Linux Usage on Steam Reaches New High in November 2023
January 7, 2026
Linux usage on Steam has experienced a notable resurgence, reaching a new peak in November 2023. According to the latest Steam Hardware & Software Survey, Linux accounted for 3.2% of all Steam users—a slight increase from October's 3%. While this remains modest compared to Windows' dominant 94.79%, it signifies steady growth and the highest Linux share ever recorded on the platform.
Key Distributions and Trends
The most popular Linux distribution among Steam users continues to be Valve's own SteamOS Holo, with 26.4% of Linux users running it. Other prominent distributions include Arch Linux, Linux Mint, CachyOS, Bazzite, and Ubuntu, each capturing approximately 5-10% of the Linux segment.
Notable Growth in Specific Distributions
- Bazzite, a gaming-focused Linux distro, experienced significant user growth this month, likely driven by its reputation as an accessible alternative to SteamOS for gaming setups.
- Debian and the Flatpak version of Steam also saw increased usage, indicating a broader shift toward more versatile and easier-to-install options for Linux gamers.
Possible Reasons Behind the Increase
The upward trend in Linux usage may be partly attributed to Windows 10 reaching its end-of-life on October 14th. While many users transitioned to Windows 11, some opted to switch to Linux, possibly driven by the improved gaming capabilities on Linux over recent years.
Impact of the Steam Deck and Proton
The Steam Deck's success, which runs on a Linux-based OS, along with Valve's Proton compatibility layer, has significantly enhanced gaming on Linux. These developments have helped expand game support and overall user experience, despite challenges with anti-cheat systems.
Conclusion
The recent growth in Linux usage on Steam reflects a broader acceptance and improvement of gaming on Linux platforms. As Linux continues to evolve as a viable gaming environment, its share is poised to grow further, especially with ongoing developments in hardware and compatibility tools.
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