Five years ago more than 90% of computers ran a version of the Windows operating system, according to tech analysts Forrester.
By 2012 - with Apple and Google dominating mobile computing - it was found on just 30% of devices.
In an effort to revamp its image for the touchscreen era, the company launched Windows 8 late last year.
But the lack of the iconic 'start' button and the new interface of tiled apps irritated users tied to a keyboard and mouse.
It's now done a U-turn and a soon-to-be-launched update - Windows 8.1 - will restore the start button.
Microsoft will hope the tweaks will breathe life into the operating system.
It has failed to convince PC users to upgrade so far, despite a marketing budget that's estimated to top $1bn (£600m).
Eight months old and Windows 8 is still only found on 5.4% of computers, according to data from Net Applications.
Windows 7 still dominates, with a share of 44.5%.
The malaise is affecting PC makers.
HP recently reported that sales of desktop and notebook computers had slumped by 8% in a year.
So the stakes are high for Microsoft and the industry that relies on its software.
If the new-look Windows fails to stop the slide in sales many will ask whether the PC has a future.
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