Linux exceeds 5% desktop market share in the US for the first time
Linux reaches 5.03% desktop market share in the US, surpassing the "Unknown" category for a symbolic open-source win.
Linux has achieved a new milestone by surpassing the 5 percent mark for desktop operating system market share in the United States, now holding 5.03 percent. This achievement is significant for the open-source community, which has long pushed for wider adoption against the dominant Windows platform that retains 63.2 percent. Apple's system share, divided into OS X and macOS, accounts for nearly 24 percent, and the "Unknown" operating system category accounts for 4.76 percent.
Several factors have spurred Linux's growth, prominently the dissatisfaction with Microsoft's ecosystem. As Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life, many users with older hardware are reluctant to upgrade to Windows 11 due to the strict system requirements. Microsoft’s privacy issues, forced updates, adware, and data collection methodologies also contribute to users seeking alternatives that respect privacy and offer control.
Additionally, the gaming sector has been bolstering Linux's momentum. Valve's Steam Deck, which operates on a Linux-based system, has introduced Linux's adaptability and customizability to new gamers, expanding its appeal beyond traditional tech-savvy users. This gaming connection boosts the interest in Linux and complements the enhanced usability efforts in distributions like Ubuntu and Linux Mint.
Community insights suggest that Linux's actual market share might be understated due to privacy-conscious users disguising their presence from analytics tools. With 4.76 percent of systems categorized as "Unknown," some of these could be Linux machines. Furthermore, Chrome OS, running on a Linux kernel, adds 2.71 percent, potentially increasing the "Linux family" to 7.74 percent in the US desktop landscape.
The steady pace from one to two percent in the eight years leading to April 2021, and then quadrupling in just three years, reflects consistent growth. This trend highlights the gradual but increasing interest in Linux as users look beyond mainstream operating systems for diverse and flexible options. The pursuit of open-source platforms continues as a significant shift in technological preference.
Sources: TechSpot, StatCounter