The desktop operating system landscape is undergoing remarkable change. In 2025, Linux will reach a crucial milestone, reaching more than 6% market share, an increase that will appeal to IT enthusiasts and professionals alike. After years of almost exclusive dominance by Windows and macOS, this rise of a free and open-source system illustrates a profound shift in computing usage. Whether in government, educational, or home environments, Linux is gaining ground thanks to its flexibility, security, and the diversity of its distributions. This renewed interest is part of a context of digital transformation where data control and software autonomy are becoming major issues. Let’s dive into the drivers, key figures, as well as the technical and strategic factors that explain this spectacular growth.
Analysis of the historical and recent growth of Linux’s desktop market share
Observing the historical trajectory of Linux on desktops reveals slow but steady growth that has accelerated in the last decade. Long confined to a niche of geeks and system administrators, Linux has gradually integrated a much broader spectrum of users. In 2011, Linux barely reached 1% of the market share. The following years saw a slow doubling, peaking at around 2% in the early 2020s. Then, the pace accelerated significantly: in 2023, Linux reached around 3.5%, compared to over 4% in 2024, and peaking at over 6% in 2025.
StatCounter, a major player in web usage statistics, indicates a symbolic crossing of 5% in the United States by June 2025, while the US government confirms, through its internal analyses, that Linux traffic on its websites now exceeds 6%. These figures are all the more revealing as they sometimes underestimate reality by not counting, for example, devices running ChromeOS, which uses a Linux kernel and represents approximately 0.8% of the additional market share. Combined, the Linux ecosystem would then significantly exceed 7%.
Several factors explain this increase:
- The gradual adoption by public administrations and institutions: Several governments, including US federal agencies, are gradually abandoning Microsoft for open-source solutions better suited to their security and digital sovereignty needs.
- The popularization of accessible distributions: Linux Mint, Zorin OS, and elementary OS drastically simplify the user experience, making it easier for novices to get started. Constantly improving hardware and software compatibility
- thanks to recent Linux kernels, notably versions 6.16 and 6.17, which fix AMD bugs and optimize the interface with modern hardware. At the same time, there is a growing base of developers, professionals, and enthusiasts who promote Linux through tutorials and tools, increasing its visibility among the general public.
Discover Linux’s growing impact on the tech market, with a 6% market share. Explore the reasons for this rise, the advantages of the operating system, and its role in digital innovation.
Choosing the right Linux distribution is a key factor in expanding this popularity. The current ecosystem includes a multitude of distributions, all suited to a variety of profiles, from beginners to experts, including developers and sysadmins. Here are the distributions that stand out in 2025 to conquer the desktop segment:
Ubuntu
- : Remaining the most recognized distribution for beginners, Ubuntu displays remarkable stability and benefits from a very large application ecosystem. Its user-friendly GNOME-based interface is an ideal springboard for those coming from Windows. Linux Mint
- : With a philosophy focused on simplicity and familiarity, Linux Mint attracts users who prefer a Windows-like interface. Its Cinnamon environment is intuitive and comprehensive. Fedora
- : The preferred choice of professionals and developers, Fedora always offers recent versions of the kernel and software, quickly integrating new Linux features. It’s an excellent base for testing the latest features, such as the new kernel optimizations explored in Linux 6.16 with AMD fixes. Arch Linux & Manjaro : Arch embodies advanced control and ultimate customization, appealing to experienced users. Manjaro facilitates the Arch experience with simplified installation and user-friendly package management.openSUSE
- : Highly regarded in European professional circles, this distribution focuses on robustness and fine-grained control over the system environment. elementary OS & Zorin OS
- : These distributions emphasize sleek design and a seamless user experience, distinguishing features that appeal to both the general public and Linux newcomers. KDE Neon
- : Offering the latest version of the KDE Plasma desktop, this distribution targets users seeking a balance between modernity and performance on their desktop. In addition to distributions, modern package managers like Snap, Flatpak, or even Docker containers are essential for facilitating access to applications. Their integration into the aforementioned distributions significantly reduces the friction encountered by new users.
- To delve deeper into installing and managing applications on Linux, several detailed guides are available, including how to install Windows games via Steam on Linux or methods for deploying cross-platform professional tools. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_F0Zdn3UgY
Technical Drivers of Linux’s Rise: Kernel, Hardware Compatibility, and Security
The rise in Linux adoption is not only driven by community support or popular distributions, but is also driven by crucial technical advances. The constantly evolving Linux kernel plays a major role:Recent optimizations to Linux kernel 6.16 and 6.17: These releases address specific performance issues with AMD processors, improve file system management, and adjust hardware support, as demonstrated in the article on Linux 6.16 regressions affecting futex and the removal of the pktcdvd module in Linux 6.17. These fixes ensure both stability and improved performance in a variety of scenarios. Enhanced hardware support: Thanks to collaboration between manufacturers and open-source developers, Linux now supports a wide range of recent hardware, from GPUs to USB devices, reducing the need for “flat drivers.” Security and privacyLinux traditionally benefits from a more secure permissions management system and architecture. The emphasis on security is evident, with recommended tools and practices in the open source community to ensure anonymity and avoid vulnerabilities, such as those identified around sudo permissions (critical sudo vulnerabilities).
These technical factors ensure a stable, secure, and seamless experience on Linux desktops. They partly explain why this system is gaining the trust of sensitive sectors, such as government and private companies.
Discover how Linux achieved a 6% market share, its advantages, its applications, and the growing impact of this open source operating system in the IT world. Linux Adoption Strategies in the Public Sector and Large Organizations
- A significant portion of Linux’s growth is due to its rapid and widespread adoption within government agencies and large organizations. Growing demands for security, digital sovereignty, and cost are driving these entities to migrate to open-source solutions. Several initiatives illustrate this dynamic: Linux Migrations within Governments: US and European agencies are replacing Microsoft environments with Linux. Visitor tracking on over 400 US government websites shows that Linux users now represent at least 6% of traffic, even surpassing macOS and Windows 11 in some segments. Internal Training and Awareness InitiativesTo facilitate the transition, organizations are investing in Linux training, developing significant in-house expertise and deploying customized distributions.
- Reductions in licensing costs: Switching to Linux allows for a remarkable reduction in the costs associated with purchasing proprietary licenses, while still providing significant technical expertise. Development of open-source applications and infrastructure: These structures foster a robust local ecosystem, fostering innovation and security.
- This trend is consistent with the motivations that also lead many private companies to evaluate Linux as a viable alternative, particularly for technical workstations or office servers requiring increased stability and flexibility. How novice and professional users can easily join the Linux ecosystem:Crossing the 6% mark for Linux would not be possible without greater accessibility to the platform for a wide variety of profiles, from beginners to experts. The major challenge historically has always been compatibility with user habits and existing software. Recent Linux distributions and projects have significantly lowered these barriers:Ability to try Linux without modifying Windows: Solutions such as Live USBs or virtualized environments allow you to experiment with Linux without a permanent installation. Tutorials such as the one for
- trying Linux without Windows are widely available.
Interoperability with Windows: Thanks to tools that allow easy exchange of Windows-Linux files (
), these two systems can coexist without major constraints.
Access to Windows applications via compatibility layers
: The Wine project, along with Valve’s Proton, makes it much easier to run Windows applications and games. Integration with Steam and the ability to play Battle.net on Linux are testament to these advancements.
- Rapid deployment of professional tools: Guides for installing n8n via Docker on Linux simplify the implementation of automation and productivity tools. These advancements facilitate the gradual conversion of curious users and the transition of infrastructure. They are all factors driving the current explosion in Linux adoption on the traditional desktop.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ww37KNWiHk Discover Linux’s growing impact on the market with a 6% share. Explore the benefits of this open-source operating system, its adoption in the technology sector, and how it is transforming modern computing.
