Windows
Windows 10 usage drops slightly in the United Kingdom and more strongly in Belgium
Dec
Things are slowly but surely changing in the world of desktop operating systems. While Windows 10 dominated for years in the United Kingdom and Belgium, the latest figures show that its market share is starting to decline in both countries. In the United Kingdom the decline is quite modest, but in Belgium the shift to newer versions such as Windows 11 seems just a bit more obvious. This article dives deeper into the recent numbers, possible causes, what it means for users and what you can do if you're still on Windows yourself.
Recent figures on Windows 10 usage
According to recent measurements by StatCounter, the share of Windows 10 in the United Kingdom has fallen slightly in a short period of time, while Belgium shows a more marked decline. This does not mean that Windows 10 is "suddenly gone" - on the contrary - but it does confirm a trend that has been visible for some time: Windows 11 is gaining ground, especially as brand new PCs come standard with Windows 11 and organizations gradually migrate.
Important to know: these kinds of market share measurements are based on visitor data and thus give a strong signal, but not a perfectly exact count. Still, they are useful for understanding direction and pace of adoption.
Why is the use of Windows 10 declining?
That question has multiple answers - and usually it is a combination of technical, practical as well as human factors. The main explanation is that Microsoft has been clearly communicating for some time that Windows 10 is nearing its final phase. Many users are taking that seriously, especially now that cybersecurity is getting more attention than before.
1) Brand New PCs = Windows 11
The simplest reason: anyone who buys a brand new laptop or desktop today will, in almost all cases, get Windows 11, which automatically decreases the relative share of Windows 10, even if many people continue to use their older device for years to come.
2) Organizations are migrating in phases
Companies and schools do not migrate "in one weekend," but work with project schedules. Once an organization starts renewing its fleet, the proportion of Windows 11 shifts noticeably at once. That may explain why Belgium sometimes shows a slightly sharper drop: a few larger migrations can show up more quickly in statistics in a smaller country.
3) Security and support come into play
There is a growing awareness among many users that an operating system without recent security updates becomes more risky. Even if you do "nothing special" on your PC, online you are always a potential target of phishing, malware and abuse of vulnerabilities.
Differences between the United Kingdom and Belgium: how can that be?
That the decline seems stronger in Belgium than in the United Kingdom may have several causes, and often these are small differences that add up:
- Replacement rate: if consumers or organizations upgrade faster, share shifts faster.
- Business market: if relatively more companies migrate within a certain period of time, you see this reflected faster in usage measurements.
- Coincidence/measurement: market share measurements also depend on which sites and networks are frequently visited in a given month.
So it remains important to read such figures as "direction" and not absolute truth. But the direction itself is clear: Windows 10 is sinking, Windows 11 is climbing.
Why do people still stick with Windows 10?
Despite the decline, Windows 10 is far from being gone. Many people stick with Windows 10 simply because it works. And there's something to that, too: Windows 10 is stable, familiar, and perfectly adequate for many workflows.
Compatibility with older hardware
Windows 11 has stricter requirements for certain hardware (e.g. TPM support). As a result, some older systems cannot officially upgrade. For users with a PC that otherwise runs fine, it feels crazy to replace a device "just for the OS."
Habits and ease of use
Many people know Windows 10 inside out. Brand New interfaces, different settings menus or a customized taskbar: these seem small, but for everyday users they are a barrier. Especially if your computer is a tool, and not a hobby.
What does this mean concretely for you as a user?
If you use Windows 10, there are roughly three scenarios:
- Your PC is compatible with Windows 11: If so, consider upgrading over time.
- Your PC is not compatible: then you can continue to work as you do now, but you have to be alert to security and future plans.
- You are about to buy a brand new PC: you will almost automatically switch to Windows 11.
For most people it is wise to at least check if the upgrade is possible. Not because it "must today," but because then you know where you stand.
Practical tips if you want to upgrade
- Make a backup: always, even if it's "just" an upgrade.
- Check compatibility: see if your platform officially supports Windows 11.
- Update drivers and BIOS: especially on laptops can make a difference.
- Schedule time: don't do this right before a deadline or important appointment.
FAQ - frequently asked questions
Is Windows still okay to use?
Yes, many people still use it daily. But take note: security and support are a long-term issue. Keep your browser up-to-date, use a decent virus scanner and be alert for suspicious links.
Why is Windows 10 dropping faster in Belgium?
This may have to do with faster upgrades at organizations, differences in device renewal or simply measurement timing. Most importantly: the trend is downward in both countries.
Should I upgrade to Windows 11 right away?
Not necessarily right away. But it is smart to check if your platform is suitable and to have a plan for the coming period.
Lock
The figures show a clear direction: Windows 10 is losing ground, with a slight decline in the United Kingdom and a stronger decline in Belgium. This makes sense due to the natural influx of brand new Windows 11 PCs and phased migrations at companies and schools. Windows 10 remains relevant for now, but those who want to think ahead would do well to consider the best move for their device now.
