Microsoft introduced Windows 11 in 2021, and since then, they have continually added significant updates and new features to the operating system. Recent reports indicate that Windows 11 is now powering more than 400 million monthly active devices, with expectations to reach 500 million active devices by 2024. This adoption rate is notably slower compared to its predecessor, Windows 10, which achieved 400 million active devices in just over a year.

According to Windows Central, citing Microsoft’s internal data, Windows 11 has crossed the milestone of 400 million monthly active devices. It is projected to reach 500 million monthly active devices by early 2024. While the pace of adoption for Windows 11 may appear slower than that of Windows 10, Microsoft had set “modest” expectations for Windows 11’s user base, consistently surpassing these internal goals. Windows 11’s user adoption has been more successful than initially anticipated.

Windows 11, unveiled in July 2021, brought significant design changes, including a new boot screen, startup sound, and enhanced widgets. Windows 11 took approximately two years to achieve 400 million monthly active devices. In contrast, Windows 10, which was introduced in June 2015, reached the same milestone in just over a year and eventually reached 1 billion users by early 2020.

One key factor contributing to the slower adoption rate of Windows 11 is the stringent hardware requirements. Unlike Windows 10, which was offered as a limited free upgrade from Windows 7 and Windows 8, Windows 11 is supported only on CPUs released from 2018 onwards due to the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) requirement.

In recent months, Windows 11 has received several updates, including the addition of Microsoft’s AI personal assistant, Copilot. Looking ahead, Microsoft is expected to release Windows 12 as the next major Windows operating system in 2024.