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Linux on Steam Surges to 3.05%, Thanks to Steam Deck

11/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Valve's Steam Hardware Survey shows Linux users at 3.05% of all Steam users, up from 2% last year.
Growth is linked to the Steam Deck, whose SteamOS drives 27% of Linux installs.
Windows remains dominant at nearly 95%, underscoring the ongoing platform gap.
Proton allows about 90% of Windows games to run on Linux, boosting its appeal for indie games.
However, competitive multiplayer remains hampered by anti-cheat compatibility on Linux.

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Story summary

Valve's Steam Hardware Survey shows Linux users at 3.05% of all Steam users, up from 2% last year.
Growth is linked to the Steam Deck, whose SteamOS drives 27% of Linux installs.
Windows remains dominant at nearly 95%, underscoring the ongoing platform gap.
Proton allows about 90% of Windows games to run on Linux, boosting its appeal for indie games.
However, competitive multiplayer remains hampered by anti-cheat compatibility on Linux.