Linux Desktop Market Share Continues to Rise Slowly

The Year of the Linux Desktop has become something of a sad meme in recent years, but the truth is that Linux as an alternative to Windows and macOS has never been more popular — both in terms of total users and relative market share of operating systems.

Slow but Steady Rise

A recent analysis shows dips in Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS while Linux steadily climbs upward. Linux has been on a slow-but-steady rise for years, and as of July, it could break through a significant milestone in early 2025.

The Impact of the Steam Deck

There’s a small but definite bump in Linux users since the Steam Deck became a breakout hit for the gaming market in 2022. The Steam Deck isn’t up front about its Linux roots, but Valve does use Linux as a base for its SteamOS software. Recent interviews and release notes indicate that the company is working on builds of SteamOS for other gaming handhelds, specifically the Asus ROG Ally.

More conventional desktop and laptop users aren’t exactly thrilled with Windows as of late. Microsoft’s increasing push to get Windows 10 users onto Windows 11, plus more and more intrusive advertising, plus bloating the OS with features, isn’t winning any fans. This dissatisfaction could be driving some users to consider Linux as a viable alternative.

Changing Computing Habits

It’s also worth noting that many users around the world are using mobile platforms as their primary means of accessing the internet, or are part of the “touchscreen generation” who are growing up without any interest in conventional PCs at all. As the relative prevalence of PCs declines for consumers, Linux is becoming a bigger part of the discussion.

Linux is steadily gaining users, and if it keeps this pace up, it could break through a significant milestone in early 2025. With its slow but steady rise, Linux is becoming a more viable alternative to Windows and macOS.

My Thoughts

Linux Desktop Market Share Continues to Rise Slowly

The concept of the “Year of the Linux Desktop” has been a long-standing joke in the tech community, but recent trends suggest that Linux is finally gaining traction as a viable alternative to Windows and macOS. According to a recent analysis, Linux has been steadily climbing in market share, while Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS have experienced dips.

The Rise of Linux

The growth of Linux can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing popularity of the Steam Deck, a gaming console that uses Linux as its base operating system. Additionally, more conventional desktop and laptop users are becoming disillusioned with Windows, citing issues with intrusive advertising, bloating, and pushes to upgrade to subscription services.

Why Linux is Becoming a Viable Alternative

As the relative prevalence of PCs declines for consumers, Linux is becoming a bigger part of the discussion. With its open-source nature and flexibility, Linux is an attractive option for those looking for a more customizable and secure operating system. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if Linux can continue its slow but steady rise in market share.