Windows 7 hits a 50% share

Since its launch in 2009, the 5 year old operating system, Windows 7, has finally reached a 50% market share.

Figures from Net Applications show that in the few weeks since Microsoft ended its support for XP, the share for Windows XP users has fallen by 2.42%, while Windows 7 has risen 1.29% and Windows 8 by 1.32%. What makes the figures interesting is that Windows 8 is now the default operating system on new machines, however, the increase in market share between Windows 7 and 8 is very close. Microsoft still lacks the widespread general acceptance of Windows 8, which suggests that end-users (particularly businesses and schools) and diehard XP fans are choosing to upgrade/downgrade to Windows 7 instead.

A machine purchased with Windows 8, can only be downgraded to Windows 7 if the machine has been pre-installed with the Professional version of Windows 8.The Professional version allows many advanced features including the ability to join a domain, group policy support and remote desktop – basically, it is suited to a server/client environment such as schools.

The Windows XP share is declining much slower than anticipated, especially for an end-of-life product. At the current rate, it is expected to continue to still have a significant share for at least the next 18 months.

In most cases, our schools are able to upgrade to Windows 7 through buying individual “volume” licenses or a Microsoft EES-OVS agreement. Certainly, if not already, now is the time to plan for the retirement of Windows XP from the school. It’s also the ideal time to consider the Microsoft Open Value Subscription Agreement for Education Solutions (OVS-ES), which is especially cost effective during these schools wide, upgrade projects. Ask us for more details