Back in the day, if a regular user had to buy a new computer, the Windows operating system was the only choice available to most users. The other operating systems, like Linux and Ubuntu, were too niche, and the macOS was too expensive for regular users.
Windows was a dominant operating system, but its popularity has been declining. Other operating systems are improving, and for several reasons, people are not entirely dependent on Windows. Hence, its era of dominance has ended.
Let’s take a look at the reasons for the fall in popularity of Windows OS.
The Decline in Popularity
If you take a look at the stats, here is the market share of Windows in 2013 compared to other operating systems vs now:
In 2013, Windows captured almost 91% of the PC operating systems market, leaving 8% to macOS and 0.9% to Linux. This scenario has changed drastically in 2024 as Windows now has only 73% of the market share for OS for PCs, and there are other players like macOS at 16.1%, ChromeOS at 1.8%, and Linux at 3.8%.
So, there is no denying that the popularity of Windows has decreased in the last decade. But what are the reasons for this decline? Let’s dive in!
The Start and Glory Days
Microsoft’s rise began in the 1980s with MS-DOS, a command-line operating system that laid the groundwork for the graphical user interface (GUI) revolution.
Microsoft and IBM collaborated to create an intuitive user interface for Microsoft’s new range of personal computers, realizing the limitations of text-based interactions.
In 1985, Windows 1.0 was released, presenting a basic graphical user interface featuring windows and drop-down menus.
But the real game-changer came in 1992 with Windows 3.1. With the addition of features like enhanced multitasking and multimedia support, this version opened up PCs to a wider user base.
This mutually beneficial partnership was cultivated by this accessibility as well as the wise choice to license Windows to several device manufacturers.
Producers could use Windows’ increasing ubiquity to market their hardware, while Windows benefited from a wide range of compatible hardware, which cemented Windows’ status as the industry standard.
Peak Dominance Days
Back in 1995, Windows hit its peak with Windows 95. This new version had a brand new way to use the computer, with a Start menu and taskbar that were super easy to figure out, even for people who weren’t computer experts. It also made setting up new devices a breeze; no more messing around with confusing settings!
A few years later, in 2001, Windows XP came out and made things even better. This version was super stable and worked well with other computers on a network.
It also came with a built-in web browser called Internet Explorer, which was like a special program for exploring the new world of the internet.
This made Windows XP the go-to choice for everyone at home, schools, and even offices! Even though Internet Explorer had some problems later on, it helped make Windows super popular because everyone could easily get online with it.
A Shift
Even though Windows ruled the computer world for a long time, some problems started to show up. There was a new movement called “open source,” and it offered a free computer program called Linux.
This program was safe, and you could change it to fit your needs, kind of like a build-your-own-toy kit. At first, only people who were good with computers used Linux, but it got easier to use over time, so more people started using it.
Another big change came with smartphones and tablets. These devices were small and easy to carry around, unlike big desktop computers.
They also had their own special programs, like mini-apps, that were very convenient. People who were used to these phone apps started wondering why they even needed a bulky computer with Windows anymore.
Missed Opportunities by Microsoft
While facing these challenges, Microsoft arguably missed some key opportunities to solidify its position:
Stagnation and Security Concerns
With Windows 7, 8.1, and 10, Windows updates became synonymous with frustration. There were many problems like compatibility issues, a perceived lack of innovation, and frequent blue screens of death.
All of these issues frustrated the users, and many of them switched to a different OS. Furthermore, security vulnerabilities plagued specific versions, like Windows Vista. This again damaged the user’s confidence.
The Mobile Gamble
For those who don’t know, Microsoft also tried to enter the mobile operating system market. Their Windows Mobile and Windows Phone were good at first but largely unsuccessful.
These platforms needed the app ecosystem and user-friendliness of Android and iOS, failing to capture a significant market share. This inability to adapt to the mobile-first world left them playing catch-up.
The Rise of Cloud Computing
One of the biggest contributors to the decline of the popularity of Windows is the rise of cloud-based services and web applications. Microsoft dominated the PC operating system market because of its exclusive dominance over many third-party apps and games. These could only work with Windows OS.
However, with cloud computing, many apps and games have moved to the cloud-based service model. The shift towards cloud-based services and web applications lessened the reliance on specific hardware and operating systems. Users could access their data and workflows from any device, making Windows less of a necessity.
Rise in Popularity of Other Operating Systems
Apple computers, with their Mac OS system, kept getting better at being easy and enjoyable to use. They focused on looking nice, being secure, and working really well with other Apple devices, like phones and music players.
In 1998, the iMac came out and changed the game. It showed that computers could be beautiful and user-friendly at the same time.
Now, Apple computers have super powerful processors, making them even more appealing, especially for people who do creative things like drawing or editing videos.
Meanwhile, Linux computers became more straightforward to use for everyone, not just tech experts. Since they’re “open source,” you can change them to fit your needs, kind of like a build-your-own-computer program.
They’re also known for being very secure, like having a super strong lock on your computer. Plus, there are tons of free programs you can use with Linux, making it a cheaper option than Windows computers that often come with bundled programs you might not even want.
The Ever Evolving Tech World
The fall of Windows dominance indicates a larger shift in personal computing. Users are no longer limited to one environment. They have plenty of options, including attractive alternatives from Apple and the open-source community.
Here’s a more detailed look at the current landscape:
- Apple Macs: These computers are known for being super easy and enjoyable to use, looking great, and working well with other Apple devices like phones and music players. Thanks to their powerful processors, they’re trendy for creative stuff like drawing and editing videos. While they might cost more, many people love how stable and secure they are, with frequent updates to keep them safe.
- The Open-Source Option: Linux computers are becoming easier to use for everyone, not just techies. They’re like build-your-own computers because you can change them to fit your needs. They’re also superstars regarding security, and tons of free programs are available, making them a budget-friendly option compared to Windows.
- Chromebooks on the Rise: These lightweight laptops are all about using the internet. They start up super fast, have a long battery life, and work seamlessly with Google services. They’re affordable and perfect for students, teachers, or anyone who mainly uses the internet for work or school.
What is Microsoft Doing?
Microsoft realized things were changing and tried to fix Windows with a new version called Windows 11. This new Windows 11 looks much sleeker and more modern, making it easier to do multiple things simultaneously.
It also works better with phone apps because everyone uses phones often. But will Windows 11 be enough to win people back? Some people say it looks too similar to Apple computers, and others worry that Microsoft won’t keep updating it for a long time, as with Windows 8. Only time will tell!
Final Thoughts
Windows might not be king of the computer castle anymore, but it’s still around! There are more choices for computers these days, making things more interesting. Here’s why:
- People have more options now. They can choose fancy Apple computers that are super easy to use and work well with other Apple devices. Or, they can pick a customizable Linux computer that’s like a build-your-own program, perfect for techie people. There are also lightweight Chromebooks that are all about using the internet quickly and affordably.
- Microsoft saw this change and made a new Windows called Windows 11. It looks much nicer and lets you do more things at once; plus, it works better with phone apps. However, some people say it looks too similar to Apple computers, and others worry that Microsoft won’t keep updating it for a long time.
In the end, the world of computers isn’t just about Windows anymore. It’s like a garden with all sorts of different flowers, each one appealing to different people.
Whether Windows can become the most popular flower again or find a new way to be special, only time will tell! But one thing’s for sure, computers are more exciting than ever with all these choices!
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