14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is getting ready to launch Windows 11 to the first wave of eligible devices, and the release of the operating system certainly comes just at the right time.
This is because Windows has declined no less than 4.9 points last year, according to market share data put together by GeekWire based on IDC numbers.
Windows was running on just 80.5 percent of the devices out there in 2020, down from 85.4 percent a year before.
Microsoft is betting big on Windows 11 both in the short and in the long term, as the company expects the new operating system to also generate a boost of sales for new computers. Windows 11 comes with updated system requirements, and Microsoft recommends users to purchase a new PC to make the most of the new OS.
Chrome OS now the runner-up
“Since day one of developing Windows 11, we have been working closely with our hardware and silicon partners for seamless integration across software and hardware. That co-engineering begins with innovation in the silicon,” Microsoft said.
“From AMD and the incredible graphics depth brought by the Ryzen processors to the incredible performance of Intel’s 11th gen and Evo Processors, to Qualcomm’s AI prowess, 5G and Arm support, the innovation of our silicon partners brings together the best of Windows 11 with the largest hardware ecosystem in the world. And with Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, Surface and others, we’ve worked to ensure most PCs you can buy today will be ready for Windows 11 – across a variety of form factors and price points.”
While Windows continues to be the leader in the OS market, macOS has dropped to third place despite its 0.8 points increase. In 2020, 7.5 percent of the devices out there were running macOS.
The runner-up right now is Chrome OS, which is powering 10.8 percent of the devices currently on the market, as sales of Chromebooks jumped substantially last year due to the global health issue.