In a notable shift within the gaming landscape, Windows 11 has reclaimed its position as the leading operating system on Steam, according to the latest Hardware & Software Survey results released by Valve. As of October 2024, Windows 11 boasts a commanding 51.97% share among Windows users on the platform, marking a significant monthly increase of 4.28 points. This achievement not only signifies a new all-time high for Windows 11 but also reflects its growing acceptance among everyday consumers, as indicated by data from Statcounter.
Windows 10’s Decline
Despite its previous resurgence, Windows 10 has experienced a decline, shedding 2.71 points to settle at 45.95%. The aging operating system continues to hold a substantial user base on Steam, yet the trend suggests a gradual migration towards the newer Windows 11. Meanwhile, the remnants of Windows 7 linger, with the 64-bit version capturing a mere 0.23% of the market, a slight decrease of 0.08 points. This dwindling presence is compounded by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding support for the platform.
Overall, Windows maintains a dominant presence on Steam, accounting for 96.61% of users, although this figure reflects a slight decrease of 0.23 points. Linux follows as a distant second with 2.0%, while macOS rounds out the top three at 1.39%. The latest macOS Sequoia has emerged as the most popular version among Apple users.
Hardware Trends
Turning to hardware preferences, the survey reveals intriguing insights into the choices made by gamers. The most favored specifications include:
- 16GB of RAM: 46.75%
- Intel processors: 65.62%
- Six physical cores: 32.52%
- Nvidia RTX 3060 graphics card: 7.24%
- 8GB of video memory: 35.11%
Additionally, 1080p resolution remains the preferred choice, with over 57% of Steam users opting for Full HD monitors, underscoring the continued popularity of this standard among gamers.
For those interested in delving deeper into the findings, Valve’s official page offers comprehensive details on the Hardware & Software Survey results. It is important to note that participation in this survey is both optional and random, which may affect the accuracy of the data. Nevertheless, the survey aims to provide a broad overview that assists developers in determining which technologies to prioritize and how to optimize their products effectively.
