As the clock ticks toward October 2025, Windows 10 users are facing a decision they probably hoped to delay. Microsoft is officially ending support for its most popular operating system, and that simple announcement has started a quiet revolution. Not everyone wants to jump to Windows 11, and that hesitation is fueling one of the most unexpected market shifts in recent years, and that is, a growing migration from Windows to macOS.
According to data from Counterpoint Research, global PC shipments rose by 8.1 percent in the third quarter of 2025. That alone might not sound dramatic, but Apple’s Mac lineup surged by nearly 15 percent year-on-year. For a company that once played second fiddle in the PC world, those numbers tell a story of changing loyalties.
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Why Windows Users Are Looking Elsewhere
For many, the problem begins with hardware. Windows 11 has strict requirements, including the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip. Countless older PCs that still perform beautifully are suddenly deemed “incompatible.” That has left users frustrated, especially small businesses and home users who see no reason to discard functioning systems just to meet a security checkbox.
Faced with buying new Windows hardware or trying something different, many are choosing the latter. Apple’s promise of longevity, smooth updates, and consistent performance has become more appealing than ever. The company’s M-series chips have redefined how laptops perform, blurring the line between mobile computers and compact desktops. For those who value a machine that just works, macOS feels like the safe bet.
A Calculated Opportunity for Apple
Apple’s timing couldn’t have been better. Its refreshed MacBook lineup, paired with macOS’s unified design philosophy, arrived right as Microsoft began phasing out Windows 10. The move gave consumers a clear choice: stick with an aging Windows ecosystem or invest in a platform built for the next decade.
Lenovo still leads global PC shipments, followed by HP and Dell. But Apple’s growth stands out because it represents real conversions, with users switching platforms, not just upgrading existing ones. Dell’s slight shipment decline hints at where those buyers are going.
Professionals Are Leading the Way
Among the new Mac converts are professionals who once depended on Windows workstations. The reason is simple: stability. MacBook Pros, in particular, have become the new go-to machines for mobile work. Their battery life, quiet efficiency, and consistent performance make them ideal for demanding tasks like video editing, software development, and design work.
Enterprises are noticing this too. Many companies are running pilot programs that mix Mac and Windows systems within the same environment. The idea is to see how flexible their teams can be without fully abandoning Microsoft tools. Early results suggest the experiment is working better than expected.
The Compatibility Question
Switching platforms isn’t without friction. Businesses built around Microsoft software must adjust, especially when tools like Excel macros or Access databases are involved. Yet, with Microsoft’s steady push toward cloud-based services through Office 365, many of those gaps are closing. Running Outlook or Teams on a Mac is now seamless, making the transition less daunting.
The real challenge lies in user habit. Windows shortcuts, UI layouts, and system behaviors are second nature to many professionals. Moving to macOS means retraining muscle memory and accepting a few quirks. Still, once users settle in, the reliability and consistency of Apple’s ecosystem tend to win them over.
Microsoft’s Challenge Ahead
Microsoft now faces the task of regaining trust. Windows 11 is a capable operating system, offering performance gains and improved security. But the perception that it’s exclusionary, leaving older PCs behind, is damaging its image. For years, Windows thrived on accessibility and openness. The shift to stricter hardware policies risks alienating its most loyal user base.
If Microsoft wants to stop the current outflow, it will need to communicate a clearer long-term vision. That means proving that investing in a new Windows device today will pay off well into the future. The company’s next generation of PCs, powered by AI integrations and new chip partnerships, could help restore that confidence. But timing is critical.
