Windows 10 to be more popular than Windows 7 - research

Spiceworks claims nearly three quarters of IT professionals plan to migrate to new OS within two years

Almost three quarters of IT pros plan to migrate to Windows 10 within two years, which will make its launch more successful than that of its popular past incarnation Windows 7.

That is according to Spiceworks, whose recent research found more than half of its survey respondents are already testing Windows 10.

A massive 96 per cent of those asked said they were interested in Windows 10 and 40 per cent said they plan to roll it out within 12 months of its launch, which is set for the end of July. Another third said they will deploy it within the following year, meaning nearly three quarters expect to be running in within two years of its release.

Spiceworks says its historical data shows that two years after Windows 7 launched, just 60 per cent of those it spoke to were running at least one instance of the OS, suggesting the launch of Windows 10 will be more popular.

"The potential for adoption is significant," Spiceworks said.

The arrival of Windows 8 saw the popular Start button axed, but it is set to make a comeback in Windows 10. Sixty-four per cent of Spiceworks' respondents said this was the most interesting element of Windows 10.

Microsoft has made some bullish statements on the upcoming OS, which Spiceworks' vice president for marketing Sanjay Castelino is optimistic about.

"Microsoft's stated goal of one billion Windows 10 devices in two to three years is achievable, and strong interest from IT buyers bodes well for the entire Windows 10 ecosystem," he said. "However, it is important for technology brands to understand that the issues which matter most to IT buyers in a business context do not align with those of consumers, and brands should prepare to educate IT professionals accordingly."