Doubts about Microsoft’s Target to Run Windows 10 on 1 Billion Devices by 2018 Emerge

In April 2015, Microsoft confidently set a goal, a prediction that by 2018, its operating system Windows 10 would be running on a staggering one billion devices. At the time, skeptics questioned this ambitious target, while others saw it as doable, considering what seemed like a strategic, well-thought-out approach the tech giant had in place.

Microsoft wooed its existing user base, offering free upgrades for Windows 7 and 8 users over the subsequent year. This strategy led to a notable milestone – approximately 350 million installs of their flagship operating system. These developments provided a pulse of optimism that the lofty one billion target was achievable on schedule. However, recent reports from respected tech website, ZDNet, delivered a dose of reality. The daunting objective, it appears, might not be in Microsoft’s reach after all.

You may wonder, how did we arrive at such a reversal of fortunes? After recording 350 million installs in a year, it seemed that reaching the prestigious one billion mark was within their grasp, particularly given the influx of positive reports suggesting a potential resurgence in the PC market. There were high hopes that the introduction of Windows 10 would serve as a catalyst to sustain this recovery.

Upon digesting Microsoft’s statement on ZDNet, it seems that achieving the goal isn’t entirely off the table – it might just happen later than initially forecasted. Yusef Mehdi, the head of Marketing at Windows, declared, “Windows 10 is off to the hottest start in history with over 350m monthly active devices, with record customer satisfaction and engagement. We’re pleased with our progress to date, but due to the focusing of our phone hardware business, it will take longer than FY18 for us to reach our goal of 1 billion monthly active devices. In the year ahead, we are excited about usage growth coming from commercial deployments and new devices – and increasing customer delight with Windows.”

Interpreting Mehdi’s statement, he implies that the goal is still achievable. However, the slower growth of their mobile division is causing a delay in reaching their desired target. Before Windows 10 officially took off in July 2015, Microsoft made significant job cuts, with about 7,800 employees laid off, predominantly from its mobile phone division. This move has arguably impacted the pace of Windows 10 installations.

Moreover, starting July 29, the average user will now have to shell out $119/40,000 Naira for the Windows 10 upgrade, potentially acting as a dampener. Nonetheless, the optimism at Microsoft’s camp is palpable, and the journey towards reaching the ambitious target continues unabated.