In a remarkable achievement, Windows 11 has officially surpassed the 1 billion user mark, a milestone reached during the recent holiday quarter. This accomplishment signifies a faster adoption rate compared to its predecessor, Windows 10, which took nearly six years to achieve the same feat.
Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, highlighted this significant growth during the company’s fiscal Q2 earnings call, noting a year-over-year increase of over 45 percent in Windows 11 users. This surge can be attributed in part to the end of support for Windows 10, which has likely driven many users to upgrade to the latest operating system, thereby boosting Microsoft’s OEM revenues as well.
Windows chief Pavan Davuluri had previously indicated at Microsoft Ignite that “nearly a billion people” were already utilizing Windows 11, suggesting a strong user base leading into December. The timeline for reaching 1 billion users was notably shorter for Windows 11, taking just 1,576 days compared to the 1,706 days it took Windows 10. Initially, Microsoft aimed to have Windows 10 installed on a billion devices within three years of its launch, a goal that was ultimately extended due to the discontinuation of Windows Phone.
This rapid adoption of Windows 11 reflects not only the operating system’s appeal but also Microsoft’s strategic initiatives to encourage users to transition from older versions. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, the success of Windows 11 sets a promising precedent for future software releases.