Recent reports suggest that Microsoft may have experienced a significant decline in its Windows user base over the past three years, potentially losing up to 400 million users since 2022. This change was highlighted by technology journalist Ed Bott in an article published by ZDNet, analyzing statements made by Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President and Head of Consumer Marketing at Microsoft.
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In a recent publication, Mehdi stated that Windows remains the most widely used operating system globally, supporting more than one billion monthly active devices.
However, this figure represents a notable decrease from the 1.4 billion reported in 2022 for combined Windows 10 and Windows 11 users. Bott emphasized that such figures are not casually presented, noting that corporate communications involving market-sensitive data undergo careful legal review before public release. Therefore, any deviation from previously cited numbers should be interpreted as intentional and reflective of actual trends.
Potential Reasons Behind the Decline
The observed drop in user count may be the result of multiple factors. One of the key factors must the approaching end of support for Windows 10, scheduled for October 2025. In response, Microsoft has introduced Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10, for the first time offering an additional year of security patches for consumers. However, consumer access to ESU requires activation of Windows Backup and integration with the OneDrive cloud service, which could deter some users from staying on the platform.
Also, Microsoft's modern policies that include mandatory online account sign-ins and forced updates, along with draconian hardware requirements can be a reason.
ZDNet also notes a potential shift toward alternative operating systems such as macOS and Linux, mostly among enterprise and technically proficient users. Additionally, a broader trend of declining PC usage in favor of mobile devices - smartphones and tablets - may further explain the reduction in desktop-based Windows installations.
Despite the apparent decline, Microsoft continues to position Windows as an open and flexible platform, perfectly suitable for both consumer and business customers. The company actively promotes its great security and innovation with Copilot+ PCs, Windows 11 updates, and advanced cloud services via Windows 365. As the computing landscape shifts, Microsoft faces increasing pressure to adapt to changing user expectations to keep its dominance in the desktop OS market.
Update July 1, 2025: Microsoft Denies Rumors of Losing 400 Million Windows Users
Microsoft has updated the post. Looks like they made a typo in the publication and provided the wrong number of users. The new information in the blog states that Windows is installed on "more than 1.4 billion devices."
But at the same time, this means that the Windows user base has barely grown in the last couple of years. Windows 11 has failed to convince macOS and Chrome OS users to switch to Microsoft's platform.
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IF YUSURF MEHDI WAS SUBJECTED TO “AUTHORITARIANISM” – HE MIGHT HAVE TO WORK FOR $100- PER WEEK, OR LOSE HIS JOB AT MICROSOFT – MOST FOLKS LIKE CHOICE – OR THEY WILL VOTE WITH THEIR FEET –