SteamOS propels Linux to record 5.33% share in latest Steam Survey
SteamOS propels Linux to record 5.33% share in latest Steam Survey
Publish Date: 2026-04-03 10:00:00
Source Domain: www.kitguru.net
The latest Steam Hardware and Software Survey results for March 2026 show Linux crossing the 5% market share threshold for the first time in the platform’s history. According to the data, Linux-based systems jumped to 5.33% of the total user base, a massive 3.10% increase over the previous month.
As noted by Phoronix, this surge is likely due to the continued success of Valve’s SteamOS, which now accounts for 24.48% of the Linux install base, as well as broader improvements in compatibility through the Proton translation layer. As for Windows, it remains the dominant force with a 92.33% share, but it saw a 4.28% decline as more users began exploring alternatives. Within the Windows ecosystem, the transition to Windows 11 has accelerated, with the operating system now claiming 66.85% of the market after a 10.57% monthly gain. This migration came largely at the expense of Windows 10, which plummeted by nearly 15% to settle at 25.36%. Even the ageing Windows 7 saw a uptick to 0.08%, suggesting a small but dedicated group of users is still clinging to the legacy platform.
Image credit: Phoronix
Mac users also contributed to the diversifying ecosystem, with macOS seeing its market share nearly double to 2.35%. This 1.19% increase suggests that Apple’s continued push into gaming with its M-series silicon is finally starting to move the needle, even if it still trails Linux by a significant margin. Beyond operating systems, the hardware data highlights the impact of rising component costs, as 16 GB of system RAM reclaimed the top spot from 32 GB, now holding a 40.97% share. In the GPU sector, the RTX 3060 has returned to its position as the most popular card, while the newer RTX 5070 has established a strong 5.40% foothold among early adopters.
KitGuru says: Gaming on Linux is definitely becoming more popular. Seeing Linux surpass 5% while Windows 10 users jump ship in massive numbers suggests a major hardware…
