Five reasons why Windows 8 has failed

Five reasons why Windows 8 has failed

Summary: The numbers are in and they don't lie. Windows 8 market adoption numbers are well behind Microsoft's greatest previous operating system failure, Vista.

By Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols for Between the Lines
March 4, 2013 -- 18:46 GMT (10:46 PST)


Windows fans will whine, but Net Applications' desktop operating systems numbers don't lie. Windows 8's pathetic user adoption numbers can't even keep up with Vista's lousy numbers.


win8vsvista-600x365.png

Windows 8 usage can't even keep up with Vista/s poor numbers. (Data from Net Applications)

The numbers speak for themselves. Vista, universally acknowledged as a failure, actually had significantly better adoption numbers than Windows 8. At similar points in their roll-outs, Vista had a desktop market share of 4.52% compared to Windows 8's share of 2.67%. Underlining just how poorly Windows 8's adoption has gone, Vista didn't even have the advantage of holiday season sales to boost its numbers. Tablets--and not Surface RT tablets--were what people bought last December, not Windows 8 PCs.


mobileosfeb2013-v1-600x268.png

Windows 8, and its relatives Windows Phone 8 and RT, make no impression at all in the smartphone and tablet markets. (Credit: Net Applications)

Windows 8's failure is actually greater than it appears. The tablet and phone markets in 2007 were next to non-existent. Now, in a market where NPD expects tablets to out sell notebooks by year's end, neither Windows 8 nor its cousins Windows RT and Windows Phone 8 even appear on NetApplication's mobile and tablet reports for February 2013. How bad is that? Android 1.6, with is tiny 0.02% of the market, does make the list.

I predicted that Windows 8 would be dead on arrival last year, but it's flopping even more than I thought it would be. So, why has Windows 8 been such a failure? Here's my list:


see full report
 
This is such a horrid comparison to make.

Hmmm... the housing sector is doing poorly compared to 2007 when it was at its peak, so therefore the housing market has collapsed entirely and can't be saved.

Also, you know there is a troll in the details when Windows 8 is compared to vista. That's an ignorant thing to do without realizing the whole spectrum of context and facts.

But I guess some people don't react to facts at all...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
And in the red corner...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows Phone 6, Windows CE 5, Windows Vista x32, Windows 7 x32/x64, Windows 8 x64
I am neither for or against Win 8 having said that I use an 8 machine only because the new HP computer I bought came with Win 8. Also, it seems there are a great many more articles indicating MS is having problems with getting Win 8 out to the public then the other way around.

It appears that also some of the retailers are having the same problem. Best Buy along with Staples are offering deals that seem as though they are having problems moving Win 8 machines and devices.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
    Memory
    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5450
    Sound Card
    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
    Screen Resolution
    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
    Hard Drives
    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
One things for sure if Microsoft does fail with Windows 8 and brings back the Start Menu that's it for me, I've never seen a more useless abboration in my life, it's like some stupid after thought for people who get lost easy.

I've always wondered why I like Windows 8 so much, but that was one of the main things, getting rid of that useless Menu.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro/Windows 8 Pro/Windows 7 64 Bit64Bit/Windows XP
One things for sure if Microsoft does fail with Windows 8 and brings back the Start Menu that's it for me, I've never seen a more useless abboration in my life, it's like some stupid after thought for people who get lost easy.

I've always wondered why I like Windows 8 so much, but that was one of the main things, getting rid of that useless Menu.

I installed Win 7 on triple boot, no dramas. I never had any real problems with Vista or XP for that matter. Win7 so far looks to run a little better than Vista, maybe a tad snappier. I have installed a few games with no problems. To be honest, I cant see why people would go to a Mac when they cant afford to upgrade their windows machine, that seems double Dutch to me. People that have been staying with XP, have really not got any excuse not to upgrade to Win 7 when it finally comes out.
Far as I can see this a really good system already, well done Bill Gates from BillWindows.

I think if people dont move from XP to Windows 7, they will die with XP. This is a much more polished platform than Xp. Some people are still using Commodore 64's, I suppose in 20 years time we'll be saying the same about XP users.
Me, I like to move on.

As a matter of interest, what will you move on to?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows Phone 6, Windows CE 5, Windows Vista x32, Windows 7 x32/x64, Windows 8 x64
The first reason, about Metro is absolutely ridiculous. I can access every app I need with
one single mouseklick or tap, and I have them arranged exactly the way I want.But that might
be too shockingly simple for some people. Concerning looks, there are lots of things that can
be done to change that, but I am quite satisfied with the default, and that has never happened
with any other OS, Windows, Linux or Unix.
I can understand people who hate Microsoft, but I really dont care what people are up to as long
as they can come up with something useful. Windows 8 is far from perfect, and some updates are needed
to fix the most important problems.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8
One things for sure if Microsoft does fail with Windows 8 and brings back the Start Menu that's it for me, I've never seen a more useless abboration in my life, it's like some stupid after thought for people who get lost easy.

I've always wondered why I like Windows 8 so much, but that was one of the main things, getting rid of that useless Menu.

I installed Win 7 on triple boot, no dramas. I never had any real problems with Vista or XP for that matter. Win7 so far looks to run a little better than Vista, maybe a tad snappier. I have installed a few games with no problems. To be honest, I cant see why people would go to a Mac when they cant afford to upgrade their windows machine, that seems double Dutch to me. People that have been staying with XP, have really not got any excuse not to upgrade to Win 7 when it finally comes out.
Far as I can see this a really good system already, well done Bill Gates from BillWindows.

I think if people dont move from XP to Windows 7, they will die with XP. This is a much more polished platform than Xp. Some people are still using Commodore 64's, I suppose in 20 years time we'll be saying the same about XP users.
Me, I like to move on.

As a matter of interest, what will you move on to?
You see Ray, I'm like a historian, people can't deny what I've said there, people were just as up in arms over Windows 7 as they are with Windows 8. On top of that they were even more hostile with XP, things never change. Windows users just hate change.

What will I move to, probably a mixture, pretty much like I've got now, that's the real reason I wanted Microsoft to succeed, I really do see the sense in a unified platform across devices.

I'm pretty used to Linux, so I'd use that for my HTPCs with XBMC. Tablets I've already got, phone I've already got, I hate giving money to Apple so for my main PCs, probably Linux. Problem is I'm getting sick of the big boxes so I'd probably build something on an ITX motherboard along the lines of my HTPCs but with much more power.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro/Windows 8 Pro/Windows 7 64 Bit64Bit/Windows XP
And your predictions about Apple before the release of the iPad?

Microsoft must be really shaking in their boots about Apple. Around a quarter of a century ago Apple dominated the market, what share have they got now, oh yeah about 7%, wow, they're moving up fast. Except for a few highly overpriced laptops, they're almost extinct. In reply to: "Windows 7 beta now available"
January 11, 2009

And you would drop Windows if Microsoft brought back the desktop interface with the desktop start menu? Doesn't that contradict your statement that:

Me, I like to move on.

As in, whatever new Microsoft introduces.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows Phone 6, Windows CE 5, Windows Vista x32, Windows 7 x32/x64, Windows 8 x64
Honestly, Microsoft probably has the most solid strategy in the industry. It ain't sexy, but it may be the most effective. They've singlehandedly managed to convince businesses to finally start converting to 7, are using it as a backstop for those who won't convert to 8, and are bringing in the right hook in singlehandedly proving that you do not need a pure tablet and have started a completely new line of mobile device. They have the only desktop system which can handle touch and pen, and they've completely integrated the back end so that you can reuse source between applications and apps.

In the meantime, Apple is resting on its laurels trying to make a watch or a tv they can sell, their operating systems are a mess on the backend, and none of their desktop applications support or can be built for touch and pen in their current state.

In the meantime, Google is off inventing X-Ray Vision or something while at least trying to make a touchscreen laptop, all their stuff is situated cloud or mobile so isn't really much of a competitor in the application arena.

And the best part of all is the media is thinking that Microsoft is now dead and buried, so nobody is paying much attention at all really to them as they get ready to hold the wake and party.

This year is going to be quite fun.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 on the desktop, Windows 8 Surface Pro mobile
Honestly, Microsoft probably has the most solid strategy in the industry. It ain't sexy, but it may be the most effective. They've singlehandedly managed to convince businesses to finally start converting to 7, are using it as a backstop for those who won't convert to 8, and are bringing in the right hook in singlehandedly proving that you do not need a pure tablet and have started a completely new line of mobile device. They have the only desktop system which can handle touch and pen, and they've completely integrated the back end so that you can reuse source between applications and apps.

In the meantime, Apple is resting on its laurels trying to make a watch or a tv they can sell, their operating systems are a mess on the backend, and none of their desktop applications support or can be built for touch and pen in their current state.

In the meantime, Google is off inventing X-Ray Vision or something while at least trying to make a touchscreen laptop, all their stuff is situated cloud or mobile so isn't really much of a competitor in the application arena.

And the best part of all is the media is thinking that Microsoft is now dead and buried, so nobody is paying much attention at all really to them as they get ready to hold the wake and party.

This year is going to be quite fun.

What a load of crap. Singlehandedly convinced businesses to move to Windows 7? Businesses are moving to Windows 7 because support for XP is finally ending, after an extension of several years. Businesses won't move to Windows 8 for years, if ever (they might move to Windows 9).

Oh yes, the rest are going no where, even if they are outselling Microsoft at every turn in the mobile arena. Microsoft introduces touch to Windows and that is the most resounding thing since the Internet was invented? Seriously, you need to turn down the volume of your evangelising several notches, as even the most gullible can sense the BS behind it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows Phone 6, Windows CE 5, Windows Vista x32, Windows 7 x32/x64, Windows 8 x64
There's only two courses of action when you make a mistake as moronic as turning Windows into a stupid hybrid operating system. You can either rectify your mistake, finding new ways of becoming relevant in the mobile space without screwing up your flagship product in the process, or you can deny all evidence and push ahead ignoring all common sense and digging yourself into a deeper hole. Microsoft sees nothing wrong with their current strategy, so this is going to be one heck of a clusterf*ck, and it's going to be quite an experience to behold.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 + StartIsBack + AeroGlass
    Computer type
    Laptop
It is as simple as choice, why MS and others cannot see this is beyond me.

If all they did was allow use of metro or traditional desktop at install 99% of all the crap would just go away imho.

Thinking they could use their desktop users to leverage their way into mobile market was just not ever sound thinking, and has led to what they have now.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W7
And your predictions about Apple before the release of the iPad?

Microsoft must be really shaking in their boots about Apple. Around a quarter of a century ago Apple dominated the market, what share have they got now, oh yeah about 7%, wow, they're moving up fast. Except for a few highly overpriced laptops, they're almost extinct. In reply to: "Windows 7 beta now available"
January 11, 2009

And you would drop Windows if Microsoft brought back the desktop interface with the desktop start menu? Doesn't that contradict your statement that:

Me, I like to move on.

As in, whatever new Microsoft introduces.
Wow, you're more of an expert on me, than me. There was a guy on Cnet about 6 months ago who said he'd gone back and read all my comments, now there's two of you. Maybe I'll have to find a publisher.

It's funny that everyone always says that people are continually moving over to Macs and not looking back. If that's the case how come they're still on around 7%, same as exactly 4 years ago.

Like I said Ray, I like to move on, bringing back any old stuff would be a backward step in the wrong direction. If they give people the option to put the Start Menu back in, okay, as long as they don't make it a feature.

For all I care they can give you everything back as long as they keep it as an option, I don't want any of that other rubbish.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro/Windows 8 Pro/Windows 7 64 Bit64Bit/Windows XP
I don't understand why the percentage has stayed at 7 for Apple. I know quite a few people personally who have made the switch over to Mac, both friends as well as co-workers. At work, we had some Mac users a few years ago, but they all let the company. However, we have had a number of our senior developers switch to MacBook pros in the last year. So, we may not have any more Macs than we had before, it is a new group now using them. And we acquired a company who is almost exclusively Mac. We aren't switching them to pc, as they practically threatened a revolt if we did. They seem to be productive and happy with their Macs, so we are leaving well enough alone.

To me, it's not the percentages, just what I experience and deal with personally that sets my opinions.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I don't understand why the percentage has stayed at 7 for Apple. I know quite a few people personally who have made the switch over to Mac, both friends as well as co-workers. At work, we had some Mac users a few years ago, but they all let the company. However, we have had a number of our senior developers switch to MacBook pros in the last year. So, we may not have any more Macs than we had before, it is a new group now using them. And we acquired a company who is almost exclusively Mac. We aren't switching them to pc, as they practically threatened a revolt if we did. They seem to be productive and happy with their Macs, so we are leaving well enough alone.

To me, it's not the percentages, just what I experience and deal with personally that sets my opinions.

Hi there
I've actually seen the REVERSE too -- I've seen people swap Ipads for Samsung tablets and there is a HUGE pent up demand for the Surface Pro -- at least there is where I am.

The whole area of laptops etc is a bit of a minefield currently --the dynamics of that market are changing almost DAILY. I do see a lot of people though also buying those Windows 8 "PC Convertables" which operate both in Laptop and Tablet mode.

One can even use a large monitor connected via HDMI at Full HD resolution or better to a MOBILE PHONE and a Bluetooth keyboard so who knows what devices will be used in the workplace in the future. - Pic enc of MHL/micro USB ==>HDMI phone connector

I've nothing against Macbooks apart from their price but as I said the whole dynamics of that market are very unpredictable. We need to see what happens as more "Capable" tablets come onstream.

Just as the Doctor ordered == "Please don't forget to take your Tablets".

Cheers
jimbo
 

Attachments

  • mhl.png
    mhl.png
    20 KB · Views: 273

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
I don't understand why the percentage has stayed at 7 for Apple. I know quite a few people personally who have made the switch over to Mac, both friends as well as co-workers. At work, we had some Mac users a few years ago, but they all let the company. However, we have had a number of our senior developers switch to MacBook pros in the last year. So, we may not have any more Macs than we had before, it is a new group now using them. And we acquired a company who is almost exclusively Mac. We aren't switching them to pc, as they practically threatened a revolt if we did. They seem to be productive and happy with their Macs, so we are leaving well enough alone.

To me, it's not the percentages, just what I experience and deal with personally that sets my opinions.
Yeah well you can't go on your own experience, you can't even go by country, eg, Windows Phone 8 is over 10% in Italy and pretty high over a lot of Europe.

I know why the percentage is still so low, it's because people go out and buy them while at the same time they're dropping off the other end. As far as I know they're just not as good as they're supposed to be, and they just don't have all the programmes Windows does. They're certainly not much good for people who like to fiddle with their machines.

I had a Macintosh years ago, it was the most boring computer I've ever owned, I didn't have it for long.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro/Windows 8 Pro/Windows 7 64 Bit64Bit/Windows XP
Metro is a joke, a failure, and everybody knows it. Sadly though, some refuse to admit it. It doesn't really matter though, Ms will either rectify their mistake, or see continues ridicule.

As for the predictable crowd who will rush in to the defense of 8(metro), don't bother. This is my opinion, and your shrill responses will simply be ignored by me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-28)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6570
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    PX2710MW
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1x1TB Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-00J7B1 ATA Device Caviar Black -

    4 x 2TB Seagate ST32000542A -
    1 x 4TB Seagate External
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Logitech Illuminated Keyboard K740
    Internet Speed
    60meg cable
    Browser
    Cyberfox
    Antivirus
    AVG Security Suite
Metro is a joke, a failure, and everybody knows it. Sadly though, some refuse to admit it. It doesn't really matter though, Ms will either rectify their mistake, or see continues ridicule.

As for the predictable crowd who will rush in to the defense of 8(metro), don't bother. This is my opinion, and your shrill responses will simply be ignored by me.
It's funny you're quoting almost exactly the same words they said about XP, only they were much worse and cutting, so it looks like Windows 8 will be a major hit.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro/Windows 8 Pro/Windows 7 64 Bit64Bit/Windows XP
Back
Top