With Windows revenue down 33%, Windows 8 better be a hit

Microsoft’s earnings report today shows that its Windows division was hit hard by a 33 percent year-over-year decline. With Windows 8 around the corner, can Microsoft get its Windows numbers back on track?

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“We’re incredibly excited to be approaching general availability of Windows 8 and Windows RT,” Microsoft COO Kevin Turner said in a statement. “We’ve already certified more than 1,000 systems for Windows 8 from our hardware partners, ranging from the smallest tablets and convertibles to touch-enabled ultrabooks and all-in-ones to the most powerful desktop computers.”

Specifically, the Windows and Windows Live Division earned revenue of $3.24 billion, a 33 perent decrease from the previous year. When you adjust the impact of Windows Upgrade Offer and Windows 8 presales to manufacturers, the Windows division non-GAAP revenue was down just 9 percent.

Windows 8 comes out Oct. 26, 2012, with a major launch party in New York City the day before. We’ll see in the next few months if Windows 8 ends up selling enough copies to start making up for its lost ground. Microsoft, naturally, is optimistic.

“The launch of Windows 8 is the beginning of a new era at Microsoft,” CEO Steve Ballmer said in statement. “Investments we’ve made over a number of years are now coming together to create a future of exceptional devices and services, with tremendous opportunity for our customers, developers, and partners.”

Steve Ballmer photo via Sean Ludwig/VentureBeat