Windows 10 is now in use on more than 200 million active device after about five months on the market, according to figures released by Microsoft today. This makes it the fastest growing version of Windows: 140 percent faster than Windows 7 at the same stage in its life, and a remarkable 400 percent faster than Windows 8.

Some 22 million of these devices are part of enterprise and education roll-outs, with Microsoft claiming that more than 76 percent of its enterprise customers are piloting the operating system.

Windows 10 of course has an advantage over Windows 7 and 8 when it comes to adoption: it's a free upgrade for existing Windows 7 and 8 users. Traditionally the only way most consumers would get a new Windows version is through buying a new PC with the new version preinstalled. With that no longer the case, wider adoption is to be expected. This is likely to accelerate as the operating system is pushed out as a recommended update later this year.

Just as importantly for Microsoft, it looks as if this usage is translating to greater usage of the Windows Store. The company says that in December each Windows 10 system generated 4.5 times the store revenue as compared to Windows 8, with 60 percent of the December customers being first time Windows Store users. Creating a business opportunity for developers in the Windows Store is instrumental to Microsoft's plans for the Universal Windows Platform.

Redmond is also claiming a strong holiday season for Xbox, with December 28 being Xbox Live's busiest day ever.

The company also announced wider Surface Book availability. Originally launched in the US and Canada, and currently available to pre-order in Hong Kong and China, Microsoft's stylish hybrid laptop will soon be available to pre-order in Austria, Australia, UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, and New Zealand. It will also be released in Japan.