Microsoft officially ended support for the old Windows 7 Operating System at the beginning of 2020. Fast forward to 2021, almost a year later, since the end of support, millions of PC users still run the old antiquated Windows 7.
Although that number has continued to reduce as time moves by, millions are still using Windows 7. It’s unclear how many PC users still boot Windows 7 because different sources have different data due to the different methodologies used.
ZDNet reports that Windows 7 usage was roughly 200 million as of December 2019, analyzing data from different analytics reports, before the maker pulled the end-of-support trigger. In December 2020, there was a reported decline, but the same message stands out: millions are stuck with their beloved Windows 7 OS.
Analyzing different analytics reports, it is estimated that over 100 million PC users have Windows 7 installed. In general, Windows 7’s market share stands at around 20% of the total PC market – it could be higher or lower depending on who you ask.
Running an operating system that is no longer supported has its apparent risks in terms of security. Thus, Microsoft decided to offer some of its users extended support on Windows 7 as part of the Extended Security Update program, but they had to pay for that. It’s no known how many users opted to keep their beloved Windows 7 OS and pay Microsoft for support. That may also be a contributing factor to the lack of willingness to switch to Windows 10.
However, Windows 7’s use has continued to decline in 2020. Data from NetShare at the end of the year reported Windows 7 usage base dropping 9.5 points, from 31.2% to 21.7% in favor of the latest version, Windows 10, now accounting for 74% of the market.
On the other hand, StatCounter estimates Windows 7 PC market share at 17.7%, down nearly 10 points, and an uptick in Windows 10 usage over 12 points to 76.0%.
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