The desktop operating system ecosystem is undergoing a period of significant change in its structure and market share distribution. Windows has historically been the dominant force, but in recent years we've witnessed a downward trend in its market share, while macOS and especially Linux are experiencing steady growth. The current landscape is more open than ever , and many users are wondering if we will ever see a true balance between the three platforms.
In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the market share of Windows, macOS, and Linux , reviewing figures, trends, the reasons for the shift, and the role of each system in both personal computers and professional or server environments. All information is up-to-date and based on the most reliable and comprehensive data from recognized sources such as StatCounter and recent market research.
Current market share landscape: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Windows' dominance remains clear, but it's declining. According to the latest StatCounter data, Windows holds approximately 70-73% of the global desktop operating system market share . However, the relevant data point is its downward trend over the past decade, when it hovered around 85-90%. Looking at data from December 2024, the figure stands at around 73,38%, and by June 2025 it had dropped to 70,14%.
macOS has consolidated its second-place position with a global market share that fluctuates between 14% and 15% (reaching 14,14% in June 2025), although its penetration is much higher in countries like the United States, exceeding 24% in this market when combining macOS and OS X. This geographical difference reflects the strong presence of Apple devices in the North American market, where "domestic" products continue to carry significant weight in purchasing decisions.
Linux, traditionally in the shadows, is experiencing its best moment ever . The well-known "1%" market share is now a thing of the past. In 2021 and 2022, StatCounter placed Linux at around 2%. In 2023, it jumped to 3%, and in 2024 it consistently surpassed 4%. In December 2024, Linux reached 4,13% globally, and in some months even approached 4,55%. Furthermore, in June 2025, Linux reached 4,09% globally and exceeded 5% in the US (5,03%), consolidating its upward trend.
Why are the quotas changing?
The decline of Windows is due to several factors. One of the main ones is the end of support for Windows 10, which will arrive in October 2025, forcing millions of users and businesses to decide whether to invest in a new computer compatible with Windows 11 or look for alternatives. Furthermore, Microsoft's restrictive strategy with Windows 11 (requirements such as the TPM 2.0 module, modern processors, and new security policies) has left many with older hardware behind.
Linux is directly benefiting from this situation . Many users who don't want to invest in new hardware or aren't interested in the macOS ecosystem are trying popular Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Linux Mint for the first time, which have greatly improved in recent years in terms of ease of use, compatibility, and hardware support. The growing presence of devices like the Steam Deck, handheld consoles , and the popularity of Android are also increasing the trust in and visibility of Linux.
In the case of macOS, despite a slight decline in global sales, its market share remains strong in the US, and although it experienced a dip between September 2024 and April 2025, it appears to have stabilized. The transition to Apple Silicon processors and the loyalty of its user base keep macOS as the second most popular choice worldwide.
Recent data and key figures on market share
The most recent global figures from StatCounter for desktop systems show the following distribution at the end of 2024 and the first half of 2025:
- Windows: Between 70,14% and 73,41% worldwide
- macOS: Around 14,14% globally, reaching almost 24% in the US if we add OS X and macOS
- Linux: Approximately 4,13% globally and up to 5,03% in the US.
- ChromeOS: Between 1,24% and 1,9% worldwide; 2,71% in the US.
- Unknown systems: About 6,41% worldwide and 4,76% in the US, likely encompassing a variety of platforms, with a significant portion of Linux prioritizing privacy.
If we extrapolate this data to the user level , considering that there are approximately 2.500 billion connected desktop systems, Linux represents at least 100 million unique users . The actual figure may be higher, since a significant portion of the "unknown" share likely corresponds to Linux variants that prefer to protect their privacy.
Historical evolution and future forecasts
Over the last decade, the evolution has been significant . Windows has lost nearly 13 percentage points in the United States alone, falling from 76% to 63% in ten years. Apple, combining macOS and OS X, has increased its share from 14% to 24%. Linux, which took eight years to surpass 2%, has doubled its share to 4-5% in just three years. ChromeOS maintains modest figures, below 2%, although it has a stronger presence in the US.
Linux is projected to reach 5% global market share by 2025 if it maintains its current pace, especially as Windows 10 support ends and many users seek free or lower-spec alternatives. The question is whether this trend will solidify or if Windows will manage to halt its decline with new strategies.
Factors Driving Linux Growth
The growth of Linux is not due to a single reason . Among the main causes are:
- Greater ease of use: Modern distributions include intuitive and easy-to-use graphical environments for all levels.
- Better compatibility: It can now run on almost any laptop or PC, even older hardware.
- Free and open source: No cost or licensing, unlike Windows and macOS.
- Alternative for older PCs: Many people who can't run Windows 11 see Linux as a viable option.
- Devices like Steam Deck: that use Linux distributions and offer potential for gaming and leisure.
- Improvements to applications and tools: Although there are still some proprietary applications missing, programs like Wine make it easier to run Windows software.
However, Linux still has limitations : compatibility with certain professional programs and online games does not yet match Windows, which poses a challenge to its growth in more demanding segments.
Situation in the professional and server fields
The server market differs from the home user market . Here, Linux is the undisputed leader, especially in data centers, web servers, cloud services, and virtualization. The global server operating system market was 26.389 units in 2024 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 12,4% until 2032, doubling its volume.
Linux dominates thanks to its open-source nature, adaptability, and low cost . Products like Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu Server are the preferred choices for large enterprises and startups. Although Microsoft maintains a presence with Windows Server and Azure solutions, the trend increasingly favors Linux-based solutions, especially in hybrid and cloud architectures.
Geographic context and segmentation by region
Market share varies considerably by region . The Americas, especially the US and Canada, show greater penetration of Apple and Linux, while in Europe Windows maintains a slight lead. In Asia Pacific, growth is rapid, driven by China and India, where migration to free and affordable solutions favors Linux in education and business.
In the professional and server sectors, the Americas lead in market share, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific, where the expansion of data centers and cloud solutions is unstoppable. Virtualization has driven the adoption of Linux to reduce costs and optimize resources.
Future outlook and trends
The future will be defined by the evolution of the cloud, virtualization, and service integration . Microsoft has transformed Windows into a "service" model, generating revenue through subscriptions, cloud storage , and ecosystems like Microsoft 365 and Azure, rather than solely selling licenses. It's likely that in the near future, Windows will be offered free of charge to end users, generating revenue through associated services.
Meanwhile, Linux will continue its growth , driven by the open source trend, digitalization in emerging countries, and user migration following the end of Windows 10 support. Although it still needs to improve compatibility with specialized software and games, it is getting closer to achieving this.
Apple will continue to focus on tight but streamlined integration, basing its success on user loyalty and the strength of its ecosystem.
The desktop operating system sector is undergoing a profound transformation. While Windows still holds sway, it is gradually opening up to robust and affordable alternatives . The coming years will bring changes and innovations that will continue to shape this constantly evolving market.
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