An operating system (OS) is software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides common services for computer programs. The OS is the most important program that runs on a computer. Every general-purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programs and applications. Computer operating systems perform basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the storage drives, and controlling peripheral devices, such as printers. For large systems, the operating system has even greater responsibilities and powers. The operating system is also responsible for security, ensuring that unauthorized users do not access the system. Operating systems provide a software platform on top of which other programs, called application programs, can run. The application programs must be written to run on top of a particular operating system.
Early computers were built to perform a series of single tasks, like a calculator. Basic operating system features were developed in the 1950s, such as resident monitor functions that could automatically run different programs in succession to speed up processing. During the 1960s, IBM's OS/360 introduced the concept of a single OS spanning an entire product line. Operating systems did not exist in their modern and more complex forms until the early 1960s. Desktop operating system is the environment through which the user controls a personal computer (Notebook, desktop, PC). The three most popular types of OS holding most of the Desktop Operating System Market Share include Windows, Mac, and Linux. You can find Desktop Operating System Market Size, Desktop Operating System Market Share, and other trends and statistics below and you can learn more about T4's strategy consulting services here.
The chart shows the Desktop Operating System Market Size from 2018 to 2021. In 2020, the size of the Desktop Operating System Industry was $37B and is projected to grow 2% in 2021. From 2018 to 2021 the Desktop Operating System Industry growth is projected to average 2% per year. For many years Windows has been the leader in terms of Desktop Operating System Market Share, although Apple is a strong contender and the topic of changes in Windows vs Mac market share is of high interest. These estimates were made before the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The short term impact of COVID-19 on the Desktop Operating System market growth will likely be Medium because an increasing number of consumers, children, and employees stay indoors, doing their activities mainly online. The demand for computers increases as electronic devices become an essential tool for the activities at home; but the supply may face difficulties, since factories are operating at a lower capacity. Operating systems may perform better with the release of new updates, such as Windows 10. The long term impact of COVID-19 on the Desktop Operating System market growth beyond the COVID-19 pandemic will likely be Medium because much of the supply chains for computers and other electronic devices are facing supply constraints as factories are operating at much lower capacity resulting in component shortages. The demand may face difficulties in the long term until production is restored completely. Updates in the OS versions will perform better than the device market. Request help with obtaining the source for this data and learn more about T4's strategy consulting services here.
The chart shows Desktop Operating System Market Share in 2019. The Desktop Operating System Market is Highly Concentrated among a few vendors. The leading Vendor in the Desktop Operating System Industry was Windows with 78% market share in 2019, followed by MAC OS with 14% Desktop Operating System market share, Linux with 2% Desktop Operating System market share, Chrome OS with 1%, and Other with 5%. Get help with market research for the Desktop Operating System market, including the source for this Desktop Operating System Market Share chart and learn more about T4's strategy consulting services here.
Technological advancements and rising awareness among consumers have led to increased demand for computer systems, consequently increasing the demand for operating systems and driving the market. However, the growth has been hampered by the rapid usage of pirated versions of operating systems. Market growth is tied to improvements and updates of existing OS, with the release of new versions that include new features, applications, and functionalities. Drivers also include the increased traction for the emergence of technologies, such as cloud computing and mobility, growing online data sharing and bring your own device (BYOD), adoption by SMEs, and a need for data consistency.
Learn about T4's Consulting servicesDesktop Operating System is a Mature market composed of a few large competitors and many small competitors. Windows market share was 78% of the Desktop Operating System market in 2019. Microsoft Windows became and stayed a dominating presence in the desktop operating system market since it’s debut in 1985. Major versions include Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and the most recent Windows 10, Windows Server family for server computers, and a specialized version of Windows that runs on the Xbox One video game console. Windows 10 market share is 39.22% between Windows users. This established it as the most popular operating system on the market. MAC OS market share was 14% of the Desktop Operating System market in 2019. Among MacOS users, OS X reached a 14.64% desktop market share from April 2018 through April 2019; MacOS Mojave has a market share of 42.52%; MacOS High Sierra is the second most popular MacOS flavor, with a 23.95% market share; MacOS Sierra comes third, with a global market share of 12.08%; 10.36% of computers and laptops run on OS X El Capitan; OS X 10.10 is used by 6.2%. Linux market share was 2% of the Desktop Operating System market in 2019. Of all Linux users, 38.2% use Ubuntu as of May 2019; 21.5% of users rely on Debian; CentOS is used by 17.5%; 2.2% use Red Hat; and 1.8% of Linux fans run Gentoo. Chrome OS market share was 1% of the Desktop Operating System market in 2019. In 2018, Chrome OS had a 60% market share among all laptops and tablets in the U.S. K-12 classrooms. 30 million Chromebooks are being used in education. Chromebook’s market size is expected to go over 17 million units by 2023.
T4's research team can help you learn more about the Desktop Operating System industry with market analysis, competitive analysis, commercial Due Diligence, and other market research needs. This includes deeper analysis on competitors in the Desktop Operating System market, including: Microsoft Windows, Apple MAC OS X, Ubuntu, Linux, Fedora, Chrome OS; research into related topics such as Mobile Operating System, Embedded/Industrial Operating Systems, Automotive Infotainment Operating System, Server Operating System, IoT Operating System; or additional support in the Software Sector or other Sectors. Learn more about T4's strategy consulting services here.
