I’ve spent 30 years with Microsoft but Linux and Pop! OS might have converted me
A long-standing PC Gamer journalist has switched from Windows to Pop! OS—a significant move given their 30-year history with Microsoft’s operating system. The writer, who first encountered Windows at age seven in 1998 and has remained loyal through numerous iterations from Windows 98 to Windows 11, describes the shift as “a big bloody deal.”
The decision reflects mounting frustration with what the journalist characterizes as “enshittification” and “platform decay” in PC gaming on Windows. The writer notes that this sentiment has become increasingly common among gaming journalists and industry observers, though their departure represents a notable personal turning point after decades of continuous Windows use.
The timing of the switch to Pop! OS—a Linux distribution developed by System76—in January 2026 underscores the growing viability of Linux as a gaming platform alternative. The move highlights broader concerns within the gaming community about Windows’ trajectory and the appeal of Linux-based systems for those seeking greater control over their computing environment.
While the full article excerpt cuts off before detailing specific grievances beyond general platform concerns, the journalist’s decision illustrates a shift in sentiment regarding Windows’ future as a gaming platform and signals renewed interest in open-source alternatives within the PC gaming community.