Microsoft stated that Windows 11 has already been installed on more than one billion computers.

Microsoft Announces Milestone: Over 1 Billion Devices Running Windows 11

In its Q2 2026 earnings report, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that the Windows 11 operating system is now installed on more than one billion devices—a milestone reached in the fourth quarter of last year.

Rapid Growth Compared to Its Predecessor
Windows 11 surpassed 1 billion users faster than its predecessor—Windows 10—which achieved the same figure roughly six years ago. On an annual basis, the overall growth was over 45%.

Reasons for the Sharp Rise in Popularity – End of Windows 10 Support
The discontinuation of updates and service packs forced many OEM manufacturers to switch to the new OS.

- Increase in OEM License Revenue: Microsoft earned additional funds from selling new Windows 11 licenses to the same manufacturers that supply computers and laptops.

It is believed that a significant portion of the transition occurred in December. At the Microsoft Ignite conference (late November), Windows and Surface division head Pavan Davuluri noted that “nearly one billion people” were already using Windows 11.

Comparison of Time to Reach the Milestone
- Windows 11: 1 billion devices in 1,576 days.
- Windows 10: same figure in 1,706 days.

Initially Microsoft had planned for Windows 10 to reach a billion installations three years after launch. However, after canceling Windows Phone, the company abandoned that plan, and the new OS reached its milestone in a shorter timeframe.