According to official Microsoft statements, the number of Windows users has decreased by 400 million over the last three years. Windows currently powers more than a billion active devices globally, according to a recent blog post by Microsoft EVP Yusuf Mehdi. Although this figure may appear significant, a closer examination of the company’s 2022 annual report shows that, only a few years ago, over 1.4 billion devices were running Windows 10 or 11. With an estimated 400 million fewer Windows users over the past few years, this disparity clearly points to a drop in the platform’s user base.
Microsoft’s strong push for users to upgrade to Windows 11 may be explained by this shrinkage. The business has been urging customers to update to the most recent version of Windows on their current devices or buy new ones that are compatible with the update. It’s unlikely that all of the Windows users who were lost switched to MacBooks, even though macOS has become a competitor, particularly with the introduction of Apple Silicon. Sales of Apple computers have also declined, and by 2023, Mac revenue had dropped sharply from over 85% of the company’s total to just 7.7%.
The growing power of smartphones and tablets is the reason for the move away from traditional PCs. Many users are choosing to do away with desktops and laptops entirely because these devices can now perform many of the tasks that previously required a computer. Professionals and gamers who use Windows-only software appear to be the main remaining markets for Windows PCs.
The trend away from traditional computing devices seems to be continuing, even though the pandemic temporarily increased PC sales. Businesses may see an increase in corporate sales as they look to secure their systems with updated software as a result of Windows 10’s imminent end of support. The allure of upgrading, however, might not be as great for typical consumers, particularly since their existing Windows 10 PCs will still work, albeit without updates. Alternatives like the Apple Silicon MacBook Air and reasonably priced Chromebooks are alluring to those who are replacing their gadgets, especially considering their long battery life and extensive use in classrooms. Many may see little reason to continue using Microsoft as more people grow accustomed to web-based programs like Google Docs.
