Microsoft Clarifies That Windows 11 Has Not Lost 400 Million Monthly Active Users

Windows 11’s Market Presence Remains Strong

Contrary to some reports, Windows 11 continues to operate on approximately 1.4 billion monthly active devices. There has not been a decline of 400 million devices in the past three years. While the growth rate may have lessened, Microsoft has confirmed that it has not experienced a loss in market share to competing operating systems such as Linux or macOS.

Clarification on User Numbers

In June 2025, Microsoft made headlines by extending its support for Windows 10 users who link their devices to a Microsoft account, utilize Microsoft Rewards, or purchase Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for $30. In the same announcement, a notable error was identified: Microsoft referred to “1 billion” active devices instead of maintaining the accurate figure of 1.4 billion.

The 1 Billion vs.1.4 Billion Confusion

Early communications from Microsoft suggested that “Windows is the most widely used operating system, powering over a billion monthly active devices.” This phrasing led to speculation that the user base had diminished significantly from the previously stated 1.4 billion. However, that narrative was clarified when Microsoft later confirmed that the actual number remains at 1.4 billion.

Addressing Misinterpretations

Despite rumors suggesting a massive drop in users—potentially by 200 to 400 million—these concerns stemmed from a miscommunication rather than an actual decrease. A Microsoft representative anonymously stated that the “1 billion” reference was an error and pointed to an updated blog post affirming the 1.4 billion monthly active users statistic.

Understanding the Market Dynamics

The significance of a 400 million decline in users cannot be understated. If Windows had truly declined from 1.4 billion to just over a billion, we would likely see significant market shifts, with macOS or Linux capturing a substantial portion of that lost user base. However, such shifts have not occurred, reinforcing the idea that the previous claims were unfounded.

In summary, Windows 11’s standing in the market remains robust. The misunderstanding regarding user numbers has been clarified, and Windows continues to dominate the operating system landscape.