Monday 1st December 2014

San Francisco, CA & Dublin, Ireland; Monday 1st December 2014: Windows 8.1 has broken the 10% mark and overtaken XP for the first time globally in terms of internet usage according to StatCounter, the independent website analytics company.

The report from the company's research arm, StatCounter Global Stats shows that in November, Windows 8.1 at 10.95% narrowly beat XP to second place, pushing it to third at 10.69%. Windows 7 remains the most popular operating system on 50.3%.

"Following a somewhat mixed reaction to Windows 8, Windows 8.1 has made steady progress since its launch," commented Aodhan Cullen, CEO, StatCounter. "It passed Windows 8 in August and has now passed Windows XP in November. The growth trajectory for Windows 8.1 has been positive but if current trends continue it will not topple Windows 7 before Windows 10 is launched in 2015."

In the US Windows 8.1 is at 12.2% having overtaken XP in October. Windows 7 leads with 43.9%.

In the UK, where Windows 8.1 overtook XP in April, XP has declined to 4.2% while Windows 8.1 is currently at 13.2%. Windows 7 is number one on 40.4%. (Other country analysis available on https://gs.statcounter.com/#os-ww-monthly-201311-201411).

StatCounter (www.statcounter.com) provides independent website analytics, including a free option, to companies, agencies, bloggers, self-employed, charities and those who want to measure activity on their website, blog or forum. Key features include ease of use, independence and ability to view individual visitors in real time.

StatCounter recently announced a new feature in response to Google's removal of keyword data. By integrating Google Webmaster Tools (GWT) data into its reports, StatCounter has given its members the ability to access all available keyword intelligence which they can slice and dice all within their StatCounter account.

StatCounter Global Stats data is based on over 15 billion page views per month to over three million websites. Further info is available here: https://gs.statcounter.com/faq

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For interview with Aodhan Cullen, photo or press queries:
Ronnie Simpson, Simpson Consulting PR
E:ronnie@simpsonconsulting.ie T:+353 1 260 5300