Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system has surpassed Windows 10 usage among Steam users for the first time since its launch in 2021. Having managed to leave its older brother Windows 11 behind for a long time, Windows 10 has finally given up the top spot to the next-generation operating system.

Windows 11 finally takes the top spot

August Steam hardware survey data shows Windows 11 usage at 49 percent, up more than 3 percent from July’s 46 percent. Windows 10 usage fell about 3 percent to 47 percent. The share of macOS and Linux Steam users remained largely the same in August.

Windows 11’s overall internet usage has also increased over the past year. In July 2023, Windows 11’s market share was around 23 percent, rising to almost 32 percent in August 2024.

Windows 11’s overall internet usage has also increased over the past year. In July 2023, Windows 11’s market share was around 23 percent, rising to almost 32 percent in August 2024.

Although Windows 11 was offered as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users, millions of machines were unable to upgrade due to Microsoft’s hardware requirements. Windows 10 was offered as a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users, and because it did not have such strict hardware restrictions, millions of users were able to upgrade without having to purchase new devices.

Microsoft now plans to charge businesses a fee to continue using Windows 10 after support ends in October 2025.