After a rather slow start, the adoption of Windows 11 worldwide gaming is finally gaining traction. For the first time ever, Microsoft’s latest operating system has dethroned Windows 10 as the preferred operating system for playing video games on Steam..
So reveals the most recent monthly survey conducted by Valve, which keeps track of both the software and hardware of its users. In August, Windows 11 usage on Steam increased by 3.36%, which, added to a 3.07% drop in Windows 10, has allowed it to climb to the top of the ranking.
Windows remains, by some distance, the software of choice for playing video games on Steam, taking 96.78 % of the share. Linux distributions follow with 1.96%, and macOS closes with 1.30%.
Microsoft’s OS breakdown reveals that. Windows 11 is now the most widely used version among Steam gamers, with 49.17 %. And while it is no longer at the top of the rankings, Windows 10 still maintains a share more than outstanding with 47.09 %. Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 have a logically insignificant share in this contest, with 0.37% and 0.07%, respectively.
Windows 11 is already the most popular OS on Steam
That Windows 11 is already the most popular operating system on Steam is no small thing. For Microsoft, at least, it must be a satisfactory sign that it has succeeded in enforcing the use of its current platform, after several years of fighting against user reluctance. While Valve’s survey does not reveal the reasons behind the growth in adoption of this software, there are some key points that may explain the change.
The first thing to mention is that Windows 10 is barely a year away from running out of support. Thus, it is logical to think that some gamers are already migrating to setups more modern. Although if we consider that it has more than 47% of Steam’s share, it is clear that millions of players have not yet started the transition.
Another crucial point to keep in mind is that Windows 11 has already been on the market for more than three years. So most PCs with preinstalled software already come with this version, including laptops and desktops with hardware specifications targeting the gaming.
It is a reality that Windows 11 has improved considerably compared to what it was when it was first released. But it is also true that the refusal of many users to upgrade from Windows 10 is more based on Microsoft’s behavior than on the quality of the software itself. The fact that Redmond initially limited the hardware compatible with its latest OS and then engaged in rather intrusive practices to encourage its use, quickly earned the public’s dissatisfaction.
Windows 10 still reigns outside the gaming
By outperforming Windows 10 on a platform as popular as Steam, Windows 11 scores an interesting win going forward. Still, the overall picture of adoption of the current operating system is still far from what Microsoft. While the operating system has begun to close the gap, it is still far behind its predecessor in overall market share.
Windows 10 remains distant as the world’s most widely used PC software, with 64.17 % of the market share.. Windows 11 today is second with 31.62 %, but its growth is occurring at an extremely slow pace. To put it into context, the share of software grew by less than 8%. between September 2023 and August 2024.