According to StatCounter, a web analytics firm that has been monitoring end-user operating systems since 1999, desktop Linux has achieved a notable milestone, reaching a market share of 10.65% in North America. This growth comes amid a backdrop of challenges faced by Microsoft, allowing Linux to carve out a more significant presence. However, it is prudent to approach StatCounter’s figures with caution, as they are derived from just over a million websites, excluding major platforms like Google and Facebook.
Despite these limitations, the upward trajectory of Linux’s market share is hard to ignore. In 2025, the same source reported a mere 5% share, indicating that Linux has effectively doubled its presence in just over a year. When considering Chrome OS—another Linux distribution that utilizes Google’s Chrome browser—Linux’s combined market share rises to an impressive 12.72%.
Beyond StatCounter
To gain a more comprehensive understanding, I turned to the US federal government’s Digital Analytics Program (DAP), which tracks visits to government websites. With an average of 1.6 billion sessions in the last month alone, DAP provides a raw and unfiltered view of user preferences. According to DAP, Linux’s market share stands at 5.8%, reflecting a more modest increase from 0.5% to 6.3%. When factoring in Android and Chrome OS, the total end-user Linux share reaches approximately 19%, solidifying Linux’s status as a significant player in the operating system landscape.
Why are people leaving Windows?
Several factors are driving users away from Windows and toward Linux. In 2025, I identified five key reasons: the shift from Windows as a standalone product to Microsoft 365 and cloud services; the growing viability of gaming on Linux through platforms like Steam; significant improvements in user-friendliness across mainstream distributions; enhanced hardware compatibility; and increasing concerns over privacy and data control.
Since then, three additional drivers have emerged. A notable number of users are still operating Windows 10 machines that cannot upgrade to Windows 11. ControlUp, a company focused on facilitating transitions to Windows 11, found that approximately 25% of consumer and business Windows 10 PCs are ineligible for the upgrade. StatCounter’s data supports this, showing Windows 10 still accounts for 22.16% of all Windows users, while DAP indicates it remains the most popular version at 25%, compared to Windows 11’s 14.6%.
Moreover, many users express reluctance to transition to Windows 11. A survey by the UK consumer group Which? revealed that 26% of respondents intended to continue using Windows 10 even after support ends. Perhaps the most compelling reason for the shift is the growing frustration with Windows itself. As noted by Ed Bott, ZDNET’s Windows expert, Windows has increasingly become a platform for monetization, with Windows 11 often feeling like a promotional vehicle for Microsoft’s services, particularly AI.
Why are people moving to Linux?
Despite lingering perceptions that Linux is difficult to use, many have come to realize that modern distributions such as Linux Mint, Ubuntu, and Pop!_OS are quite user-friendly. I have successfully taught individuals in their seventies, with whom I shared no common language, to navigate Linux with ease. For applications, while some Windows programs may not be available, alternatives abound. Gaming enthusiasts can turn to Steam, while general-purpose software can often be accessed through Wine or web browsers.
Installation of Linux applications is straightforward, requiring no complex commands—just a few clicks, similar to installing apps on a smartphone. For those hesitant about installation, numerous companies offer PCs with Linux pre-installed, including well-known brands like Dell, Lenovo, and HP. Additionally, Linux has long been recognized for its superior security compared to Windows, which continues to face numerous vulnerabilities. Recent reports indicate that Microsoft has had to address a record number of security patches in Windows, underscoring the ongoing advantages of Linux.
In light of these developments, the Linux community invites users to explore this robust operating system, which not only offers a cost-effective alternative but also a refreshing break from the incessant push of AI integration seen in other platforms.
