Windows 10 is six months old and is now the second most used operating system in use. Windows 7 remains the most popular and owners of Windows 7 are reluctant to upgrade to the newer version.

Windows 10 had a good month of growth in January, passing Windows 8.1 and Windows XP to become the second most operating system globally, CNet reports.

According to data compiled by Net Market Share, Windows 10 now has a global market share of 11.85 percent, up from 9.96 in December. The positive growth in just a month was a nice surprise for Microsoft after months of slow growth.

Far Behind Windows 7

Windows 10 is still far behind Windows 7 in terms of use. Windows 7 owns a 52.47 percent share of operating system usage globally.

Windows 10 looks like it is gaining mainstream acceptance, something Microsoft really needs after an extremely unpopular release of Windows 8. Microsoft was anxious to release Windows 10 after hearing negative feedback on Windows 8.

Free for Six More Months

Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users have about six months to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Windows 10 became available as a free upgrade on July 29 and will only remain free for a one-year time period. When the free period to upgrade to Windows 10 is complete, it will cost $119 for the Home version and $199 for the Pro version.

Despite its big lead over Windows 10, Windows 7 did drop from 55.6 percent in December to 52.47 percent in January, a signal that users are upgrading to Windows 10.

Pop-up Reminders

Microsoft continues to remind Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users to upgrade to Windows 10 by displaying reminder pop-ups on their screens. Microsoft still labels the upgrade to Windows 10 as "optional," but they said they will begin calling Windows 10 a "recommended upgrade" early this year.

Most desktop and laptop computers currently on sale come pre-loaded with Windows 10. Customers who want earlier versions of Windows have to have their computers custom-made.

Windows 10 comes with a new Internet browser called Microsoft Edge and the voice assistant Cortana.

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