Microsoft 'humbled' as Windows 10 downloads hit 14 million

Phased rollout of new operating system continues

Windows 10 was downloaded 14 million times in its first 24 hours, according to Microsoft.

The new operating system hit the market on Wednesday and appeared to be received well by customers and reviewers. Microsoft said it could "only dream" of some of the responses the OS got.

In the first 24 hours it was available, Windows 10 was downloaded to 14 million devices.

The rollout is still ongoing and was designed to be phased - meaning the OS is still not yet available to everyone who wants it.

"While we now have more than 14 million devices running Windows 10, we still have many more upgrades to go before we catch up to each of you that reserved your upgrade," Microsoft said on a blog.

"Rest assured we are working 24/7 to continue the upgrade process and are prioritising the quality of your upgrade experience over anything else. We are grateful for your excitement and enthusiasm and we appreciate your patience over the days and weeks ahead as we carefully roll out Windows 10 in phases to all of you that have reserved."

The vendor said it was "humbled and grateful" at the response the operating system received.

"We have seen unprecedented demand for Windows 10, with reviews and customer feedback overwhelmingly positive around the globe," said Microsoft. "We are doing everything we can to upgrade the world to Windows 10 as quickly as possible over the coming days and weeks ahead."