Windows 11 has reached 1 billion users faster than Windows 10

""Windows reached a big milestone, 1 billion Windows 11 users," said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on the company's fiscal Q2, 2026 earnings call. "Up over 45 percent year-over-year.""

"Microsoft must have had a strong number of Windows 11 users throughout December, as Windows chief Pavan Davuluri revealed at Microsoft Ignite on November 19th that "nearly a billion people" were running Windows 11."

"What's interesting is that Windows 11 has managed to reach 1 billion users in 1,576 days, less than the 1,706 days it took Windows 10 to reach the same milestone."

Windows 11 reached 1 billion users during the recent holiday quarter, achieving the milestone faster than Windows 10. Microsoft reported Windows 11 user growth of over 45 percent year-over-year. The increase in adoption correlated with Microsoft ending support for Windows 10, which also helped raise Windows OEM revenues. Microsoft registered strong Windows 11 adoption throughout December, with Windows leadership noting nearly a billion users in November. Windows 11 reached 1 billion users in 1,576 days versus 1,706 days for Windows 10. Microsoft had originally targeted one billion Windows 10 devices within three years, but that timeline extended after Windows Phone cancellation.

Read at The Verge