Windows 10 hit 300 million devices 6 months faster than Windows 7

At Microsoft’s Build 2016 developer conference, CEO Satya Nadella declared that Windows 10 is the “fastest growing version of Windows for both consumers and enterprises,” and Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the Windows and Devices Group, added “Windows 10 is off to the fastest adoption of any release ever.” The title was previously held by Windows 7, so just how much faster is Windows 10 being adopted? It’s a difficult comparison to make as there are multiple important factors helping Windows 10, but in short, Windows 10 hit over 300 million devices about 6 months sooner than Windows 7 did.

Before we get into the factors, let’s take a look at the exact timing. Windows 7 took 462 days (between October 22, 2009, and January 27, 2011), or about 15 months, to hit 300 million. Windows 10 took 281 days (between July 29, 2015, and May 5, 2016), or about nine months. That means Windows 10 achieved the milestone in 181 fewer days, or about six months less.