Microsoft’s Windows operating system has reportedly lost around 400 million users over the past three years, according to official statements from Microsoft. The company now powers over a billion active devices globally, down from more than 1.4 billion in 2022.
The decline is attributed to consumers opting for smartphones and tablets instead of computers, as well as the growing popularity of alternative operating systems like Chrome OS and Linux. Even gamers and specialized professionals who rely on Windows software are dwindling, as they seek alternatives.
Despite Microsoft’s efforts to push users to upgrade to Windows 11, the company’s user base continues to shrink. The looming end-of-support date for Windows 10 may lead to a surge in corporate sales, but consumer adoption is uncertain.
Apple’s Mac lineup has also seen declining sales, with Statista reporting a drop from over 85% of revenue to just 7.7%. However, Apple Silicon has emerged as a strong competitor, and Microsoft’s own attempts to replicate its success have been met with skepticism.
As the tech industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: consumers are reevaluating their needs for Windows-based PCs. With affordable alternatives like Chromebooks and Google Docs, many users are opting out of Microsoft’s ecosystem. The future of Windows remains uncertain, but one thing is clear – the company must adapt to changing consumer preferences to remain relevant.
Source: https://www.tomshardware.com/software/windows/windows-seemingly-lost-400-million-users-in-the-past-three-years-official-microsoft-statements-show-hints-of-a-shrinking-user-base