Microsoft claims that Windows 10 is now running on 800 million devices

Imminent end-of-life for Windows 7 could help Microsoft achieve its target of one billion devices running Windows 10

Microsoft is closing in on its target of getting Windows 10 on one billion devices, with the company's own figures suggesting that PC operating system is now running on 800 million machines.

However, the company is running somewhat behind schedule. CEO Satya Nadella had expected that target to be achieved within two years of Windows 10's release - in July 2015. Back then, the company also expected to be challenging Android and iOS on smartphones with Windows 10 Mobile. That, though, will be formally discontinued in December 2019.

Adoption of Windows 10 has been stymied by the continued popularity of Windows 7. But with extended support for Windows 7 finishing in January next year, organisations will need to either upgrade or pay Microsoft annual tribute in the form Extended Security Updates return for continued security updates.

This will cost $25 or $50 per PC in the first year, depending on the version, $50 or $100 in the second year and $100 or $200 in the third year - with organisations required to pay previous year's support in return for security patches released in those years if they don't sign-up in year one.

Windows 10 is the first operating system designed to work across disparate devices - everything from IoT devices through to huge networks. That means that this figure includes products such as Xbox consoles, as well as moribund Windows Phone smartphones.

Even discounting these form factors, Windows 10 is now clearly the most popular operating system for desktops and laptops with a share of just over 40 per cent of the market, followed by Windows 7 on 38 per cent, according to this month's figures from Net Applications' Netmarketshare.

Windows 10 continues to be updated under the "Windows-as-a-Service" model on a bi-annual basis, with the next build expected sometime in the next month or so.

However, with the last big update, Windows 10 Autumn 2019 Update (Build 1809), proving a bork-prone disaster, the pressure will be on Microsoft to produce an update that works as advertised in spring.