The operating system, which had previously soared to an all-time high of 28.16 per cent in February 2024, experienced a notable dip to 25.65 per cent in April 2024, according to figures from Statcounter.

This decline of 0.97 points has left industry watchers scratching their heads. The nearly nine-year-old Windows 10 leapt over the 70 per cent threshold for the first time since September 2023, gaining 0.96 points. It appears that users are flocking back to the older, more familiar digital pastures of Windows 10.

The situation is rather peculiar, as Windows 11 is shedding users mid-cycle, a phenomenon not even witnessed with the less-than-stellar Windows 8 and 8.1, which only saw declines post-successor release. While Statcounter's accuracy may not be spot on, a near three-point drop for an OS boasting over a billion devices is too significant to ignore.

Critics suggest that Windows 11's allure for upgrades is waning, particularly as Microsoft axes unique features like the Windows Subsystem for Android. Coupled with an onslaught of increasingly brazen advertisements, Windows 11 is struggling to capture the affection and loyalty of its user base.

In a bid to reverse fortunes, Microsoft is set to unveil new AI features for Windows 11 later this month, potentially giving users a compelling reason to abandon Windows 10. The anticipation for these features is high, and they could potentially change the game for Windows 11.

However, whispers in the tech corridors hint that the most thrilling aspects of this update may not grace existing hardware, leaving those not keen on a hardware upgrade with little incentive to stick with Windows 11.

Meanwhile, Windows 7 continues to cling on in its unsupported twilight, powering about three per cent of all Windows PCs despite being officially discontinued in January 2023. A handful of developers remain committed to the old guard, releasing updates, while most mainstream applications and browsers have long since bid farewell.
Here's a snapshot of the current Windows landscape:

• Windows 10: 70.03 per cent (up 0.96 points)
• Windows 11: 25.65 per cent (down 0.97 points)
• Windows 7: 3 per cent (down 0.04 points)
• Windows 8.1: 0.53 per cent (up 0.09 points)
• Windows 8: 0.36 per cent (up 0.08 points)