Linux is losing ground on Steam as Windows 11 continues its rise among PC gamers — is Microsoft repairing its reputation?
According to Steam’s May 2026 hardware survey, Windows 11 continues its upward momentum with a 2.02% increase in market share among PC gamers. Meanwhile, Linux has begun losing ground after reaching a peak earlier in 2026, signaling a reversal in the open-source operating system’s brief surge in gaming adoption.
The trend appears to reflect shifting user sentiment around Microsoft’s Windows platform. Earlier stumbles by Microsoft had driven some players to experiment with Linux as an alternative, contributing to the operating system’s growth on Steam. However, Windows 11’s consistent gains suggest Microsoft may be successfully repairing its reputation within the gaming community and recapturing users who had previously explored other options.
The data underscores the competitive dynamics between operating systems in PC gaming, where platform reliability, gaming support, and user experience remain critical factors influencing adoption decisions among gamers.