What’s behind the sudden decline of Windows 11 on Steam?
About
Valve’s monthly Steam Hardware and Software Survey results have been released, revealing a surprising picture for Windows 11 that no one expected.
Statistics
Following StatCounter’s March 2023 operating system usage report, Valve’s monthly Steam Hardware and Software Survey results were also released, revealing a surprising picture for Windows 11. According to Valve, Microsoft’s newest operating system suffered a massive drop in March 2023, down from 30 percent to 22.41 percent. Windows 10, on the other hand, increased its market share to 73.59 percent (+10.49 points).
- Windows 10 64-bit – 73.95% (+10.49)
- Windows 11 – 22.41% (-7.92)
- Windows 7 64-bit – 1.06% (-0.54)
- Windows 8.1 64-bit – 0.20% (-0.19)
- Windows 7 32-bit – 0.05% (-0.06)
This is a significant reversal from the previous months, when Windows 11 was steadily gaining ground on Steam. In February 2023, Windows 11 had reached 30 percent of the Steam user base, surpassing Windows 7 and becoming the second most popular operating system on the platform. Windows 10 was still dominant with 63.1 percent, but it seemed that Windows 11 was on track to challenge its position.
What Happened?
So what happened in March 2023 that caused such a dramatic shift? There are several possible factors that could have contributed to this outcome.
One of them is the release of the highly anticipated game Half-Life: Alyx VR Edition by Valve itself. The game is a VR-exclusive sequel to the legendary Half-Life series, and it has received universal acclaim from critics and players alike. The game requires a VR headset and a powerful PC to run smoothly, and it seems that many Steam users upgraded their hardware and software to enjoy this immersive experience.
Valve’s Survey
According to Valve’s survey, VR headsets saw a huge increase in usage in March 2023, reaching 8.2 percent of the Steam user base (+4.1 points). The most popular VR headset was the Valve Index, which accounted for 3.9 percent of the total (+2.1 points). The Oculus Rift S and the HTC Vive followed with 1.8 percent and 1.4 percent respectively.
The survey also showed that most VR users were running Windows 10 on their PCs, with only 12.6 percent of them using Windows 11. This suggests that Windows 10 is more compatible or optimized for VR gaming than Windows 11, or that VR users prefer the stability and familiarity of Windows 10 over the novelty and features of Windows 11.
Another possible factor is the backlash against some of the controversial changes and policies that Microsoft introduced with Windows 11. For example, many users were unhappy with the mandatory TPM 2.0 requirement, which prevented them from installing Windows 11 on older or custom-built PCs. Others were frustrated with the removal or limitation of some features and settings that they were used to on Windows 10, such as the Start menu layout, the taskbar alignment, the control panel access, and the default browser choice.
Report and Problem
Some users also reported performance issues or compatibility problems with some games or applications on Windows 11, which may have prompted them to switch back to Windows 10 or delay their upgrade until these issues are resolved.
It is possible that some of these users tried out Windows 11 for a while but decided to revert to Windows 10 after encountering these difficulties or dissatisfaction. This could explain why Windows 11 had a high adoption rate in the previous months but a low retention rate in March 2023.
Conclusion
Of course, these are just speculations based on the available data and trends. There may be other factors or reasons that influenced the Steam users’ choice of operating system in March 2023. However, one thing is clear: Windows 11 has lost its momentum on Steam and faces a tough challenge to regain its popularity among gamers.
What do you think of this surprising result? Are you using Windows 11 or Windows 10 on your PC? Do you plan to switch or stick with your current operating system? Let us know in the comments below!
