Valve has released the results of the Steam hardware and software survey for May 2026. Windows remains the dominant platform among users. Linux appears with a 3.99% share, still above macOS.
The numbers reflect the use of millions of active accounts on the platform. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. Ela helps Valve make support and development decisions.
Windows reinforces absolute leadership in the player base
Microsoft’s operating system reached a 93.85% share, an increase of 0.38 points compared to the previous month. Windows 11 64 bits leads alone with 69.76%, growth of 2.02 points. Windows 10 64-bit comes next with 23.99%.
Essa dominance maintains the platform’s historical pattern. Muitos games and tools remain optimized primarily for the Windows ecosystem.
- Windows 11 64-bit: 69.76% (+2.02%)
- Windows 10 64-bit: 23.99% (-1.64%)
- Windows 7 64-bit: 0.07% (stable)
The growth of Windows 11 indicates continued migration of users to the latest version.
Linux registers 3.99% and maintains presence above macOS
The open source system had a decline of 0.53 percentage points. Mesmo was thus ahead of macOS, which registered 2.16%. The result comes after recent peaks, such as the 5.33% observed in March.
Distribuições contributes to the share. SteamOS, associated with the Steam Deck, continues to be the most used among Linux players. Outras Popular options include Arch, Mint, and gaming-focused distributions.
The data shows that the Linux ecosystem is gradually advancing on the Steam basis. Fatores as well as Proton support and affordable hardware help with adoption.
Principais distributions Linux on Steam in May
SteamOS Holo 64 bits easily leads the Linux internal ranking. CachyOS and Arch appear in prominent positions. The scenario reveals diversity among users who opt for alternatives to Windows.
- SteamOS Holo 64 bit: 23.34% (+0.29%)
- CachyOS 64 bit: 13.36% (+4.99%)
- Arch Linux 64 bit: 8.70% (-0.08%)
- Linux Mint 22.3 64 bit: 7.65% (+0.18%)
- Bazzite 64 bit: 7.28% (+2.54%)
Essas distributions reflect preferences for stability, performance, or customization.
Configurações most common hardware among gamers
Memória 16GB RAM leads with 41.14% of users. Processadores with 6 physical cores appears on 28.02% of machines. Placas video NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 remains as the most popular GPU.
The medium profile indicates intermediate to advanced setups. Muitos players invest in components that guarantee good performance in current titles. The survey also covers CPU speeds, resolutions, and other details.
What the numbers indicate for the future of PC gaming
The stability of Windows as the main base makes the work of developers easier. At the same time, the consistent growth of Linux over the months suggests further market openness.
SteamOS gains strength with the Steam Deck, which brings an experience optimized for portables. Regular Atualizações and Proton improve game compatibility.
Usuários that migrate to Linux cite freedom, performance and cost as attractions. The ecosystem evolves quickly thanks to community contributions and official support from Valve.
The monthly survey serves as a thermometer for trends in the PC universe. Novos data should be out in July with the June update.