Windows vs. macOS Statistics – Which is Better? (2025)

Introduction

Windows vs. macOS Statistics: Windows and macOS are the top two trending personal computer operating systems. Microsoft has developed Windows with an expanded range of software compatibility, which can be used on various hardware. Meanwhile, macOS by Apple was best known for its user-friendly interface and strong integration with other Apple devices.

Both include several benefits and drawbacks within their systems, which are detailed below in the report. Thus, they are termed tough competitors. This article is about understanding the market analysis of both operating systems, including user demographics, performance, security, software usage, application type, compatibility, customer support, recent updates, and more.

Proper comparison of both OSS is necessary because this helps users choose the best system, informs businesses about market trends, guides software developers, plans for training and developments, and forecasts future technology moves.

The article’s data and statistics are taken from various current insights and sources that will help you better understand the topic. So, let’s dive into the article and find out which OS is much better.

Editor’s Choice

• According to GS Statcounter reports, as of April 2025, the Windows operating system market share was 25.79%, while macOS captured 17.82%.
• During the same duration, approximately 71.06% of desktop computers used via Windows and macOS held a 5.58% desktop user share.
• The Times of India reports that Windows 11 PCs equipped with Copilot+ are 58% faster than an M3 MacBook Air in Cinebench 2024 multi-core performance tests.
• The DR Logic survey report shows that in 2024, small and medium-sized businesses chose macOS over Windows, as its usage increased from 24% to 27%.
• Moreover, 72% of organisations choose macOS rather than Windows when they are given a choice.
• Spyhunter’s reports also show that Windows 10 and macOS 15.3 are the most widely used versions of Windows and macOS as of March 2025.
• Windows is mostly used within enterprise environments, and macOS is popular among creative professionals.

Global Monthly OS Market Share Statistics

• In March 2025, Windows had a 25.85% market share, while macOS held 18.05%.
• In April 2025, Windows recorded a 25.79% share, and macOS had 17.82%.
• In January 2025, Windows captured 25.47%, and macOS had 18.11%.
• In February 2025, Windows reached 25.36%, with macOS at 18.25%.

By Region

• GS Statcounter reports as of April 2025 show that in the North American region, Windows and macOS have market shares of 31.69% and 27.19%, respectively.

Similarly, other regions’ market share in the same period is stated in the table below:

By Country (As of April 2025)

Desktop Operating System Monthly Market Share Statistics

• According to GS Statcounter reports, in April 2025, approximately 71.06% of desktop computers used Windows and macOS, which held a 5.58% desktop user share.

Furthermore, other monthly desktop operating system market shares of Windows and macOS are stated in the table below:

Desktop  Version Market Share Statistics by Windows

(Reference: statcounter.com)

• The above graph analysis states that as of April 2025, Win10 captured a market share of 52.94%.
• In the same period, other desktop versions’ market shares were followed by Win 11 (43.72%), Windows 7 (2.4%), and Windows 8 (0.22%).

By macOS

(Source: gs.statcounter.com)

• In April 2025, macOS Catalina desktop version made up a market share of 83.86%.
• Meanwhile, other desktop macOS versions’ global market shares were macOS Cheetah (5.98%), macOS Sierra (2.76%), macOS Mojave (1.9%) and OS X EI Captain (0.27%).

Key Observations of Both the Market Trends

• According to The Verge’s survey reports, 49% of users were using Windows 11 in August 2024, an increase of 3% from July.
• Meanwhile, Windows 10 usage dropped by around 3%, down to 47%.
• In October, over 400 million devices were running Windows 11.
• Currently, Windows 11 is the most popular operating system for PC gaming.
• The GS Statcounter survey also shows that, as of 2025, Windows’ share in the United States had reduced by 65.63%, and macOS’s share increased to 7.48%.
• macOS has shown consistent growth in the United States and Europe, where its share will roughly increase to 16% in 2025.

Windows vs. macOS Statistics by Performance & Reliability

• MacOS boots faster than Windows; on average, a Mac’s start-up time is about 20 to 30 seconds.
• Meanwhile, Windows with PC hardware takes 30 seconds or more than 1 minute to boot, while Windows PC with SSDs takes less time, under 30 seconds.

Furthermore, other features of Windows and macOS are stated in the table below:

By Security

• According to the survey analysis of CVEdetails, in 2024, the Windows operating system recorded over 1,000 security vulnerabilities, including remote code execution and privilege escalation.
• Besides, macOS reported more than 150 vulnerabilities related to system integrity and kernel security.

(Source: portal.av-atlas.org)

• Windows vs. macOS Statistics based on the AV-Test report 2024 show that around 80% to 90% of all malware attacks, including ransomware, trojans, and spyware, target Windows machines.
• Meanwhile, macOS has fewer malware attacks, accounting for about 5% to 10% of infections, such as phishing attacks and adware.
• Lear.microsoft.com further reports that Microsoft updates Windows monthly, mostly on “Patch Tuesday” and in urgent patches.
• Moreover, support.apple.com states that macOS gets regular security updates from Apple.

By Software & Application Ecosystem

• According to Statista report analysis, the desktop operating system Windows has the largest software library, estimated to include more than 1.5 million apps, such as desktop programs, utilities, and games.
• According to a developer.aaple.com article, macOS offers than 1 million applications via the Mac App Store and other third-party.

In contrast, a comparison between Windows and macOS popular software exclusives and compatibilities is stated in the table below:

Comparison of Windows vs. macOS Statistics based on developer community size and app update frequency is detailed as follows:

By User Demographics Statistics

Windows

• Techsearchers’ survey analysis of 2025 shows that in the United States, the Windows operating system is still leading the market with more than 230 million active users.

Furthermore, other countries estimated Windows users in other countries as of 2025 are stated in the table below:

• Almost 70% of gamers in the United States of America are using Windows-based PCs.
• Based on age groups, almost 40% of Windows users are in the largest group, aged 35 to 54.
• Moreover, others are followed by those aged 25 to 34 (25%), 55+ (20%), and 18 to 24 (15%).

macOS

• According to Spyhunters’ report analysis, in 2024, more than 100.4 million people globally were using Macs.
• On the other hand, the adoption rate of macOS Ventura captured a Mac user share of 74.1%.
• In the United States, the desktop OS market captured a share of 29.62% of macOS.

  (Reference: spyhunter.com)

• Based on geographic distribution, about 40.3% of Mac users live in the United States. Europe has 30.2%, mainly in the U.K., Germany, and France.
• Asia holds 20.5%, with growth in Japan and China.
• The remaining 9% are in Latin America, Africa, and Oceania.
• Female Mac Users accounted for 66%, while 34% were male.
• About 56% of Mac users are aged 18-34, attracted by Macs for school and work.
• Around 30% of those aged 35-54 use Macs for their jobs. Nearly 14% are 55 or older, a smaller but loyal group.

By Costs and Hardware Availability

A report published by SimpleMDM: Windows vs. macOS Statistics show that the cost prices of desktops and laptops are mentioned in the table below:

• According to PCMag survey reports, Windows PCs include several hardware options based on different manufacturers, such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, and Acer.
• Meanwhile, Apple offers rare hardware options with fewer models.
• According to SellCell’s reports, Macs retain about 60% to 70% of their original value after 3 years, while Windows laptops often retain 30% to 50% after the same period.
• On the other hand, Macs last almost 5 to 7 years, which is more than Windows PCs, which last around 3 to 5 years.

By Customer Support

• Windows vs. macOS Statistics based on Statista reports show that Apple’s customer support captured 85% of user satisfaction.
• On the other hand, customer satisfaction at Microsoft is second with a share of 72%.
• The TecRepublic report states that approximately 30% of Windows users and 15% of macOS users reported update issues.

Conclusion

After completing the overall article, it is clear that Windows is used by most people globally, holding a share of 71.06% of desktop users, more than macOS, with 5.58%. Windows works on many types of computers and is known for its wide software support. MacOS runs only on Apple computers but is loved for its clean design and security. Based on purpose, Windows performs better than macOS, but compared to budget Macs, it is costlier than Windows PCs. Windows has many software choices and cheaper options, but macOS provides a secure system.

Thus, according to the above analysis, Windows OS is better in terms of market share, user share, software updates, hardware availability, user demographics, and costs. At the same time, macOS is better regarding security, performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction.