The optimism stems from an improved business outlook. With this optimism, companies are also considering upgrading their IT systems to increase productivity and control costs, explained Microsoft. For some users, an upgrade is expected as they have not upgraded in years.

"The need to reduce costs and boost productivity are demands faced by IT managers around the world," said Andrew Pickup, chief marketing officer, Microsoft Asia Pacific. "There's clear evidence that Windows 7 helps organisations save money with research showing that companies can save US$140, per PC, per year with Windows 7 while increasing the productivity of their core asset: their people."

Consumers are also upbeat with an optimistic business outlook, the company said. Consumers have a wide range of options as many of the hardware companies are bundling Windows 7.

Worldwide, Windows 7 has sold more than 240 million licences, translating to more than seven copies sold per second.

The goal of more than 40 per cent installation in computers in the region has been set for 2011. In the corporate sector, the target is to have around 1.5 million PCs in businesses across Asia in the same period.