Microsoft's Windows operating system has long been the dominant force in the personal computing landscape, powering a vast majority of desktops and laptops worldwide. However, recent data indicates a significant shift: over the past three years, the number of active Windows devices has decreased by approximately 400 million, dropping from 1.4 billion in 2022 to just over 1 billion in 2025.
The Decline in Windows User Base
In 2022, Microsoft's annual report highlighted that more than 1.4 billion devices were running Windows 10 or 11. By 2025, this number had fallen to just over 1 billion active devices. This decline suggests that a substantial portion of users have moved away from Windows PCs.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
Several factors have contributed to this downward trend:
- Rise of Mobile Devices: Smartphones and tablets have become increasingly capable, handling tasks traditionally reserved for PCs, such as document creation, video conferencing, and media consumption. This shift has led many users to rely more on mobile devices, reducing the necessity for a dedicated PC.
- Hardware Compatibility Issues: The release of Windows 11 introduced stringent hardware requirements, including the need for TPM 2.0 support. Approximately 400 million Windows 10 devices lack the necessary hardware to upgrade to Windows 11, leaving users with the choice of purchasing new hardware or continuing with an unsupported operating system.
- Extended Support for Windows 10: Microsoft's announcement of extended support options for Windows 10, available for a fee, has led some users to delay upgrading to Windows 11. This decision has contributed to a slower adoption rate for the newer operating system.
- Alternative Platforms: While macOS has seen some growth, the decline in Windows users is not solely due to a shift to Macs. Instead, the increasing functionality of mobile devices and the rise of web-based applications have reduced the dependency on traditional PCs.
In response to these challenges, Microsoft has been actively promoting Windows 11 and its new features, including AI integrations like Copilot. The company is also emphasizing the security and performance benefits of upgrading to newer hardware capable of running Windows 11.
Despite these efforts, the transition has been slower than anticipated. As of May 2025, Windows 11 holds approximately 43.23% of the desktop Windows market share, while Windows 10 still leads with 53.2%. This indicates that a significant portion of users remain on older versions, potentially due to hardware limitations or satisfaction with existing systems.
Conclusion
The decline of 400 million active Windows devices over three years underscores a pivotal shift in the computing landscape. As mobile devices continue to evolve and alternative platforms gain traction, Microsoft faces the challenge of adapting to changing user preferences and technological advancements. The company's success in navigating this transition will depend on its ability to innovate and meet the evolving needs of its user base.
Source: Republic World Over 400 Million Users Abandoned Windows PCs in 3 Years—Is Microsoft Losing Its Grip?
