Microsoft discontinued Windows XP on April 8, 2014

Apr 8, 2015 11:26 GMT  ·  By

One year ago today, Microsoft killed Windows XP once and for all, after nearly 13 years on the market and after having struggled for many months to convince users to upgrade.

Windows XP's end of support was one of the hardest things that Microsoft has ever had to do in the OS industry, as it was pretty clear that users weren't ready to switch to a different operating system (be it Windows or not), not necessarily because they had no reliable alternative, but thanks to the familiarity that Windows XP provided.

However, Microsoft did kill Windows XP in April 2014, despite the fact that it still was the second most-used operating system at that time, but with Windows 10 in the queue and with Windows 8.1 still struggling to make a name for itself, this was pretty much the only way to go.

And now, one year after the moment when Windows XP went dark, a quick look at market share stats proves that almost nothing has changed since Microsoft pulled the plug on support for this ancient but still lovable operating system.

April 2014 versus March 2015 share stats

Since we're on April 8, market share figures for this month are not yet available, but in order to determine the way the OS trends have evolved after Windows XP's death, we can also have a look at data for the month of March.  

April 2014 March 2015
Windows 7 49.27% 58.04%
Windows XP 26.29% 16.94%
Windows 8.1 5.88% 10.55%
Windows 8 6.36% 3.52%
This table clearly shows that neither Windows 10 nor Windows 8.1 has managed to convince Windows XP users to jump ship once and for all, and while some actually upgraded their computers, many refused to do it.

While we won't talk about reasons and things like that, it's very clear that Windows XP still has a special place in many users' hearts, and these stats are living proof.

Back in April 2014, when Microsoft discontinued it, Windows XP had a market share of 26.29 percent, whereas Windows 7 was the leader with 49.27 percent. Windows 8 and 8.1 were third and fourth with 6.36 and 5.88 percent, respectively.

In March 2015, market shares have changed, but not the same thing can be said about rankings. Windows 7 continues to be leading desktop OS, this time with 58.04 percent, whereas Windows XP is still the runner-up with 16.94 percent. Windows 8.1 is third with 10.55 percent, and Windows 8 is far behind with 3.52 percent.

Graph showing the evolution of Windows XP in the last 11 months
Graph showing the evolution of Windows XP in the last 11 months

These figures show that some users who stepped away from Windows XP indeed moved to Windows 8.1, but on the other hand, the impressive growth that Windows 7 has registered in the last year (more than 8 percent) shows that this was the preferred destination for the majority of users looking to upgrade.

The current market share of Windows XP is also an indication that things are unlikely to change in the short term, but with Windows 10 almost here, Microsoft is hopeful again that its ancient operating system could go dark for good.

Windows 10 should see daylight in the second half of 2015, so Windows XP will still be around for a little longer.

Market share stats for Windows XP since April 2014
Market share stats for Windows XP since April 2014

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Bliss, the default Windows XP wallpaper
Graph showing the evolution of Windows XP in the last 11 monthsMarket share stats for Windows XP since April 2014
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