Android surpasses Windows as most-used operating system for first time

Google has struck a blow against major tech rival Microsoft after its Android software became the world’s most popular operating system ahead of Windows.

Analytics firm StatCounter conducted the research which showed Android topping the worldwide OS internet usage market share list for the first time in March with a 37.93% share.

That figure edges Google’s system ahead of that of Microsoft's, with Windows taking a slightly smaller share of 37.91%.

StatCounter's CEO Aodhan Cullen said that Android’s overtaking of Windows was a "milestone" for Google and its parent company Alphabet.

"It marks the end of Microsoft's leadership worldwide of the OS market which it has held since the 1980s," Cullen said.

"It also represents a major breakthrough for Android which held just 2.4% of global internet usage share only five years ago."

A rapid increase in the use of mobile in comparison to computers and laptops has played into the hands of Google, as Microsoft continues to struggle to establish itself firmly in the mobile market.

Cullen added that it was going to "be difficult for Microsoft to make inroads in mobile but the next paradigm shift might give it the opportunity to regain dominance."

Windows still maintains the vast majority of the operating systems via desktop services, with an 84% usage figure for March.