Windows 11 continues to gain ground among gamers, defying criticism surrounding Microsoft’s operating system, as new data shows a steady rise in its adoption. According to the latest Steam Hardware and Software Survey for April, Windows 11 now holds a 67.74% share of the Steam user base, reflecting a 0.89% increase from the previous month.

The growth has come largely at the expense of Linux and macOS systems. Linux-based operating systems dropped to 4.52%, marking a notable decline of 0.81% in April. While a few distributions such as Debian, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, and Fedora Linux 43 recorded minor gains, most saw reduced user share, indicating a broader correction in the gaming ecosystem.

Meanwhile, both Windows 11 and Windows 10, despite the latter reaching end of life in October 2025, registered gains, pushing the overall Windows share among gaming PCs to 93.47%. This reinforces Microsoft’s overwhelming dominance in the gaming space.

The data highlights a persistent trend: despite growing efforts to improve Linux gaming support through tools like Proton and Wine, many users remain reluctant to switch due to technical complexity and compatibility concerns. For most gamers, Windows continues to offer the most seamless experience, with better support for mainstream titles and a more familiar interface.

As a result, even amid criticism, Windows 11 appears firmly positioned as the leading platform for PC gaming, with little immediate threat from alternative operating systems.