The stats are in for Windows 8. Microsoft's latest operating system accounts for 2.26 per cent of all computers, according to trend analytics firm Net Applications, SlashGear reports.
That's compared to Windows 7's 44.48 per cent, and Windows XP's 39.51 per cent. Windows 8 is just behind Apple's OS X Mountain Lion as well, which has 2.44 per cent.
Of course, Windows 8 has only been out for three months, so it's early days. Putting it in perspective, Windows 7 still had less than 10 per cent of the market six months after it came out.
If you want to help bump up those numbers, or were just putting off upgrading, then I'm afraid to inform you Microsoft jacked up the price yesterday. Windows 8 Pro will now set you back £190. Ouch.
Microsoft says it's sold 60 million copies of the operating system, but an unofficial report claims sales of Windows 8 PCs are "well below Microsoft's internal projections". One study showed just 39 per cent of people surveyed were planning on making the jump to Windows 8.
Microsoft has also annoyed some of its partners, with Acer putting the boot in, claiming the Redmond-based company doesn't stand a chance against Apple, and Fujitsu blaming a slump in computer sales on Microsoft's "weak" OS.
I don't think the price hike is going to help sales, but what do you think of Windows 8's chances? Is it too early to tell? And how about its usability? Let me know your thoughts in the comments, or on our Facebook page.
Android App 
RSS Feeds 
iPhone App 
Newsletters 
Comments 15
Add your comment
anonymous 2 February, 2013 13:15
I'm still on XP sp3 and it runs like a dream
anonymous 2 February, 2013 13:57
2.26% of 1600 to 1700 million active pc users is roughly 41.6 to 44.2 active Windows 8 users. Hardly doing bad. Especially since the most of the "Cool" devices aren't out yet. (Transformers, Convertibles, Tablets) By next winter, when you go into your favorite electronics store, I'll bet 50% of all Windows 8 devices will be laptops, and the other 50% will be the "Cool Devices".
Patrick Cantellow 2 February, 2013 18:34
I only just put £25 aside so when i got time to do it. And when i did i logged onto the site and saw the price, looks like im sticking with windows 7 till windows 9 comes out.
tstartup 2 February, 2013 21:45
I took the plunge and upgraded to Windows 8. Unfortunately with a non touch device it makes little sense and even with a multi-touch mouse was disappointed.
Then I installed Start8 and I haven't looked back.
I have a faster operating system, the battery lasts longer, my laptop now loads straight to the desktop, has a start button and I can switch to the tiles when I want to (admittedly that's not often).
Admittedly I shouldn't have had to pay and add third party software to get the operating system I want but £15 for the upgrade and £3 for Start8 is still a bit of a bargain.
anonymous 2 February, 2013 22:20
I bought windows 8 laptop before Christmas and I would not dare telling my work colleagues I had Windows 8 laptop, as they would think I am retard. Then in mid January 2013 all our work laptops and desk tops were replaced with Windows 8. Interestingly, each one of them liked it and got amazed by the speed at which it boots.
Based on my experience, Windows 8 is a victim of negative trolling and Microsoft is failing to do proper advertisement about the benefits of Windows 8 - one their yet more advanced Operating System.
saile 3 February, 2013 06:31
The problems with windows 8, the Microsoft failed to interact with real users. There's too many bits that needs to be ironed out.MS start talking and fix it and I am going back to 7.
anonymous 3 February, 2013 07:43
Being a windows user since 97.Windows 8 is by far THE WORST OS i have used.after a month and half i went back to Win 7 dual booted Ubuntu.People save your hard earned cash and don't bother with windows 8
Eric Manktelow 3 February, 2013 08:53
Windows 8 is an excellent OS (although not perfect) once you install a Windows button again.
The OS is faster than 7 and Desktop mode has some great features.
Using the start screen is optional and I use it less and less now (hopefully Microsoft will get the message with telemetry and work out what people do and don't want for the next OS.)
Damien2701 3 February, 2013 09:34
Windows 8 is shocking. The only reason it boots fast is because it's the equivalent of windows 7 in basic theme. It's messy, next time just make one OS Microsoft don't bolt two together
anonymous 3 February, 2013 09:49
@ Patrick Cantellow
All is not lost Windows 8 Pro (Upgrade Disc Version) still available for under £50 from a few retailers inc: Misco.co.uk, Dabs.com, PC World. Better get your skates on........
anonymous 3 February, 2013 10:52
The claims made by this study are erroeous for two reasons: it is incorrect to include OSX in any comparison of OS 'choice' on PCs; PCs are still being sold preinstalled with Microsoft OSs, where the consumer has no choice in the matter. OSX is an inherent component of a tightly designed Apple machine - standard PC users cannot 'choose' to have OSX on there PC, therefore it is fatuous to include it in this study. Also, the study wil only show whether or not existing Windows-based (as opposed to Linux-based) PC users are choosing to upgrade or not, or punches a new machine with Windows 8 preinstalled. If PC makers were not 'forced' into having to only sell PCs with Windows preinstalled, and users had a real and informed choice of Linux or Windows, then this study would have some merit. As it stands, it simply shows whether Windows users are choosing to upgrade to W8 or not.
anonymous 3 February, 2013 17:18
I have Windows 8 installed on my laptop and my work PC (with 2 monitors) and without doubt, Windows 8 is best served up in a 2 monitor environment. People slagging it off, just don't know what it can do and how to get the best out of it.
Like any new OS, it just takes time to get used to it...just like BlackBerry's new OS for their Z10 & X10, radical change is often required to yield productivity benefits.
If it's new, you have to learn stuff...so learn it or don't upgrade, simple!
On release of every new piece of kit, the fanboys, trolls & paid Journo's slag it off and I mean every single piece of kit...after a while, it just gets a bit boring and there is not one piece of kit that escapes this treatment.
Sad really
anonymous 3 February, 2013 18:53
I upgraded from XP to Windows 8 last week and I regretted it immediately. Not only is the operating system tailered for a touch device (which my desktop isn't) but I'm no longer able to access the internet. I knew about the interface but I assumed my hardware would continue workinng.
Windows 8 is so different that companies are going to have to retrain their staff if they want to upgrade. I'm a computer programmer and I was left thinking "WTF? How to I close down an application? Where is Control Panel?". I've figured out some things, but I'm sure your average office worker is going to struggle. I will not be recommending my family to upgrade.
Mark Anderson 3 February, 2013 21:55
"a month and half i went back to Win 7 dual booted Ubuntu"
Uh oh! Beard alert!
I'm using Windows 8. Broadly it's good but some of the native apps - like Photos in particular - are utter crap. For the love of God, MS, sort it out. I should be able to move through a Sky Drive subdirectory without jumping back and forth like a demented kangaroo.
anonymous 5 February, 2013 09:29
Ditched windoze and running latest Ubuntu. Slick, beautiful and runs like a dream. And its free!!!!!!!!