Microsoft: 1 Billion Monthly Active Devices In Mid-2018 Isn't Achievable

Last year, in the Build 2015 conference, Microsoft had set the bar regarding Windows 10 installations, stating they would reach 1 billion devices by mid-2018; but it is now clear that this objective is far from being achieved.

Mary Jo Foley from ZDNet asked Microsoft about this case, and she was given the following reply:

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.

Microsoft’s goal is expected to be achieved by taking into account PCs, Xbox consoles, iOT devices and Windows Phones with Windows 10 Mobile. However, representatives of the company note that their revised expectations are due to current efforts in the mobile area that have pushed back the timetable.

With the free Windows 10 upgrade to be completed in a few days (on July 29 to be exact), it is very likely that the momentum Microsoft currently has will further decrease. However, the number of 350 million active devices is a significant number and it is interesting to observe the efforts of the company in the following period for even better results.