According to a recent report by VideoCardz, the latest Steam Hardware Survey reveals a noteworthy milestone for Linux, which has now reached 3.05% of all Steam users. This marks a significant increase from approximately 2% last year, highlighting a gradual but promising shift for a platform that has historically faced challenges in gaining traction within the mainstream gaming community.
In contrast, Windows has experienced a minor decline, with its share dipping from around 95% to 94.84%. Meanwhile, macOS holds a modest 2.11% of the user base, a figure that may surprise some, given its reputation as a less gaming-centric operating system.
SteamOS Gains Traction
SteamOS now represents about 27% of all Linux installations on Steam, a remarkable achievement that underscores the impact of the Steam Deck in drawing more gamers into the Linux ecosystem without requiring them to make an explicit choice. While it remains a long journey for Linux to significantly challenge Windows’ dominance, the momentum is gradually building.
Factors such as Microsoft’s ongoing push into artificial intelligence, the impending end of support for Windows 10, and various user experience decisions that have not been well received could motivate more gamers to consider alternative platforms. Additionally, Linux is proving to be surprisingly efficient with certain titles and is already delivering strong performance on handheld devices like the Steam Deck and the Xbox Ally.
Although the Steam Deck has not reached the sales figures of the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, it has nonetheless sold millions since its launch and is highly regarded in the industry, often serving as a benchmark for new handheld PCs entering the market.
However, SteamOS is not without its limitations. Many competitive multiplayer games depend on kernel-level anti-cheat systems, which are supported by Windows but not by SteamOS. As a result, players with extensive libraries of such titles may shy away from SteamOS. For those who primarily enjoy single-player experiences, indie games, or do not engage in competitive multiplayer gaming, the advancements made by Proton cannot be overlooked. Proton enables Windows-exclusive games to run on Linux, and nearly 90% of Steam’s game library is now accessible on Linux to some degree. While not every title runs flawlessly, the fact that most of the Windows catalog is playable on Linux illustrates the rapid progress made in this domain.
Is Windows in trouble? Not yet
Despite Linux’s recent gains, Windows remains the dominant platform with nearly 95% market share, and Linux’s 3% presence does not pose an immediate threat. However, this shift in momentum is noteworthy and may be influencing Microsoft’s increased focus on gaming within the Windows environment. The introduction of the Xbox Ally, which operates on a streamlined version of Windows designed for a more console-like experience, signifies a closer integration between Windows and the gaming ecosystem than ever before. While still in a developmental phase, this initiative reflects Microsoft’s recognition of the need for adaptation.
The real question is not whether Linux will surpass Windows in the near future, but rather if the growing frustrations among gamers and the expanding handheld market will provide Linux with its most significant opportunity to date.
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