Though Windows 8 is approaching nearly two years of age, it has virtually no hope of becoming as popular as an operating system that was released in 2001.
Despite the fact that Windows XP is no longer supported, according to Net Marketshare, its desktop operating system share stands at 25.31 percent as of last month. That’s an increase of 25.27 percent from May.
Meanwhile, Windows 8’s desktop OS share is a measly 5.93 percent, which is a drop from 6.29 percent in May.
It gets worse for Windows 8 though. Even though it is three years older, Windows 7 is by far the most popular desktop operating system in the world, occupying just over half the pie with share percentage of 50.55. That rose from 50.06 percent in May.
On the bright side for Microsoft’s newer operating systems, Windows 8.1’s popularity is rising, but not by much. Windows 8.1’s share rose from 6.35 percent in May, to 6.61 percent in June.
There are likely two primary releases for Windows 8’s fall. First, considering that Windows 8.1 was released in October, OEMs are mostly selling systems loaded with Windows 8.1, as opposed to Windows 8. Second, considering that Windows 8.1 is a free update for Windows 8 owners, it’s only natural that Windows 8 users would take advantage of the freebie.
Nevertheless, the usage numbers for both Windows 8 and 8.1 are paltry, and will likely remain that way for the duration of their existence.
Reports about Windows 9 recently indicated that Microsoft will be attempting to woo desktop PC users over to its upcoming operating system once it is released. Rumors have indicated a possible Spring 2015 release date for Windows 9.
