from a market share of 16.97% in December 2022 to 26.54% in December 2023.
However, with the retirement of Windows 7 hardware, it remains uncertain how much of this increase can be attributed to the migration from the now obsolete operating system.
One of the primary challenges for users considering an upgrade to Windows 11 is the stringent hardware requirements imposed by Microsoft.
Moreover, upgrading devices to Windows 11 demands a recent CPU and other hardware components, which may deter some users.
While various guides demonstrate methods to bypass these requirements, it raises questions about whether Microsoft's stance on compatibility is genuinely justified from a technical or performance standpoint.
However, with the limited enticing new features in Windows 11, many users opt to stick with Windows 10.
Anticipated Updates in 2024
Looking ahead to 2024, the only imminent updates for Windows 10 and 11, apart from the potential release of "Windows 12," will focus on compliance with EU regulations.
By March 6, 2024, Microsoft has committed to integrating changes into Windows 10 22H2 and Windows 11 23H2 within the European Economic Area (EEA).
Thus, these updates will introduce options to uninstall Edge and web search through Bing, enhance interoperability, and allow users to sync their Microsoft account with Windows.
If you acquire a new laptop pre-installed with an operating system, you may find it comes with Windows 11 S Mode.
While this mode prioritizes cybersecurity and optimizes hardware performance, it restricts installing third-party apps, using command lines, and editing the Windows Registry.
Even when switching out of S Mode, certain features will still be unavailable by default in Windows 11.
For example, the Home edition of Windows 11 lacks access to Group Policy. Moreover, simple tasks like changing the default app require more effort than Windows 10.
Each file type, such as JPG, PNG, TIFF, and NEFF, must be individually assigned to the desired app, as there is no option for a blanket setting.
Windows 11, An Update Reimagined
The release of Windows 11 was initially planned as a significant update to Windows 10, known as the "Sun Valley Update."
Microsoft surprised everyone by rebranding the latest update as Windows 11. However, Windows 11 is not an entirely new operating system but a disguised version of Windows 10 with many shared features.
Aside from some new additions, most features found on Windows 11 can also be found on Windows 10.
Until Microsoft fulfils their promised platform-unique traits, such as Android app compatibility, the motivation to switch to Windows 11 may be limited.