Windows 11 Hits 1 Billion Users Faster Than Windows 10
▼ Summary
– Windows 11 has reached 1 billion users, achieving this milestone faster than Windows 10 did.
– Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced the 1 billion user figure, noting over 45% year-over-year growth.
– The recent growth is partly attributed to the end of support for Windows 10, which also boosted Windows OEM revenues.
– Windows chief Pavan Davuluri indicated in November that nearly a billion people were already running Windows 11.
– Windows 11 reached 1 billion users in 1,576 days, surpassing Windows 10 which took 1,706 days to do so.
Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system has officially surpassed a monumental benchmark, now running on over one billion devices globally. This achievement was confirmed during the company’s recent holiday quarter, marking a significant acceleration in adoption compared to its predecessor. Windows 11 has reached this user base in just 1,576 days, outpacing the 1,706 days it took Windows 10 to hit the same one-billion-user mark. This rapid growth underscores a powerful shift in the PC ecosystem and Microsoft’s strategic positioning.
The announcement came directly from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella during the fiscal Q2 2026 earnings call. He highlighted that the Windows user base had grown by more than 45 percent year-over-year, a surge largely attributed to the approaching end of support for Windows 10. This impending deadline has motivated both consumers and businesses to upgrade their hardware and software, directly boosting Microsoft’s revenue from Windows OEM licenses. The transition represents a critical driver for the company’s financial performance in the personal computing segment.
Internal indicators suggested this milestone was imminent. Windows chief Pavan Davuluri had previously noted at the Microsoft Ignite conference in November that “nearly a billion people” were already using Windows 11, signaling that the one-billion threshold would be crossed before the end of the year. The strong performance throughout December solidified these projections, demonstrating consistent user acquisition during a key retail period.
The faster adoption timeline for Windows 11 presents a notable contrast to the Windows 10 journey. Microsoft initially aimed to have Windows 10 on one billion devices within three years of its 2015 launch. However, that goal was delayed, partly due to the collapse of the Windows Phone platform, which was originally counted as part of the broader Windows device ecosystem. The streamlined path for Windows 11 reflects a more consolidated hardware market and a successful push to modernize the existing Windows 10 install base through both free upgrades and new PC sales.
This milestone is more than just a number; it signifies the widespread acceptance of the Windows 11 interface and feature set, including its centered Start menu, enhanced security with TPM requirements, and deep integration with Microsoft’s cloud services. As support for Windows 10 winds down, the focus will increasingly shift to how Microsoft innovates on this massive Windows 11 foundation, shaping the future of productivity and personal computing for the next decade.
(Source: The Verge)
