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No— the latest figure available here does not show Windows 11 losing share to Windows 10. StatCounter’s August 2026 estimate puts Windows 11 at 68.6% of worldwide desktop Windows-version usage and Windows 10 at 30.14%. That is a one-month usage snapshot, not proof of a lasting trend, a count of installed PCs, or evidence that Windows 10 gained users after support ended.

What the August 2026 numbers say

StatCounter’s Desktop Windows Version Market Share estimate for August 2026 reports the following:

Scope Windows 11 Windows 10 What it measures
Worldwide 68.6% 30.14% Estimated desktop Windows-version usage share for August 2026
United States 75.37% 23.67% Estimated desktop Windows-version usage share for August 2026

The worldwide and US figures use different geographic scopes, so they should not be blended. Neither figure is the percentage of all computers, all operating systems, PCs sold, shipments, downloads, or Microsoft’s user count.

Is Windows 11 losing market share?

These figures do not establish that claim. They show Windows 11 well ahead of Windows 10 in both reported regions during August 2026. A single monthly estimate cannot establish whether Windows 11 is rising or falling over time. To demonstrate a decline, you would need a dated series using the same scope and methodology, followed by analysis of the size and persistence of any movement.

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Nor does this snapshot show that Windows 10 gained users after its end-of-support date. It contains no evidence about rollbacks, new installations, hardware limitations, PC shipments, or why any share changed.

What StatCounter’s share actually represents

StatCounter says its Global Stats are derived from page views on member websites and are intended to describe internet-usage trends. That makes the figures useful as a web-traffic-based estimate of Windows-version use, but not as a census of every installed device.

Rank #2
Dell Latitude 5420 14" FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
  • 256 GB SSD of storage.
  • Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
  • Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
  • Usage share: a statistical estimate based on observed page views.
  • Installed base: every device in use, including computers that generate little or no measured web traffic.
  • Sales and shipments: newly purchased or delivered PCs, which are different populations entirely.

Comparisons must also keep the denominator consistent. A worldwide desktop Windows-only estimate cannot be compared directly with a percentage covering all operating systems or all device types.

When did Windows 10 support end?

Microsoft ended standard Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says that free software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes ended on that date. The end of support does not automatically shut down a Windows 10 installation; it changes the security and service coverage available from Microsoft.

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Rank #3

Can you still use Windows 10?

Yes, a PC can continue to start and run Windows 10 after October 14, 2025. The important issue is whether it remains adequately protected and suitable for your work. Microsoft’s consumer Extended Security Updates program provides important security updates until October 13, 2026, according to its support page. Eligibility, enrollment conditions, and the exact coverage should be checked on Microsoft’s current guidance before relying on ESU.

  • Confirm which Windows 10 edition and device you have.
  • Check Microsoft’s current ESU eligibility and enrollment instructions.
  • Keep applications, browsers, backups, and security controls updated where those updates remain available.
  • Plan a supported operating system or hardware transition rather than treating ESU as a permanent replacement for support.

Does a PC that cannot run Windows 11 have to be replaced?

Not immediately in every case. Microsoft’s guidance is conditional: If your devices don’t meet the technical requirements to run a more current release of Windows, we recommend that you replace the device with one that supports Windows 11. That is a recommendation for devices that fail the requirements, not a mandate to replace every Windows 10 computer on a particular date.

Rank #4
15.6 Inch Laptop Computer, N4020, 4GB DDR4 RAM, 128GB eMMC,with Windows 11
  • EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
  • 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
  • RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
  • ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
  • LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.

Check compatibility before spending money

  1. Use Microsoft’s official Windows 11 requirements and compatibility checks for the specific PC.
  2. Record the result and identify which requirement, if any, is missing.
  3. Compare the practical cost and risk of staying on Windows 10 with ESU against moving to a supported Windows 11 device.
  4. If the existing hardware cannot be supported, choose a replacement that explicitly supports Windows 11 and meets your workload, storage, accessibility, and peripheral needs.

When replacement is the sensible option

  • The computer fails Windows 11 requirements and cannot receive adequate security coverage after ESU ends.
  • Your work requires software or hardware drivers that no longer support Windows 10.
  • The device is already unreliable, too slow for your workload, or expensive to repair.

What would prove a real Windows 11 decline?

A stronger conclusion would require several consecutive monthly observations, the same worldwide or regional scope, and a clear definition of the denominator. It would also require separate evidence before attributing a change to Windows 10’s end of support, Windows 11 hardware requirements, user dissatisfaction, or PC purchasing patterns. The August 2026 snapshot alone cannot identify any of those causes.

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The Bottom Line

Windows 11 is not shown to be losing market share in the available August 2026 StatCounter snapshot: it leads Windows 10 worldwide and in the United States. Windows 10 remains usable after October 14, 2025, but standard support has ended, so check ESU coverage and your PC’s Windows 11 compatibility before deciding whether to keep it or replace it.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Dell Latitude 5420 14' FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
Dell Latitude 5420 14" FHD Business Laptop Computer, Intel Quad-Core i5-1145G7, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD, Camera, HDMI, Windows 11 Pro (Renewed)
256 GB SSD of storage.; Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM; Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
$304.00
Bestseller No. 3
HP 14' HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
HP 14" HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
$249.99
Best Value
Windows 11 Laptop with i3 Processor 15.6" Work Laptop for College Students
  • 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
  • Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
  • 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
  • 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
  • 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop

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