Somewhere in late January 2026, Windows 11 quietly crossed a billion active users. By mid-2026, Windows 11 had settled somewhere around 70% of the global desktop Windows install base, depending on which week you check, with Windows 10 sliding toward the high-20s. It’s coming from consumers buying new PCs, since virtually everything shipping today comes with Windows 11 preinstalled. Why the Hardware Requirements Keep Coming UpIf there’s one recurring theme in every conversation about Windows 11 adoption, it’s TPM 2.0. Windows 11 crossing a billion users is a headline.