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Linux and SteamOS are gaining users, especially in gaming circles. Windows isn't going anywhere, but Microsoft is paying attention.
The main reason why I won't ever give up Windows 11 is its ability to do it all. Sure, there are some limits, but 99% of the time, whether I'm working, creating, handling life, or gaming, it performs what I ask it to do without hesitation.
This jack-of-all-trades approach built on decades of development does have its downsides. Such is the case for PC gaming, which is becoming ever more apparent as the Linux-based SteamOS and its straightforward approach gain traction.
1) OEMs are showing interest in SteamOS
Lenovo's Legion Go 2 with SteamOS is expected mid-2026.
(Image credit: Windows Central / Lenovo / Valve)
It's important to note that SteamOS doesn't account for the entire Linux userbase on Steam. Linux is a fragmented ecosystem, with plenty of distros making up the total. Even so, SteamOS could be headed towards a future where it's the standard for gamers, especially if its upcoming Steam Machine proves to be a success.
Apart from Valve's own hardware being a success, the best thing for SteamOS is adoption outside of Valve's ecosystem. Indeed, we've now arrived at that point. Lenovo already has a Legion Go S handheld with SteamOS, and it announced a variant of its Legion Go 2 gaming handheld with SteamOS expected to launch in June 2026.
OEMs jumping on board with SteamOS will only help the platform grow while also reducing the number of potential Windows users.
2) Performance and efficiency are superior on SteamOS
SteamOS provides superior performance and efficiency compared to Windows 11.
(Image credit: Jennifer Young - Windows Central)
It's no secret that Windows is bloated, and that's the antithesis of what you want to hear about a gaming system when performance is crucial. Whether it's background processes, bundled services, telemetry, or ads, chances are good that frames are being left behind when gaming on Windows 11.
Making the switch to SteamOS on identical hardware, it quickly becomes clear that having way less system overhead running in the background does equate to superior battery life and performance, not to mention reliable suspend and resume functions.
Anti-cheat compatibility and full AAA adoption are two of the final barriers stopping a lot of gamers from making the switch from Windows to SteamOS, but I can't see them remaining unresolved forever. That's more bad news for Windows.
3) People are simply fed up with Windows and want something new
Microsoft has garnered the nickname "Microslop" among some followers due to its focus on putting AI everywhere in Windows 11.
(Image credit: Windows Central | Edited with Gemini)
Whether you agree that community sentiment matches the actual state of Windows is another argument entirely, but we can agree that the vibes around Microsoft and Windows 11 are way off.
Windows Central Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino suggests that the current Microsoft sentiment revolves around a lack of trust, but you can also point to plenty of other issues — like forced AI integrations or botched updates — as causes.
To put it bluntly, a lot of PC gamers are looking for an alternative, and SteamOS is shaping up to be a prime candidate. Once it launches an official desktop version, it will shine even brighter.
Microsoft isn't blind to the fact that it needs to improve the gaming experience on Windows 11. In late 2025, it posted a lengthy update to its Windows Experience blog detailing all of the gaming improvements it had recently shipped, as well as a look at what's coming in 2026.
It's an impressive list, and it goes to show that there's a lot of good stuff — including the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) — going on behind the scenes despite recent negative Windows news.
4) Steam is a juggernaut in the PC gaming world
Wouldn't you take a Steam Machine from this guy?
(Image credit: Valve | Getty Images)
I've been a Steam user for more than 20 years, and it feels weird to say that I've never had a major issue with the platform. It makes it easy to buy games, it makes it easy to find content for said games, and it makes it easy to play with friends.
It's one of the most recognizable names in gaming, and it has built a strong reputation and a ton of goodwill with a lot of people. With around 35 to 40 million users online at any given time, Steam has an incredible opportunity to spread the word of SteamOS and drive further adoption.
Don't worry. Windows isn't going anywhere.
Windows 11 isn't at risk of being dethroned anytime soon, even in gaming markets. SteamOS is outstanding software, but it's designed for one primary purpose: gaming.
Beyond that, you're back to using a desktop environment based on Arch Linux, which has its own share of drawbacks. Windows remains the most popular OS because it can do 99.9% of tasks without much fuss.
If anything, I see the threat of SteamOS forcing Microsoft to pay more attention to gaming, which already seems to be happening. That's a net win for all of us.
Do you agree with my thoughts on why Linux and SteamOS continue to eat into the Windows 11 userbase? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments section!
Hope you enjoyed this news post. Feedback welcome.
Posted Wednesday 28 January 2026 at 7:14 am AEST (my time).
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- Mutton
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