In the digital era, Microsoft’s Windows is one of the most popular operating systems worldwide.
From its first release in the mid-1980s to the latest version, Windows has become a key player in the tech industry, powering millions of computers globally.
This article explores the number of Windows users worldwide, shedding light on the vast reach and impact of this operating system.
Whether for work, education, or entertainment, Windows continues to be a crucial part of daily computing for people everywhere, demonstrating its significant role in our digital lives.
| Statistic | Value 2024 |
|---|---|
| Total Devices Running Windows | 1.6 billion active devices |
| Devices Running Windows 10 and 11 | 1.4 billion active devices monthly |
| Devices Running Older Versions of Windows | Estimated 200 million devices |
Windows Now Has 1.6 Billion Users in 2024
There are currently 1.6 billion devices worldwide that use Windows, including both newer and older versions. In January 2022, Microsoft announced that there are 1.4 billion active devices running on Windows 10 and 11 every month.
However, there are still approximately 200 million devices that are running on earlier versions of Windows, and many of them are still using Windows 7.
About 80% of the company’s customers had moved to a newer version of Windows, especially Windows 10, by the middle of 2020.
This means that Windows, both old and new versions, runs on about 1.6 billion devices all over the world.
It still has a big share of the market for operating systems as a whole, which it has had since the 1980s.
Windows Operating Systems and their Penetration Rates
The number of computers that use Windows has changed a lot over the years.
Check out this information from the US Digital Analytics Program about how fast things are changing.
Windows Vista/XP
- December 2015 – This operating system was used by 5.9% of PCs
- June 2017 – This operating system was used by 2.3% of PCs
- June 2018 – This operating system was used by 1.3% of PCs
- June 2019 – This operating system was used by 0.7% of PCs
- December 2019 – This operating system was installed on 0.6% of PCs
Windows 8. x
- December 2015 – This operating system was installed on 14.7% of PCs
- June 2017 – This operating system was used by 7.4% of PCs
- June 2018 – This operating system was installed on 5.9% of PCs
- June 2019 – During this period, 4.9% of PCs are running this operating system
- December 2019 – This operating system was used by 4.6% of PCs
Windows 7
- December 2015 – This operating system was used by 64.2% of PCs
- June 2017 – This operating system was used by 51.8% of PCs
- June 2018 – This operating system was used by 39.4% of PCs
- June 2019 – This operating system is used by 26.0% of PCs
- December 2019 – This operating system is used by 18.9% of PCs
Windows 10
- December 2015 – This operating system was used by 15.3% of PCs
- June 2017 – This operating system is installed on 38.6% of PCs during this time period
- June 2018 – This operating system was used by 53.4% of PCs
- June 2019 – This operating system is used by 68.4% of PCs
- December 2019 – This operating system was used by 75.8% of PCs during this timeframe
By December 2019, 75.8% of all Windows PCs will be running Windows 10, which was the most recent version at the time.
During the same time period, 18.9% of computers are still using Windows 7, while only 0.6% are using Windows Vista or XP.
Global Operating Systems Market Share 2024
Windows’ share of the market for operating systems has gone down since nine years ago.
At the beginning of 2013, the company owned by Microsoft had 90.96% of the total market. This made it a clear winner over its only major competitor at the time, macOS, which only had 8% of the total market.
Windows is still the best operating system on the market right now. Even though their market share is much smaller than it was in 2013.
| Operating System | Market Share 2024 |
|---|---|
| Android | 41.61% |
| Windows | 29.02% |
| iOS | 18.18% |
| OS X | 6.41% |
| Unknown | 2.21% |
| Linux | 1.51% |
As of 2024, the market share of operating systems around the world is shown below.
- Android holds the largest market share, with 41.61%.
- Windows is the second most popular operating system, with a market share of 29.02%.
- iOS comes in third, capturing 18.18% of the market.
- OS X has a market share of 6.41%, placing it fourth.
- The category labeled as Unknown accounts for 2.21% of the market.
- Linux holds a market share of 1.51%, making it the least used among the listed operating systems.
A Retrospect on Windows and its Beginnings
Windows, launched by Microsoft in 1985, revolutionized personal computing with its graphical user interface, marking a departure from the command-line operations of the past.
Starting with Windows 1.0, it introduced user-friendly features and applications like Paint and Notepad, laying the foundation for the future of computing.
Over the years, Windows evolved through versions like Windows 95 and XP and onto Windows 10 and 11, continuously adapting to technological advancements and user needs.
Today, it stands as a cornerstone of the digital world, powering millions of devices globally and driving innovation in the software industry.
Windows In The New Millennium to Windows 11
Windows XP has been available to the public since the start of the new millennium.
Windows XP (2001)
Combined stability and user-friendliness, introducing the Luna interface and improved multimedia capabilities, becoming one of the most beloved operating systems.
Windows Vista (2007)
Introduced the Aero interface and aimed to enhance security and networking, but faced criticism for high system requirements and compatibility issues.
Windows 7 (2009)
Addressed Vista’s shortcomings, improving performance and user interface, and was widely praised for its speed and reliability.
Windows 8/8.1 (2012/2013)
Marked a significant design shift with a touch-focused interface and the introduction of live tiles and the Windows Store, with 8.1 bringing back the Start button.
Windows 10 (2015)
Aimed to be a universal OS across devices, reintroduced the Start menu, added Cortana, and was offered as a free upgrade for Windows 7 and 8 users.
Windows 11 (2021)
Features a refreshed interface with a centered Start menu, rounded corners, and improvements in performance and gaming, emphasizing a modern and efficient user experience.
FAQs
📈 What is the current market share of Windows operating system?
As of the latest data, Windows maintains a dominant position in the operating system market, with a market share of around 75% to 80% globally.
🌐 Which versions of Windows are most commonly used?
Currently, Windows 10 is the most widely used version of the Windows operating system, with a significant majority of users having upgraded to or purchased devices pre-installed with this version. However, older versions like Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 still have notable user bases.
🔍 How does Windows usage compare to other operating systems like macOS and Linux?
Windows remains the most widely used desktop operating system globally, surpassing macOS and Linux in terms of market share. While macOS enjoys popularity among certain demographics, and Linux is prevalent in specific sectors such as servers and supercomputers, Windows maintains a significant lead in overall usage.
💼 Is Windows usage more prevalent in certain industries or regions?
Windows usage is widespread across various industries and regions, with its presence felt strongly in sectors like business, education, government, and gaming. However, there may be variations in adoption rates based on factors such as economic development, technological infrastructure, and cultural preferences.
💡 What factors contribute to the widespread use of Windows?
Factors contributing to the widespread use of Windows include its user-friendly interface, compatibility with a vast array of software and hardware, extensive third-party support, strong presence in enterprise environments, and Microsoft's continuous efforts to innovate and improve its operating system.
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Conclusion: How Many People Use Windows 2024?
The vast number of people using Windows around the world, estimated at 1.6 billion active devices, showcases its dominance in the operating system market.
From its humble beginnings in 1985 to the latest Windows 11, Microsoft’s Windows has evolved to meet the changing needs of users across the globe.
Its widespread adoption reflects its reliability, user-friendly interface, and versatility.
As technology advances, Windows continues to play a crucial role in personal and professional computing, cementing its position as a key player in the digital landscape for years to come.
Sources: StatCounter, GHacks, TechAdvisor, Statista, The Win Central
