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Linux Reaches 5% Desktop Market Share In USA
OSTechnix ^ | 15 July 2025 | Sk

Posted on 07/16/2025 1:47:43 PM PDT by ShadowAce

For the first time, Linux has officially broken the 5% desktop market share barrier in the United States of America! It's a huge milestone for open-source and our fantastic Linux community. While many might think of Linux as a niche choice, this new data shows a significant shift is happening.

The Numbers Are In: Linux at 5.03% in the USA!

According to the latest StatCounter Global Stats for June 2025, Linux now holds 5.03% of the desktop operating system market share in the United United States of America. This is fantastic news!

StatCounter - Desktop Operating System Market Share in United States Of America - June 2025
Figure 1: StatCounter - Desktop Operating System Market Share in United States Of America - June 2025

StatCounter - Desktop Operating System Market Share United States Of America (May 2024 - June 2025)
Figure 2: StatCounter - Desktop Operating System Market Share United States Of America (May 2024 - June 2025)

To put this into perspective, here's how the desktop market breaks down in the USA for the same period:

One truly satisfying detail for me? Linux has finally surpassed the "Unknown" category in the USA! It shows that our growth is clear and recognised.

Why Are More People Switching to Linux? My Take!

This isn't just a random bump; there are several clear reasons why Linux is seeing such a surge in popularity:

1. Windows' Woes

Many users are growing tired of Microsoft's approach.

2. Gaming's New Frontier

The Steam Deck has been a game-changer! This popular handheld gaming device runs on a Linux-based system, introducing a whole new group of gamers to the power and flexibility of Linux. They're truly enjoying the experience!

3. Linux's Own Evolution

Linux itself has made huge strides:

The Real Story: Is Linux's Market Share Even Higher? I Think So!

While the 5.03% is exciting, I believe the actual number of Linux users could be much higher. Here's why:

More Users are Switching to Linux

This 5% achievement is more than just bragging rights; it signals a significant shift and a growing interest in alternative operating systems.

Looking Ahead

The journey of Linux has been one of slow but steady progress, accelerating in recent years. It took eight years to go from 1% to 2% (by April 2021), then just 2.2 years to reach 3% (June 2023), and a mere 0.7 years to hit 4% (February 2024). Now, here we are, at over 5% in the USA! This exponential growth suggests that we're on a promising upward trend.

It's truly an exciting time to be a Linux user, and I believe the best is yet to come.


TOPICS: Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: linux

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To: Wilderness Conservative

The 365 bull was one of the final straws for me, too. I’ve decided to move both my wife’s old laptop, and my two year old 2-in-1 to Linux in the fall, when I have more time. I can’t wait. Now that I’m retired I don’t have any need to live in the Microsoft world.


21 posted on 07/16/2025 5:29:51 PM PDT by scouter
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To: E. Pluribus Unum

I have only two IT systems now. One is a laptop dual boot with Windows 10 and Mint. The second is a desktop tri-boot with W7/W10 and Mint.
<p?
I cannot update either of them to W11, nor will I. After support for W10 runs out and it becomes increasingly difficult to secure them, then I turn to Linux for most functions.


22 posted on 07/16/2025 5:55:47 PM PDT by ducttape45 (Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?")
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To: algore

I suppose that would be the guys and gals that understand what a “stack” is.


23 posted on 07/16/2025 10:28:47 PM PDT by rellic (No such thing as a moderate Moslem or Democrat )
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To: ShadowAce

Windows is losing share because the interface is dull looking and you are restricted from making simple changes without getting 3rd party software or going into the registry to fix when it was lots easier in Windows 7 and earlier. It is getting more confusing with each version plus the treat of bitlocker encryption forced upon you and if corrupted causing the loss of all your files.
Adding ads to the OS does not help either.


24 posted on 07/17/2025 1:46:17 AM PDT by minnesota_bound (Making money now. Still want much more.)
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To: ShadowAce

I was debating trying it out, but I heard it isn’t 100% compatible with non System76 PCs..


25 posted on 07/17/2025 8:27:17 AM PDT by Bikkuri (I am proud to be a PureBlood.)
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To: Bikkuri
I've not tried it on non-System76 boxes.

It's based on Ubuntu, so I would think it'd work fine.

26 posted on 07/17/2025 8:38:30 AM PDT by ShadowAce (Linux - The Ultimate Windows Service Pack )
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