Skip to main content

Microsoft’s Windows 10 now powers more than 800 million devices

After its release in 2015, Microsoft once hoped Windows 10 would makes its way into a billion devices within three years. While it will be late to that goal, it is a bit closer. On Thursday, March 7, the company revealed that more than 800 million devices are now running Windows 10 worldwide.

The new milestone comes as an increase from the 700 million install base last reported in September of 2018, meaning that Windows 10 is likely again picking up momentum with consumers. The announcement was initially made by Microsoft executive Yusuf Mehdi on Twitter. “Thank you to all our customers and partners for helping us achieve 800 million Windows 10 devices and the highest customer satisfaction in the history of Windows.”

As pointed out by ZDNet, though 800 million might seem like a big number, Microsoft is accounting for various types of hardware — not just desktops or laptops. The figure includes other devices which have been considered active in 28 days, including Xbox game consoles, Hololens headsets, Surface Hub devices, and even Windows 10 Mobile phones.

Still, between the six months of September 2018 and March 2019, the 100 million increase would account for roughly 16 million new Windows 10 devices added per month. With Windows 7 reaching its end of life soon, many consumers are now likely transitioning to newer Windows 10 hardware and ditching previous versions of Windows. Microsoft previously enticed consumers to upgrade by offering Windows 10 for free, and the operating system is currently offered as a service so it receives major updates twice a year.

All that considered, Microsoft is still looking to evolve the Windows platform. Although the previous October 2018 Update and incoming April 2019 Update introduces new features to Windows 10 on the software side, some much different versions of the operating system are also in the works.

Recent rumors indicate Microsoft is planning to target ChromeOS with a lighter operating system dubbed as Windows Lite, which will likely come later this year. The company is even is working on Core OS, which is a more modular version of Windows. New hardware for these operating systems is also in the works including a new version of the Surface Studio, a dual-screen Surface Centarus, and perhaps even a phone currently code-named Andromeda.

Editors' Recommendations

Arif Bacchus
Arif Bacchus is a native New Yorker and a fan of all things technology. Arif works as a freelance writer at Digital Trends…
Is macOS more secure than Windows? This malware report has the answer
A person using a laptop with a set of code seen on the display.

It’s a long-held belief that Macs are less at risk of malware and viruses than Windows PCs, but how true is that? Well, a new report has shed some light on the situation -- and the results might surprise you.

According to threat research firm Elastic Security Labs, roughly 39% of all malware infections happen on Windows PCs. In good news for Apple fans, only 6% of breaches occurred on macOS, making Mac systems far less vulnerable than their Windows counterparts.

Read more
Windows 11 is finally going to play nice with your iPhone
Phone Link for iOS will be available for Windows 11 starting in mid-May.

Microsoft will soon begin support for iPhones on its Phone Link app in Windows 11.

The brand announced on its blog Wednesday that it will begin its global rollout of Microsoft Phone Link for iOS in 39 languages across 85 markets in mid-May. This support will allow iPhone users to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages, view notifications, and access contacts directly on their PCs.

Read more
Microsoft, please don’t screw up the Asus ROG Ally
Asus ROG Ally on a purple background.

I'm excited about Asus' upcoming ROG Ally gaming handheld, and mainly for one reason: Windows 11. The device comes with a spec bump over the Steam Deck, and I won't argue with RGB lighting around my thumbsticks, but Windows is what makes the ROG Ally truly stand out.

With Windows, you don't have to worry about a verification program to play your games -- even if Valve has handled the Steam Deck Verified program very well -- and you can access other app stores. And, of course, there's Xbox Game Pass.

Read more