According to the latest statistics provided by market research firm Net Applications, Windows XP is currently powering 37.13 percent of computers the world over.
These numbers put the classic operating system as the second most popular in the world, just behind Windows 7, which tops the rankings at 44.37 percent. This formation leaves Windows 8 a fair few leagues behind as the new platform is still finding its footing.
But Microsoft is confident that Windows 8.1 will change this for the better.
The software titan used the currently ongoing Worldwide Partners Conference 2013 in Houston, Texas as an opportunity to remind users that Windows XP support will end on April 8, 2014 — and moving to a newer version of the OS should be an outright priority for everyone.
Tami Reller, Microsoft’s Windows marketing chief reiterated during her keynote that Windows 8.1 is supposed to help users away from Windows XP.
“Now is the time for enterprise to consider Windows 8 with Windows 8.1. It is only 273 days away until the end of Windows XP support.”
The senior executive emphasized that this is the right moment to abandon Windows XP, while also calling for partners to join Microsoft’s efforts of retiring the ancient operating system.
In fact, Reller added that Windows XP surprisingly high market share is a big opportunity for Microsoft partners around the globe as consumers and businesses are soon to begin the transition to a newer OS, be it Windows 7 or Windows 8.
