Katarzyna Petru
From 1.4 billion to 1 billion – what happened?
According to data published by Microsoft, the Windows system is now installed on over one billion active devices monthly. The company boasts about this number in the context of the upcoming end of support for Windows 10 (14 October 2025). But three years ago, the same company reported 1.4 billion active devices with Windows 10 or 11. This means that in the meantime, 400 million users have abandoned Windows – and not without reason does the company avoid talking about it loudly.
Alternatives are Rising: macOS, Linux and Smartphones
Why are users switching? Some have moved to macOS, which has gained in performance and popularity since Apple transitioned to its own processors (Apple Silicon). According to data from IDC and Canalys, the sales of Mac computers have increased, and their share of the global market is currently around 8.7–10.4%. Other users – including some government institutions such as Schleswig-Holstein, the Danish Ministry of Digitalisation, or the French city of Lyon – are choosing Linux.
However, the most significant number of people are simply stopping the use of Windows computers in favour of smartphones and tablets. Modern mobile devices are now powerful enough to take over the everyday functions of computers – especially among those who do not require specialised software.
Windows 11 faster? Yes, but not entirely fairly
Microsoft claims that Windows 11 operates 2.3 times faster than Windows 10. The problem is that the company did not test the systems on the same devices. Windows 10 was run on older laptops with Intel Core 6th, 8th, and 10th generation processors, while the tests for Windows 11 were conducted on hardware with the latest Intel Core 12th and 13th generation chips. Such a comparison is difficult to consider reliable.
Time is running out, and users are hesitating
Microsoft is likely hoping that before October, many companies will decide to upgrade their systems to Windows 11. However, average users may have problems with this, especially if their current hardware does not meet the requirements of the new system. In the age of game streaming, web applications, and cloud working, more and more people may come to the conclusion that a computer with Windows is no longer necessary for them – and Microsoft may struggle to win them back.
