Microsoft recently shared that Windows is running on “over a billion” devices. That might sound impressive, but it’s less than the 1.4 billion figure the company reported back in 2022. Without saying it directly, this could be a sign that Windows is losing users.
One possible reason? Many people are ditching older PCs rather than upgrading, especially with Windows 10 support ending soon. And with smartphones, tablets, Macs, and Chromebooks covering most everyday needs, fewer people actually need a Windows computer in 2025.
Over the past decade, Windows’ global market share has dropped by around 15%, according to StatCounter. While Windows 11 adoption is growing, the excitement seen from 2020 to 2023 has cooled off. Promised improvements have stalled, and some features, like dark mode, still feel broken or unfinished.
Microsoft is also getting flak for stuffing Windows 11 with ads and bloatware. Even basic setup now requires an online Microsoft account, something no other major platform demands. These decisions have made the experience frustrating for many.
In 2024, Microsoft tried to spark interest with its new AI-powered “Copilot+ PCs,” but the response has been lukewarm so far. Critics argue the company is focusing more on monetization than user satisfaction.
Despite all this, Windows 11 is slowly gaining ground and may soon overtake Windows 10 in usage. Still, it’s clear the platform no longer holds the loyalty it once did, and that’s a problem only Microsoft can fix.