Determining how many operating systems exist requires you to understand the different operating systems available, some of which aren’t in use while others offer functionalities and features that make them modern operating systems. Operating systems manage every process when computer programs interact with the computer’s memory, user interface, or other hardware components.
The global market share shows how Microsoft Windows has led the market over the past 8 years, with Mac OS, Linux, Google Chrome OS, and a few other brands making waves. Discover the different types of operating systems, what popular operating systems provide, and how many OS systems exist in the world in 2025 to know which one could best serve your needs.
What Is an Operating System?
An operating system acts like the manager of all processes on computer systems. The OS is responsible for communications between the mobile device or computer hardware, software, and other components. Every device with a computer system has an operating system. Users interact with applications while the operating system manages inputs and outputs between hardware and software.
How Many Operating Systems Are There in Total?
There are hundreds of operating systems around the world because there are different operating systems that users interact with more often than they realize. An operating system isn’t only found on desktop computers, laptops, or mobile devices. Even cloud computing relies on different operating systems users don’t notice as these systems run processes seamlessly in the background.
The Different Types of Operating Systems Explained
There are many types of operating systems, including PC operating systems, mobile operating systems, and other operating systems. Various forms of computer OS and mobile OS are the most well-known, but there are operating systems that control other computer systems and processes. Discover the many types of operating systems available to the market in 2025.
Mobile Operating Systems
Mobile operating systems provide processing capacity and capabilities on mobile devices. A mobile operating system handles every process on mobile devices, whether users interact with the user interface, hardware functions, or even an office suite. Devices using products from the Google and Apple Store use mobile OS services and hardware support.
Computer Operating Systems
Operating systems for computers include a local network operating system that manages all processes, inputs, outputs, and interactions between users, software applications, and hardware components. Computer operating systems like Microsoft Windows and Mac OS are popular examples. These OS systems run computer processes on desktop computers, laptops, and tablets.
Some Examples of Other Operating Systems
There are a variety of other operating systems that serve users daily, even if most of them go unnoticed. These examples of operating system options process interactions in real-time, use distributed networks, or use memory space. Here are the examples of operating systems most users aren’t aware of, even if some users interact with these OS systems frequently.
- Embedded Operating Systems
Embedded systems are developed to help different devices communicate with each other, process requests, and respond to inputs. These OS systems typically serve developers creating applications across different Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices like smart household appliances and fitness trackers. Some examples include Embedded Linux, RIOT, Tiny OS, VxWorks, and QNX.
- Server Operating Systems
Server operating systems managed network resources, even in enterprise software and cloud computing. These OS systems can handle hundreds of requests from thousands of users at the same time. For example, Microsoft Server is an OS that handles enterprise-level interactions across networks while Linux Server has an open-source nature for distribution and Unix is stable for networking systems.
- Distributed Systems
Distributed systems refers to a batch of computers that may each have their own operating system within a network. How they differ from multicomputer setups is that they can have multiple CPUs distributed around the world. Developers use middleware to act as the middleman software that allows these computer hardware resources and OS systems to communicate with each other.
- Real-Time Operating Systems
A real-time OS is an operating system capable of processing data and events at specific and pre-determined intervals. Hard types of operating systems are commonly used in avionics, manufacturing, and military programs. Soft real-time OS types are typically embedded into smartphones and multimedia systems that use reminders and calendars. One example is called eCos Sourceware.
- Multicomputer Operating Systems
Multicomputer operating systems are also known as cluster computers. These multiprocessing computers run multiple programs over a network of devices and are commonly used in cloud-based operating systems that serve various users. The cluster has multiple CPUs send and receive messages to each other and can call procedures on different operating systems and computers on the network.
- Library Operating System
A library operating system (libOS) manages the very libraries that enable other operating systems to provide the services requested via user inputs. These OS systems ensure that only the absolutely necessary code snippets are extracted instead of giving users every possible output under the sun. Unikernel is an example of a library OS that serves well in cloud-based software infrastructure.
- Hypervisor
A hypervisor is an operating system that runs virtual machines, being better able to manage virtual memory protection and operate as though it has its own hardware. Developers often use virtual machines to research, develop, and debug software applications. These OS systems are also portable by being able to operate on other devices, whether compatible with the local OS or not.
- Experimental and Hobbyist Operating Systems
Finally, there are a myriad of experimental and hobbyist operating systems available, which are developed for programmer training, educational purposes, and sometimes as a hobby. For instance, Haiku is an open-source operating system focused on personal computers. Meanwhile, React OS was another open-source operating system aimed to be compatible with Windows computer programs.
The Most Common Operating Systems
There are many more options available for personal computers or mobile devices, but we’re sharing the most popular operating systems that are used across many devices to serve multiple users. Here’s our popular operating system guide with some basic features and the pros and cons users must consider:
Android OS
Google’s Android operating system holds the majority 2025 OS market share at 46.67%. The Android OS is a Linux-based operating system that works on mobile devices. The Android OS mobile operating system also functions seamlessly on touch-screen tablets and smartphones. The OS uses C and C++ for back-end coding while the mobile devices primarily use Java languages.
Android OS is also designed to work seamlessly with other Google software products, allowing users to download apps from the Google Play Store for instant use. The open-source operating system comes standard on most mobile devices and even allows users to download applications from other sources beyond the Google Play Store. Android OS devices are flexible, accessible, and massively popular.
Android OS on mobile devices uses an optimized 2D and 3D graphical interface with GSM connectivity, and multi-tasking capabilities. The hardware on mobile devices using Android OS are also based on ARM architecture, welcoming developers to create unlimited apps that work for the system. The operating system is ideal for users who want flexibility, freedom of choice, and customization.
Apple iOS
Apple’s iOS operating system holds a 17.8% OS market share in 2025. Apple computer programs also has the Apple iOS proprietary software for mobile devices, specifically iPhones. The OS for Apple mobile devices is popular with frequent updates, software expansions packs, and a myriad of new features offered to users with older devices. The unique interface with touch gestures is brilliant.
Apple’s iOS proprietary software also enables users to connect to other Apple devices. The operating system for Apple mobile devices primarily uses C, C++, and Swift languages and is based on the Mac OS X operating system. Apple’s iOS comes with various built-in features like a web browser, media player, email client, and phone app to enhance its intuitive user interface.
Users also have seamless access to the Apple App Store for higher performance and quality app downloads while developers easily use the iOS software development kit to design more. Apple’s iOS is also famous for being one of the safest operating systems with frequent updates to its security features. The mobile devices suit users who want privacy, security, and intuitive responsiveness.
Microsoft Windows
The Microsoft Windows operating system holds 24.77% of the OS market share in 2025. The Microsoft Windows operating system first released in 1998 and runs on personal computers using C, C#, and C++ programming languages. The operating system launches new versions every 3-5 years and has continued software or hardware support for various older versions, with Windows Vista being skeptical.
The Microsoft Windows operating system has seen Windows 95, 98, Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11. The popular operating system is often pre-installed on new desktops and laptops, and it aims to improve the user experience, hardware, and functionality with each new release. Microsoft Windows typically has a desktop assistant, control panel, event viewer, and disk cleanup and is compatible with other software.
The most notable features of the Microsoft Windows operating system is that it welcomes users with a visual desktop environment, which empowers non-technical users to interact with software, files, and apps with simple icon clicks. The OS comes with pre-installed Microsoft software and is best suited for personal computers and everyday home PC users with less technical knowledge.
Mac OS
The Mac OS X operating system owns 3.61% of the 2025 OS market share. The Mac OS operating system that runs on Apple computers is the most popular alternative to Microsoft Windows. The Mac OS operating system also has a similar visual user interface to it’s leading competitor, but the system has some key differences. For example, it’s only pre-installed on Apple computers and devices.
Mac OS X and all its predecessors fall under a proprietary operating system that only works on Apple products as it has been for various versions. Some releases included the OS X 10 Beta (Kodiak), OS x 10.7 (Lion), OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion), OS X 10.10 (Yosemite), Mac OS 10.13 (High Sierra), Mac OS X 10.15 (Catalina), and the latest version called Mac OS 11 or Big Spur.
The Mac OS x and 11 operating systems have not been as user-friendly as other operating systems. However, loyal users love how Apple attempts to improve the interface with each version, and the fast processing speeds and massive variety of useful resources continues to appeal to Apple product lovers. Meanwhile, users enjoy the bug-free environment that also has greater cybersecurity features.
Linux
The Linux operating system isn’t a single OS. Instead, it’s a broad range of operating systems that use the same framework for a single user or various users. The Linux Kernel is the framework that guides every Linux operating system using the C and other related languages. The open-source nature of the Linux operating system also welcome community developers to release new versions.
The Linux desktop market share has climbed to 4.45% in 2024, showing great potential from the open-source operating system. Developers are free to use the Linux system framework to design more operating systems as long as they have some technical knowledge with the right amount of a computer’s memory and storage. The main advantage is that users configure the system as they want.
Any Linux-based operating system is ideal for users who want more control over their device, system, or software. Developers can design a graphical user interface with intuitive, responsive, or custom icons and layouts. Linux distribution enables developers to infuse specialized software into the file system to create a custom Linux OS. The simplified command line with custom features appeals to any user.
Ubuntu
The Ubuntu operating systems provide the ideal example of a Linux-based operating system. The Ubuntu operating system is cloud-based software owned by Canonical, and it has an update in the command line and graphical user interface among other features every six months to empower users and developers to sell premium products through the OS to earn an income.
Ubuntu is primarily designed for desktop computers but also has a version for mobile devices. The Linux system also has an office suite and memory protection features to keep security in mind. Various versions of Ubuntu’s OS comes with file management, email clients, and a browser. Some developers have created a specialized software version of the Ubuntu system dedicated to IoT devices.
The Ubuntu computer program is ideal for Linux operating system beginners because it has software and hardware support from a massive user and developer community and is owned by a company that provides tons of support, whether dealing with file system issues or having problems with your computer’s memory. It’s the user-friendly version of Linux-based operating systems.
Fedora
Fedora OS is another Linux distribution managed by an IBM subsidiary called Red Hat. The Linux OS system is another open-source operating system with innovation in mind. Many developers and users work together to innovate and create streamlined operating system features, including user experience improvements and enhanced security features that withstand the evolving threats online.
The Fedora Linux operating system already has 42 versions because it encourages the community to design new features and enhancements. The cloud-based OS provides desktop personalization functions, virtual storage environments, and containerization to improve the performance of the hardware in personal computers. The Fedora OS has five different versions users commonly access.
Workstation Fedora is ideal for PC operating systems while Core OS is better for cloud OS features. The Workstation Fedora OS also comes with pre-installed software like a file system management toolkit, office suite, and graphical user interface with intuitive and responsive features. It isn’t one of the most common operating systems, but it provides extensive features updated and enhanced by a community.
Chrome OS
Chrome OS is another Linux distribution system created by Google. Chrome OS is impressive as a cloud-based operating system designed for desktop computers, personal computers, and business devices. However, the proprietary software is primarily used on Google’s mobile devices and laptops. The Chrome OS system also focused on web-based applications and cloud-based storage.
The operating system is designed to function at great speeds and offer reliable services with a simple and clean user interface. Chrome OS gives users access to web-based apps and integrates seamlessly with other Google products and services. The OS is also designed to receive automatic updates to keep the operating system and security functionalities up-to-date to withstand evolving threats.
Chrome OS has some limitations users may not enjoy. For example, OS has limited offline capabilities and relies heavily on the internet to operate seamlessly. Users also have less access to a variety of apps and features, and there’s a limited hardware compatibility issue. The Chrome OS system only integrates with Google services, which is only ideal for users who want those restrictions on an operating system.
MS-DOS
The Microsoft disk operating system or MS-DOS is a command line operating system without a graphical user interface. However, the MS-DOS operating system was the primary choice for personal computers throughout the 1980’s, even if it wasn’t the one users interacted with by clicking icons and touching screens. The MS-DOS operating system pivoted Microsoft to the forefront of OS systems.
It was developed for IBM-compatible computers with x86 microprocessors, which seems like child’s play today. It was a single-account operating system with direct access to the BIOS and underlying hardware components. The operating system loaded data and services from external sources like floppy disks, bringing them into the computer’s memory and storage for processing.
The OS allowed older computers to complete tasks based on the input and output from the keyboard. However, it isn’t well-known by many born after 1987. The system didn’t even allow a mouse to operate because it lacked the graphical user interface. This OS is simply an honorable mention among the leaders who transformed the industry, but it isn’t used as an OS on home-based computers anymore.
Free BSD
Free BSD is another open-source Unix operating system that allows anyone to innovate and customize features, functions, tools, and software integrations. The operating system also falls into multiple categories, allowing users to operate the OS to process functions in servers, home-based computers, and embedded software for IoT. It’s another surprisingly flexible operating system.
The Free BSD operating system is well-known for stability and reliability, and the OS can operate with all C language variants and Python. The operating system runs on advanced processing algorithms with seamless management tools and excellent security functionalities. Meanwhile, users can access a wide range of applications and software that integrations well with the operating system.
The Free BSD operating system can also support virtual networking and can be redistributed once users purchase a license. On the other hand, the Free BSD operating system has limited support and is rather complex for non-technical users. The OS also has a smaller community for support and better suits enterprise or large-scale business clients as an operating system across networks.
Solaris
Solaris is a Unix operating system. It was originally developed for its Scalable Processor Architecture-based processors (SPARC) and other Intel-based processors as a proprietary operating system. Solaris largely dominated the Unix workstation systems, and Sun Solaris OS Systems became one of the greatest inventions once the internet expanded, being one of the top servers for websites.
Today, the Oracle Solaris 11 OS is one of the modern operating systems serving enterprises worldwide. The cloud-based company ensures that the operating system has excellent data security and an extensive range of features that appeal to large-scale organizations. The Solaris OS uses the Oracle database and integrates well with Java applications with focused CPU and memory enhancements.
Solaris has long been touted for having excellent workload capacity, and modern operating systems under the banner offer scalability through cloud services. The OS provides optimal performance for web-based apps, database and Java-based technology services. However, the Solaris operating system is ideal for enterprises and larger organizations as a network computing system.
Symbian
Symbian is the final honorable mention for operating systems designed to work on mobile devices. The Symbian operating system dominated mobile devices until it was discontinued in 2014. It served multiple smartphones using an ARM architecture, including Nokia, Ericsson, Psion, and Motorola. Anyone who owned a smartphone before 2014 likely used the Symbian operating system.
Some notable features of the Symbian OS included seamless responsiveness, intuitive displays, and streamlined file storage management thanks to the kernel known as EKA2. The OS also allowed third-party software to improve the performance of mobile devices and the interface was user-friendly. Learn more about the Symbian OS to understand how it pioneered smartphone operating systems.
Even better, the Symbian OS ran apps and computer programs on a smartphone, whether using .NET, Java, ME, Lite, Flash, Ruby, or Python. It was one of the most flexible operating systems worldwide, and it’s a pity that modern operating systems can’t match the adaptability and interoperability of this OS. Unfortunately, it lacked virtual space for memory and good security, being vulnerable to viruses.
Summing Up Popular Operating Systems
As you can see, it’s impossible to pinpoint the precise number of operating systems because of the many kinds of operating systems available to personal, developer, and business users. However, there is no shortage of options should you be looking for a new operating system or pursuing an innovative development project. Businesses can even have their own unique OS systems designed.
Learn how to develop a software product from scratch, or look for the best software development companies in Glasgow to customize an entire OS to your business needs. Modern operating systems hold the key to unlocking business potential while giving personal users everything they need from a single processing system for file management with an office suite and embedded security functions.
Common Operating System FAQs
How do operating systems function?
Operating systems have different functions, including program execution, hardware interrupts, and virtual memory management. Here are some of the components that operating systems use to facilitate seamless communications between hardware, software, and user inputs:
- Kernel: The kernel provides protection between software applications and hardware users.
- Interrupts: A software interrupt or hardware interrupt facilitates how the CPU or OS responds.
- Program Execution: Programs can only interact with hardware while following rules.
- Direct Memory Access: The OS enables data to transfer to hard drives without CPU interruptions.
- Security Features: The OS protects the system, hardware, and apps from every input or output.
- Virtual Memory Management: The kernel chooses which memory any program can use.
What is the purpose of an operating system?
The purpose of an operating system is to facilitate and manage every communication between hardware, software, and user inputs. It’s also responsible for responding to user inputs based on pre-determined parameters set by the developer. Here are some simpler ways to understand the responsibilities of modern operating systems users install on home-based computers:
- Booting: Turning the computer on and powering up necessary systems.
- Data Security: The OS has features to keep the system and data safe.
- Device Controlling: It allows users to open or block access to specific functions or apps.
- Disk Management: It manages every driver installed on the computer.
- Execution and Loading: The OS loads and executes programs as per user inputs.
- File Management: It has the features to help you store and retrieve files.
- Memory Management: Controls computer applications while allocating storage space.
- Printing Control: The OS installs drivers and responds to user inputs to print documents.
- Process Management: It allocates different internal resources to various processes.
What are cluster computer systems?
Cluster computers refer to a collection of CPUs, storage devices, and other sometimes redundant interconnections that run on the same operating system. Clustering the resources together enables businesses to access a more powerful CPU and computing power. However, Linux operating systems are the ideal choice for cluster computers because they’re flexible, interoperable, and scalable.
