What is the most popular operating system?

Updated: 02/04/2024 by Computer Hope
Collage of operating system terms.

Today, there are many different versions of Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android available. So, what is the most popular operating system?

According to all of the StatCounter Global Stats reports, as of April 2020, Windows 10 is the most popular desktop computer operating system. However, if you include mobile devices, Android is the most popular operating system globally.

Most popular operating system by computer

If you were to break up the different types of computing devices into categories, the most popular operating system for each category is as follows.

  • Windows 10 is the most popular operating system for desktop and laptop computers.
  • Android is the most popular smartphone operating system.
  • iOS is the most popular tablet operating system.
  • Variants of Linux are most widely used in the Internet of things and smart devices.
  • Other variants of Linux are the most popular operating system on web servers and supercomputers.

StatCounter Global Stats

Most popular operating systems

Lists of operating system market share

Below are reports and websites you can find a complete list of the top operating systems based on their market share.