Microsoft's modern operating system is getting more users across the world

Jun 24, 2014 07:26 GMT  ·  By

Windows 8 has always been criticized for its slow early uptake after the October 2012 launch, but it appears that things have changed in the one and a half year on the market and people are finally migrating to this new OS version.

A survey conducted by Sage Group in Canada reveals that Windows 8 adoption has skyrocketed in the last few months, growing from 9 percent on desktops and 12 percent on laptops a year ago to 28 percent on desktops and 26 percent on laptops.

Windows 8 has suffered from low adoption for a long time, but Microsoft has actually tried to tackle this issue with new updates specifically designed to make the operating system a bit more familiar and to appeal to more customers across the world.

Windows 8.1, for example, brought back the Start button, while Windows 8.1 Update also implemented a number of features that help users access the Start screen and Metro apps with a mouse and keyboard.

Microsoft obviously uses these improvements to praise its operating system, pointing to the refreshed desktop as one of the main advantages of the new modern platform.

“The desktop you're used to—with its familiar folders and icons—is still here. And not just still here, it's actually better than before, with a new task manager and streamlined file management. And you can always get to your desktop—and back to your Start screen again—with a tap or click,” Microsoft says.

At the same time, Microsoft has struggled to make Windows available on many more devices, including tablets and smartphones, so users are now benefiting from powerful synchronization features that allow them to access their files and settings from more than just a single computer.

“Use your Microsoft account to sign in to any of your tablets or PCs running Windows 8.1, and you'll see the same layout, apps, and settings. Signing in with your Microsoft Account (which is simply an email address and password of your choice) also gives you access to a world of apps from the Windows Store, and lets you save, view, and edit your documents and photos online with OneDrive,” the company notes.

As far as the reasons for Windows 8's growth are concerned, nobody can say for sure whether users across the world have finally discovered the benefits of this new OS. Chances are that Windows 8 actually increased its market share thanks to Windows XP users who decided to switch to another platform, in an attempt to keep their data secure.