Windows 10 now running on over 14 million devices

Microsoft's brand-new Windows 10 operating system is now running on millions of computers and tablets around the world.

Windows 10 is now running on over 14 million devices, Microsoft announced in a blog post on Thursday. According to Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Windows and the Devices Group Yusuf Mehdi, that number will only continue to grow over time as Microsoft makes Windows 10 available to more users in the coming days and weeks.

While the number is not overwhelming, it's a gauge on how quickly Microsoft is rolling out upgrades. Rather than launch Windows 10 to any and all customers who want it, Microsoft is taking a phased approach to its launch, offering it first to PC vendors and those who tested the beta versions of the operating system. Microsoft is then planning to roll out the operating system to all of those who requested it in the last several weeks in phases. The company has asked for patience as it works through the process.

"Rest assured we are working 24×7 to continue the upgrade process and are prioritizing the quality of your upgrade experience over anything else," Mehdi wrote in a blog post on Thursday. "We are grateful for your excitement and enthusiasm and we appreciate your patience over the days and weeks ahead as we carefully roll out Windows 10 in phases to all of you that have reserved."

Windows 10 launched on July 29 to much fanfare. The operating system represents a dramatic shift for Microsoft, which has previously charged for users to upgrade to its latest platforms. With Windows 10, most Windows 7 and Windows 8 users will get a Windows 10 upgrade free of charge, and may reserve access to the upgrade from their devices.

With Windows 10, Microsoft is trying to fix the mistakes it made with Windows 8, its previous operating system launch. The latest version addresses most of the complaints users had with Windows 8, featuring a redesign that looks more like older versions of the operating system, as well as the return of the Start Menu for easily accessing files and applications. The operating system also adds several new features, including the addition of Microsoft's virtual personal assistant Cortana, providing quick Web searching and assistance across the operating system.

CNET's Reviews team reviewed Windows 10 this month and was largely pleased with its offering. CNET's Nate Ralph said that the operating system "delivers a refined, vastly improved vision for the future of computing with an operating system that's equally at home on tablets and traditional PCs." He noted that the "upgrade process is mostly painless," but cautioned that the addition of Cortana to Windows 10 may fall flat for users, since it's "better suited for smartphones."

The Windows 10 free upgrade is available for a year, so those who have yet to request an update have time to decide whether it's right for them.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to a request for comment.