It’s quite interesting that despite Microsoft having pulled the curtains on Windows XP, the seemingly age-old operating system is still alive and kicking.
An image released by Statcounter clearly demonstrates an uphill task that Microsoft needs to contend with – somehow get users to accept the newer Windows operating systems. The figures are a result of an analysis of 15 billion page views each month.
Ever since Microsoft ended official support for Windows XP last April, it has maintained its position as the world’s second favorite operating system. Windows 7 continues to be the only operating system that takes the lead over the rest with a whopping 58% market share. The parity between the figures of Windows XP and Windows 8/8.1 combined is alarming given the release of Windows 10 drawing nearer by the day.
It’s important to bear in mind that these figures exhibit global trends; a country-by-country analysis could result in varying outcomes. For instance, results exclusive to the U.S would most probably show Mac OS overtaking Windows XP for the number 2 spot. Some might even argue that it’s unfair to compare desktop OS usage in an age where more people are migrating to smartphones and tablets.
Truth be told, Microsoft isn’t doing too well in that regard either. Windows lags far behind with a negligible 0.26% share in tablets market compared to iOS’s 78%. When it comes to smartphones, Windows Phone also falls flat against Android with its meager share of 2.22%. No matter how bad this seems, Microsoft would hope that a lot more people make the leap of faith once Windows 10 is out this year.