Windows User Base Shrinks by 400 Million: A Giant Faces Challenges

Microsoft executives admit that the number of active Windows devices is lower than expected, with a decrease of around 400 million in the past three years. This is not simply a matter of Windows 10/11 upgrades, but a trend of users switching to smartphones and tablets, as well as alternatives like Chromebooks. While enterprise users may upgrade due to security concerns, ordinary consumers are less willing to update their systems. Apple's Mac market share is also declining, but its cost-effectiveness and portability still pose a threat to Windows. The prevalence of free online applications like Google Docs has also reduced consumer reliance on Windows, and Microsoft faces significant market challenges.