The use of Windows 11 is minimal. For the moment. One month after launch, a report from file management firm Lansweeper indicates that only 0.21% of the analyzed computers are running the new Microsoft operating system.
The research used data from more than 10 million Windows personal computers running on business and home networks to conclude that Windows 11 is the fifth most popular operating system. With Windows 10 running on the vast majority of the computers analyzed, even Windows 8 (0.95%) has more users. And the most worrying thing is that the sum of two operating systems that have ended their useful life and have no technical support, Windows XP (3.62%) and Windows 7 (6.40%), still run in 1 in 10 equipment.
Lansweeper warns of known risks: «The situation poses a significant cybersecurity risk, as Microsoft does not offer bug fixes or security patches for Windows Vista, 2000, XP and 7. Although most users use newer operating systems, 10% of the total ecosystem of Windows represent many millions of computers that are insecure and open to attack. Also, we think that a large number of these outdated systems run on enterprise devices, which means that it is not just personal information that is at stake.«.
Why is Windows 11 usage so low?
Several factors can play a role, starting with the short time since launch and Microsoft’s unreliability in delivering new systems and upgrades to them. A good part of users prefer to adopt a “wait and see” strategy until the system reaches a higher degree of stability. Previous bugs have been sounded and Windows 11 has not been error-free either.
The strategy of prudence is even more followed in the business market. The consulting firm Gartner advised its business clients the steps to take with Windows 11, with a summary that came to say: familiarize yourself with it and plan its eventual adoption, but do not rush to implement it. In fact, the analysis firm foresees that the adoption will not be quick: «By early 2023, Windows 11 will be deployed on less than 10 percent of new business PCs«.
The minimum hardware requirements it is also influencing. Microsoft raised these minimum hardware requirements compared to previous versions of Windows in terms of RAM, storage or graphics capacity with DirectX 12 and added components such as the TPM chip or a UEFI firmware compatible with the secure boot function. Although it finally relaxed its obligation and really, Windows can be installed on almost any PC with Windows 10, there is no doubt that it reduces the number of upgradeable computers. Especially in companies.
Windows 11 does not fall in love. The system has been built by mixing the foundation and latest Windows 10 news and development work done for Windows 10X. It offers familiar elements, supports much of the legacy of the gigantic Windows ecosystem and has brought a breath of fresh air in visuals and user interface. But essentially it remains the same and there are not a few analysts who consider it a Windows 10.5 or a ‘tuned’ Windows 10 waiting for features (which were promised for the launch) to end up arriving and offer other novelties that truly interest users. users, such as the Android subsystem for Windows and others.
The last component of the equation is Windows 10. It just works and Microsoft’s announcement that their technical support will last – at the very least – until October 2025 is a guarantee for many users who prefer to wait to migrate. The final version of Windows 10 21H2 has just landed and although it does not include the announced news, it has achieved the desired stability after reducing the number of update releases.
It should be noted that this report is limited to the accessible data of the firm that performs it and there are others that place the share of Windows 11 above that meager 0.21%. In addition, we assume that the mere passage of time and the arrival of new PCs (all will pre-install Windows 11 by default) will increase its adoption, but the truth is that after the initial pull of its announcement and launch, most users and companies are in no rush to update, even if it’s free from Windows 10.
What do you think? Do you think there are reasons to update? Have you done it already or do you prefer to wait?
