How did the newly released Windows 8 perform? Were users happy to use it? Which version of the operating system is currently the most popular? You will find out this and much more in the latest installment of our series of Windows articles.
Touch devices were increasingly used (among other things, more and more laptops had touch screens). Windows 8 was supposed, through its tiled appearance, to be intuitive and friendly not only to computer users, but also to tablet users. It was supposed to be. This was one of the main objections of computer users. Can you imagine the lack of a Start button? Or the lack of a computer shutdown button, which you had to (especially at the beginning of your adventure) search all over the menu? Many hardware vendors even added their own overlays with shutdown buttons. Yes – version 8.1 fixed these bugs, but it took as long as a year and sufficiently alienated Windows 8 users that they returned to Windows 7.
The logical step in this situation was to create another system that would improve Microsoft’s reputation. That was how the time came for the system that is now used by 72% of users worldwide. Windows 10 – no 9, initially quite unstable and containing many bugs, is now for many put on a par with XP and 7 versions in terms of reliability and enjoyment. The new interface, despite its simple form, is more like Windows 7 than 8. It is quite “clean” and easy to use. Password, PIN, fingerprint, and facial recognition logins – so many options also make it possible for users to take full advantage of their devices’ features. Not counting Cortana (the voice assistant), one can’t get very attached to this system. Ongoing (though often annoying) updates make you feel reasonably safe using this system. “Ten” was supposed to be the last version of the system already, which would receive a large patch package every year. Therefore, at first for users of Windows 7, as well as version 8, it was available for free in the form of updates. Unfortunately for Microsoft, in the beginning only users of “8” were eager to migrate the system. Therefore, in order to encourage as many people as possible to use Windows 10, it was decided that Windows 7 would no longer be supported from the beginning of 2020 (that is, 11 years after its release). However, time has shown its hand and Windows 10 was not the last we saw.
Since last year, any device that meets the minimum requirements is invited to upgrade to the new system. The Windows Update badge with a blue dot announces that you dear user, as well as your laptop/desktop, is ready for the new quality. The quality of Windows 11. The free update for Windows 10 guarantees, among other things, a refreshed interface. Often compared to the look of other, competing platforms. More rounded edges, translucent backgrounds and icons in the middle of the taskbar. The unpopular Cortana has been removed, as well as Paint 3D and the once king of browsers Internet Explorer (anyone who hasn’t read the post about it is encouraged to do so https://softiq.pl/umarl-krol-niech-zyje/). This is just the beginning of the new system, but already there will be those who appreciated the change of system, and those who are taking advantage of the possibility to return to the predecessor (only possible up to 10 days after the previous upgrade). Despite good marketing and conspicuous notifications, Windows 11 is still used by fewer users than … Windows 7! Fear of an insecure system and high requirements mean that for a long time to come (unless Microsoft forces it on users) Windows 10 will be the most popular one.
According to Statcounter, the following versions were used on worldwide laptops and PCs in July 2022:
1. Windows 10 – 72.23%
2. Windows 7 – 11.99%
3. Windows 11 – 11.73%
4. Windows 8.1 – 2.86%
5. Windows 8 – 0.66%
6. Windows XP – 0.38%
If only Poland is included, the statistics look like this:
1. Windows 10 – 79.22%
2. Windows 7 – 8.72%
3. Windows 11 – 8.22%
4. Windows 8.1 – 2.9%
5. Windows XP – 0.42%
6. Windows 8 – 0.35%
What will the future bring? There is already talk of work on Windows 12, but whether it will be published – we will see. Changing technologies force manufacturers to create new versions of their systems, but fortunately, thanks to various tools, we can also use older systems and sigh with the thought “it used to be…”.
Below you can learn about the subjective ranking of the author of this article – Michal, an administrator at Softiq:
1. Windows 7
2. Windows XP
3. Windows 10
4. Windows 98 SE
5. Windows 95
6. Windows Vista
7. Windows 8 / 8.1
And what is your ranking? 😉
This post is also available in:
Polski (Polish)