4 reasons why SteamOS is quietly winning over PC gamers — and why Windows won’t be dethroned any time soon

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I’m sticking with Windows 11 because it simply does everything I need it to. While it’s not perfect, it handles all my tasks – work, creative projects, everyday life, and gaming – smoothly and reliably about 99% of the time.

While this versatile system has been refined over many years, it’s not without its drawbacks. This is becoming increasingly clear in PC gaming, as the simpler, Linux-based SteamOS becomes more popular.

SteamOS first appeared in 2013 with the original Steam Machine, but it gained renewed attention when Valve announced the Steam Deck in 2021. Now, several years later, we’re getting close to the launch of a new Steam Machine in early 2026 – and it will also run SteamOS.

SteamOS isn’t likely to replace Windows 11 as the leading operating system. However, it’s gaining popularity as people find it runs well and offers an experience similar to using a gaming console.

In December 2025, 3.58% of Steam users were on Linux, which is up 0.38% from the month before. Meanwhile, the number of Windows users decreased by 0.56%, bringing their total to 94.23%.

I believe SteamOS will keep growing in popularity for the foreseeable future, and it’s likely to take users away from Windows 11. Here are four reasons why I think so.

1) OEMs are showing interest in SteamOS

As a researcher looking at the Steam platform, it’s crucial to understand that the SteamOS numbers don’t represent *all* Linux users on Steam. Linux is quite diverse, with many different distributions available. However, I believe SteamOS has the potential to become the go-to operating system for gamers, particularly if the new Steam Machine hardware performs well and gains popularity.

As an analyst, I’ve been watching SteamOS closely, and it’s really exciting to see it expanding beyond Valve’s own devices. While Valve’s hardware has done well, the real key to SteamOS’s success is wider adoption. We’re now at that point – Lenovo is already shipping the Legion Go S with SteamOS, and they’ve announced a SteamOS version of the Legion Go 2, expected to release in June 2026. This external support is a significant positive sign.

More computer manufacturers adopting SteamOS is good for the platform’s growth and could lead to fewer people using Windows.

2) Performance and efficiency are superior on SteamOS

Windows is often criticized for being slow and resource-heavy, which is a major concern for gamers who need every bit of performance. Things like programs running in the background, unnecessary services, data tracking, and even advertisements can all contribute to lower frame rates when playing games on Windows 11.

When you switch to SteamOS on the same computer, you’ll immediately notice better battery life and performance because it runs with very little background activity. Plus, it consistently puts the system to sleep and wakes it up without issues.

As an analyst, I’m watching the adoption of SteamOS closely, and I believe two key hurdles are holding many gamers back: ensuring compatibility with anti-cheat software and gaining full support from major, ‘AAA’ game developers. However, I don’t anticipate these issues will persist indefinitely. This ultimately points to continued challenges for Windows in maintaining its dominance in the gaming space.

3) People are simply fed up with Windows and want something new

It’s debatable whether public opinion accurately reflects the reality of Windows, but it’s clear that most people aren’t very enthusiastic about Microsoft or Windows 11 right now.

According to Windows Central’s Daniel Rubino, many people currently don’t trust Microsoft, and there are several reasons why. These include unwanted AI features and problematic software updates.

Many PC gamers are searching for something different, and SteamOS is quickly becoming a leading option. It’s expected to become even more popular once a full desktop version is released.

As a huge PC gaming fan, I’ve been keeping a close eye on what Microsoft is doing with Windows 11. They know they need to step up their game, and recently they shared a pretty detailed update on their Windows Experience blog. It covered all the gaming improvements they’ve already rolled out, and gave us a sneak peek at what they’re planning for 2026. It’s good to see them focusing on making Windows a better platform for gamers!

This is a great set of updates, and it proves that even with some recent issues in Windows, a lot of positive work – like the new Xbox Full Screen Experience – is still happening.

4) Steam is a juggernaut in the PC gaming world

I’ve been using Steam for over 20 years, and surprisingly, I’ve never really had any big problems with it. It’s a simple platform to purchase games, discover new content, and connect with friends to play together.

Steam is a hugely popular name in the gaming world, known for its reliability and positive reputation. With roughly 35 to 40 million players online at any moment, it’s in a great position to promote SteamOS and encourage more people to start using it.

Don’t worry. Windows isn’t going anywhere.

Windows 11 remains the dominant operating system, even among gamers. While SteamOS is excellent for playing games, it’s really focused on that single task.

After that, you’re essentially using a standard Arch Linux system, which isn’t without its own challenges. Windows is still the most widely used operating system because it handles almost any task easily and reliably.

SteamOS might actually push Microsoft to improve its gaming efforts, and we’re already starting to see that happen. Ultimately, that’s good news for everyone.

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2026-01-27 16:10