In a notable shift within the gaming landscape, Windows 11 has ascended to become the most popular operating system among Steam users worldwide, as revealed by the latest Steam Hardware Survey. Originally launched in the latter half of 2021, it has taken nearly three years for Windows 11 to claim this top position.
Current OS Distribution
As of August, Windows 11 accounts for a significant 49.17% of the surveyed computers, surpassing Windows 10, which now holds 47.09%. The survey also highlights the dwindling presence of older Microsoft operating systems, with Windows 7 at a mere 0.037% and Windows 8.1 at 0.07%.
This trend reflects a broader market movement, as new gaming PCs increasingly come equipped with Windows 11 preinstalled, leading to a gradual decline in the usage of its predecessors. Factors such as the introduction of the PSVR2 PC Adapter and a rise in Simplified Chinese machines—possibly linked to the popularity of titles like Black Myth: Wukong—are also influencing these statistics.
Storage Considerations
Interestingly, the survey also sheds light on user storage habits. Those gamers with less than 10GB of free hard drive space are navigating a precarious situation, teetering on the edge of their gaming chairs. This insight underscores the importance of adequate storage for an optimal gaming experience.
As Windows 11 finally secures its place at the pinnacle of operating systems, it marks a significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of gaming technology and user preferences.
