Win11 is losing market share. Here is why, and how to downgrade to Windows 10.

 

I read an article the other day that stated that Windows 10 has now reached a 70% market share as Windows 11 usage continues on a downward trajectory. 

Last month, Statcounter reported a decrease in Windows 11's market share, and the trend continued in April 2024. After reaching its all-time high of 28.16% in February 2024, Windows 11 dropped below the 26% mark.

In April 2024, Windows 11 lost 0.97 points, going down from 26.68% to 25.65%. All those users seemingly went for Windows 10 since the OS crossed the 70% mark for the first time since September 2023, gaining 0.96 points.

This is due to several reasons:

Stability and reliability: Windows 10 has been out for a while and has received numerous updates, making it more stable and reliable compared to Windows 11, which might still have bugs or compatibility issues.

Compatibility: Some software or hardware might not be fully compatible with Windows 11 yet. This could be due to drivers not being updated or software not being optimized for the new operating system.

Performance: Windows 10 has been shown to perform better on older hardware.

Preference: Some users simply prefer the user interface or features of Windows 10 over Windows 11. They might find the changes in Windows 11 unnecessary or disruptive to their workflow.

Enterprise and business environments: Enterprises often prefer stability and long-term support over the latest features. Many businesses may stick with Windows 10 until they are confident in the stability and compatibility of Windows 11 for their systems.

Resource efficiency: Some users have found that Windows 10 is more resource-efficient compared to Windows 11. This can be especially important for gamers with older hardware or those who want to maximize performance in demanding games.

Thankfully, Microsoft makes it easy to downgrade, but there is something to note. Anything you have save on your Win11 workspace will be gone, so be sure to make a backup.

Here is how to downgrade if you previously upgraded from Windows 10.

1. Start by heading over to the Windows 11 settings page (you can press your windows key + I from any screen to access the settings)

2. Select "Windows Update" from the sidebar. You will likely notice that this screen is the repository for everything to related to software and device updates and other fun stuff. Ignore most of the other stuff and head over to "Update History"

3. Once you have selected "Update History" scroll down past the list of installed updates and look for "Recovery" You will only see the option "Go back" to windows 10, if you have upgraded in the last 10 days. If the option isn't there, you will need to use the other option later in this guide.

4. Select the "Go Back" button and answer the questions listed there. Windows will then try to prompt you to update Win11 to fix possible problems. You can either choose to do that or simply click "No Thanks"

5. After this you will have to select "next" a few times and it will finally give you the option to "Go back to Windows 10" Click it, and the process will take several minutes, and you will be taken right back to you Win10 Desktop.

Here is how to downgrade if your machine came with Win11 or if you upgraded longer than 10 days ago.

Unfortunately for this option, you must do a "clean install" which means, you will lose all your data that isn't backed up. 

To start you need to head on over to Microsoft's Windows 10 Download page

You are looking for the option to "Create Windows 10 Installation Media" (pictured below)

Go ahead and download the took, open and just follow the steps on the screen. Make sure to choose the option to "Upgrade this PC now" and follow all the prompts on your screen.

PLEASE NOTE: This will restore your computer to factory settings so make a backup of your important files!!!

I hope this little guide helped you! Be sure to check me out on socials!