Linux Just Hit 4% Of The Desktop OS Market Share

If you are a long time Linux Enthusiast, you might have known the fact that Linux was actually developed to be a desktop operating system. Back in the early 1990s, commercial desktop Operating System options were limited and costly, placing them out of reach for many consumers. While Linux Initially gained popularity among the tech peoples, but unfortunately it faced challenges competing with dominant players like Microsoft and Apple in the desktop market. As a result, Linux became relegated to a niche choice for a select group of users. However, major corporations like IBM recognised Linux’s potential, leading to its adoption in business environments and academic research settings.

But now recently, Linux has started gaining popularity again, and in the meantime has achieved a big milestone. According to StatCounter, which a website that tracks the market share of web browsers, operating systems, and search engines, as of February 2024 Linux for the first time has gained 4.03% of the desktop Operating System market share. So, this begs the question - Is Linux finally breaking out of the shadows and becoming a mainstream contender and Most importantly Is 2024 actually the year of Linux?

Before we get too excited, it’s essential to address two crucial questions. Firstly, how did StatCounter collect this data? StatCounter gathers desktop OS usage statistics from tracking codes installed on over 1.5 million global websites, generating over 5 billion monthly page views. However, it’s important to note that this data isn’t directly sourced from end-users. Secondly, how reliable is this data? StatCounter acknowledges that it may revise its data within 45 days of publication, meaning we’ll have to wait until May 2024 to assess whether Linux’s market share remains consistent or not. But as a Linux enthusiast, I’m hopeful that Linux’s trajectory will continue upward, outpacing both Windows and MacOS.

Setting aside speculation, let’s examine the evidence. There’s no denying that Linux’s market share has steadily increased in recent years. Looking back over the past five years, the growth is significant: in February 2019, Linux held a mere 1.58% market share, which climbed to 3% by June 2023, and now surpasses the 4% mark. Steven Vaughan-Nichols, Senior Editor of ZDNet.com, identified five key factors driving this growth.

1. Microsoft’s evolving priorities

One of the biggest contributors to the growth of Linux is likely the stringent hardware requirements of Windows 11 forced by Microsoft. When Windows 11 launched, Microsoft made it mandatory for computers to have support of TPM Version 2.0, which many did not have, including Myself; users without this hardware had to remain on Windows 10 which was released back in 2015 and on May 2021, Microsoft also announced that they will end the support of Windows 10 by October 2025.

Apart from this Windows 11 mess-up, you can also see that Microsoft is not any more concerned about Windows the Desktop Operating as these days Microsoft’s biggest profits comes from its Azure cloud Service and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Programs, particularly Microsoft 365.

2. Expansion of Linux gaming

Steam is the most popular gaming platform in the world and with the advent of Steam Deck, Steam OS and Proton, Gaming scene for Linux has changed completely, Gamers slowly but steadily are adopting Linux as their daily driver as more and more Games are getting native Linux Support. Linux Distros such as Nobara OS and Garuda Linux are created completely keeping Gaming and Gamers in Mind.

3. Improved user-friendliness of Linux

Even now, you’ll find people who insist that Linux is hard to use or master. True, if you want to be a Linux power user, Linux will challenge you. But, if all you want to do is work and play, many Linux distributions are suitable for beginners. For example, Linux Mint, ZorinOS are very simple to use, and it’s a great end-user operating system for everyone and anyone.

4. Finding and installing Software on Linux is easier than ever

While some years ago Software installation on Linux was not that easy, but now containerised application installation programs such as Flatpak, Snap, and AppImage have made it very Simple. For users, that means they get more programs to choose from, and they don’t need to worry about finicky installation details and with the shift towards online computing more and more software vendors are releasing their apps on Linux.

5. Growing popularity in India

This final point is the one which I am most excited to discuss. Steven mentioned that India has gained a large number of Linux user, and I am quoting his words - “In India, Windows is still the number one operating system with 70.37%, but number two is Linux, with 15.23%. MacOS is way back in fourth place with 3.11%. I suspect this is the case because India’s economy is largely based on technology. Where you find serious programmers, you find Linux users.”

As an Indian myself, I’m particularly proud to see my country playing a pivotal role in Linux’s growth. But believe me I am not surprised at all to see this result because In countries Like India or you can take the whole Indian Subcontinent for this context. Here not every one can afford an Apple PC or Laptop and buying a New computer every year is not a norm and PC for us is like an asset, and I am saying this for the majority of the people even though there are people who can afford new and shiny hardware now and then but not everyone. So when Microsoft forced the TPM version 2.0 for Windows 11. This result was bound to happen as most us Indians have “Jugaad” mentality, showcasing our resourcefulness and adaptability.

Now, addressing the most important question, “Is 2024 the year of Linux?” Then I think Despite this growth, we remain far from any sort of Year of the Linux Desktop, where Linux is the dominant desktop OS. There’s plenty of debate over why; but for example, as per Linux founder Linus Torvalds, Lack of a standardise desktop that goes across all Linux distros has held back Linux adoption on the desktop. But believe me, if Microsoft continues to move away from the core customer, maybe we will have a year of the Linux desktop! And I am eagerly waiting to see that.

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