The Most Popular Version of Windows, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the version you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 5, 2024 06:52
Choosing the right version of Windows can significantly affect your computing experience, as each version offers different features and interfaces. By ranking these versions based on user preferences, it becomes easier for individuals to make informed decisions when selecting which OS best meets their needs. This process not only highlights the most appreciated qualities but also pinpoints the challenges users might face.
Your votes help determine which Windows versions stand out from the rest. This dynamic ranking evolves with each vote, reflecting current user opinions and trends. Participation is open to everyone, ensuring that the results encapsulate a wide range of experiences and preferences. Casting a vote is a meaningful way to contribute to the community and help guide future Windows users in their choice.
What Is the Most Popular Version of Windows?
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178votes
Microsoft · Public domainWindows 10
Microsoft CorporationWindows 10 is the most recent version of the Windows operating system and is widely used due to its modern interface, advanced security features, and compatibility with a wide range of hardware and software.Windows 10 is the latest and most advanced operating system developed by Microsoft. It is part of the Windows NT family of operating systems and serves as the successor to Windows 8.1. Windows 10 was first released on July 29, 2015, and since then, it has received consistent updates and improvements.- User Interface: Modern, intuitive, and customizable UI with the Start menu and Live Tiles.
- Cortana Integration: Built-in virtual assistant for voice commands, reminders, and personalized assistance.
- Microsoft Store: Access to a wide range of apps, games, and entertainment through the unified Microsoft Store.
- Continuum Mode: Seamless transition between tablet and desktop modes for hybrid devices.
- Virtual Desktops: Multiple desktops for improved multitasking and organization.
Windows 10 in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most advanced operating system
- Position 4 of 10 in Most useful computer program
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228votes
Windows 7
MicrosoftWindows 7 was released in 2009 and is still popular among users due to its stability, reliability, and ease of use.Windows 7 is a popular operating system developed by Microsoft. It was released in 2009 as the successor to Windows Vista. Windows 7 brought significant improvements and features to enhance user experience and performance.- Release Date: October 22, 2009
- System Requirements: 1 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit), DirectX 9 graphics device, and 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
- Editions: Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate
- User Interface: Aero Glass visual style with a redesigned taskbar and Start menu
- Windows Explorer Enhancements: Improved file management with Libraries, Jump Lists, and new navigation features
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341votes
Microsoft · Public domainWindows XP was released in 2001 and is still used by some users due to its simplicity, stability, and familiarity. -
417votes
Microsoft · Public domainWindows 8.1
MicrosoftWindows 8.1 was released in 2013 and is an updated version of Windows 8, with improved performance and features.Windows 8.1 is an operating system developed by Microsoft as an upgrade to Windows 8. It was released on October 17, 2013, and aimed to address some of the criticisms received by its predecessor. Windows 8.1 introduced several improvements and new features to enhance user experience and productivity.- Start Button: Windows 8.1 reintroduced the Start button, which was absent in Windows 8, providing users with a familiar way to access the Start menu.
- Boot to Desktop: Users have the option to configure Windows 8.1 to boot directly to the desktop mode, skipping the Start screen.
- Improved Search: The search functionality in Windows 8.1 was enhanced to provide better results and include web search integration.
- More Personalization Options: Windows 8.1 offered additional customization options, including more colorful Start screen backgrounds and the ability to use desktop wallpapers on the Start screen.
- Updated Apps: Microsoft updated several built-in apps, such as Mail, Calendar, and Photos, to provide better functionality and performance.
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510votes
Microsoft · Public domainWindows Vista
MicrosoftWindows Vista was released in 2006 and is still used by some users, although it was widely criticized for its compatibility issues and slow performance.Windows Vista is a widely used operating system developed by Microsoft. It was released in January 2007 as the successor to Windows XP. With its modern interface and improved security features, Vista aimed to provide a more user-friendly and secure computing experience.- Release date: January 2007
- Interface: Modern graphical user interface (GUI)
- Security: Enhanced security features like Windows Defender and User Account Control
- Visual enhancements: Improved desktop experience with Aero Glass, Flip 3D, and Windows Sidebar
- Search functionality: Integrated desktop search and improved file indexing
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69votes
Windows Server 2016
MicrosoftWindows Server 2016 is a popular version of Windows for servers, offering advanced security features, virtualization capabilities, and improved performance.Windows Server 2016 is a server operating system developed by Microsoft as a part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. It is the successor to Windows Server 2012 R2.- Release date: September 26, 2016
- Kernel version: Windows NT 10.0
- Supported architectures: 64-bit (x64)
- Editions: Standard, Datacenter, Essentials, MultiPoint Premium
- Graphical user interface: Desktop Experience, Server Core
Windows Server 2016 in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular version of Windows Server
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713votes
Windows Server 2012 R2
MicrosoftWindows Server 2012 R2 is an updated version of Windows Server 2012, with improved performance and features for virtualization and cloud computing.Windows Server 2012 R2 is a version of the Windows Server operating system developed by Microsoft. It is the successor to Windows Server 2012 and is part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. Windows Server 2012 R2 primarily focuses on enhancing the functionalities and capabilities of its predecessor.- Improved Hyper-V: Enhanced scalability, performance, and manageability of virtualization environments.
- Storage Tiering: Ability to optimize storage utilization by automatically moving the frequently accessed data to faster storage devices.
- Improved Remote Desktop Services: Enhancements in session management, graphics rendering, and user experience.
- Active Directory Enhancements: Improved compatibility, user management, security, and federation services.
- Windows Server Essentials Experience: Integration of essential small business server features into the Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard and Datacenter editions.
Windows Server 2012 R2 in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular version of Windows Server
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86votes
Windows Server 2008 R2
MicrosoftWindows Server 2008 R2 is still used by some businesses and organizations, offering advanced security features, reliability, and performance.Windows Server 2008 R2 is a server operating system developed by Microsoft. It is an updated version of Windows Server 2008 and is based on the Windows 7 operating system.- Release Date: October 22, 2009
- Kernel Version: 6.1
- 64-bit Support: Yes
- Active Directory Enhancements: Yes
- Network Access Protection: Yes
Windows Server 2008 R2 in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular version of Windows Server
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95votes
Windows 2000
MicrosoftWindows 2000 was released in 2000 and was a popular version of Windows for businesses and organizations, offering advanced networking and security features.Windows 2000 is a Microsoft operating system released on February 17, 2000. It is part of the Windows NT family of operating systems and was designed for both business and personal computing. Windows 2000 introduced many new features and improvements over its predecessor, Windows NT 4.0.- Kernel: NT 5.0
- Processor architecture: x86, Alpha, MIPS
- System requirements: 32 MB RAM, 2 GB hard disk space
- Maximum supported RAM: 4 GB (64-bit version)
- Graphical user interface: Windows shell
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103votes
Windows NT 4.0
Microsoft CorporationWindows NT 4.0 was released in 1996 and was a popular version of Windows for businesses and organizations, offering advanced networking and security features.Windows NT 4.0 is a popular Microsoft operating system that was released in 1996. It is part of the Windows NT family of operating systems and was designed for both personal computers and servers. It introduced several new features and improvements over its predecessor, Windows NT 3.51.- Release Date: August 24, 1996
- Architecture: IA-32, DEC Alpha, MIPS
- Kernel Version: NT 4.0
- File System: NTFS 4.0
- Advanced Networking: Built-in TCP/IP stack
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular version
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User adoption rateThe rate at which users upgraded to a new version of Windows is an important factor to consider.
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Features and functionalitiesThe popularity of a version of Windows often depends on the features and functionalities it provides to users.
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Stability and performanceUsers often prefer a version of Windows that is stable and offers high performance.
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System requirementsThe requirements of a version of Windows to run on different computers and devices are important to consider, as older devices may not meet the requirements of newer versions of Windows.
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User feedbackFeedback from users and experts can help gauge the popularity and satisfaction with a specific version of Windows.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular version of Windows. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or version is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1913 views
- 198 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each version once every 24 hours. The rank of each version is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular version of windows
Background Information:
Microsoft has been releasing various versions of their Windows operating system for more than three decades. Each iteration has brought new features and improvements, making it challenging to determine which version is the most popular. However, based on recent statistics, Windows 10 is the most widely used version of Windows, with over 1.5 billion devices running the operating system worldwide.
Windows 10 was released in 2015 and has quickly gained popularity, with many users upgrading from previous versions. Its features include a new Start menu, Cortana virtual assistant, and Microsoft Edge web browser. Additionally, Windows 10 is optimized for touch devices, making it suitable for both desktops and tablets.
Previous versions of Windows, such as Windows 7 and Windows XP, remain popular, but their usage has declined over time. Windows 7, which was released in 2009, reached its end of life in 2020, meaning it no longer receives security updates. Windows XP, which was released in 2001, is no longer supported by Microsoft, making it vulnerable to security threats.
Overall, Windows 10 is the most popular version of Windows, with its consistent updates and user-friendly features making it a top choice for many users.
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