We use several metrics to determine the popularity and usage of different Windows operating systems. Yesterday Net Statistics revealed a slight drop in Windows 8’s usage, today, we have got access to Valve’s Steam Hardware and Software Survey report. According to which, the combined usage of Windows 8 and 8.1 — including both 32bit and 64bit CPUs — is 26.92 percent. This suggests 1.81% growth in Microsoft’s latest operating system.
For those who aren’t aware, Valve’s Steam uses the data coming from its game client, and measures hardware and software stats. While it isn’t as accurate as Net Statistics — which uses web traffic for the evaluation — but considering the number of users who play games via Steam, the data does give us a sense of how various operating systems are faring among the gamers.
According to the stats for the month of July, Windows 8.1 64bit is used by 17.75% users (up from 16.19% from a month earlier). Whereas, Windows 8.1’s 32bit operating system is being used by 0.48% gamers (up from 0.45%). Similarly, Windows 8 64bit is used by 8.25%, marking a growth of 0.24%, whereas the 32bit version of the same OS registered a drop of 0.02% to settle at 0.44%.
As always, Windows 7 64bit OS has continued its dominance, which despite the 0.49% drop still sports a 48.92% share. The 32 bit version of the same OS also faced a 0.53% drop, to sit at 11.68%. Windows XP seems to be losing its popularity, after a slight drop, it now holds a 4.69% share.
Looking at the other side of the pond, Mac OS 10.9.3 64 bit remains the most popular among Mac OS users, though it too marked 0.68% drop, now at 1.37%. Among Linux users Ubuntu 14.04 LTS 64 bit seems to be the most popular, despite a little drop, it is at 0.39%.
Further reading: Market Share, Steam
