- Linux reached 10.65% of desktop usage in North America according to Statcounter for July 2026, up from 5.52% in June.
- The sharp increase partly correlates with a reduction in Statcounter's 'Unknown' category, suggesting improved traffic classification rather than a mass migration.
- Cloudflare Radar also shows a notable Linux desktop presence, though both datasets have limitations: Statcounter uses page views, and Cloudflare may include automated requests.
- Long-term improvements in Linux desktop ecosystem, hardware compatibility, gaming (Proton, Steam Deck), and frustration with Windows are cited as contributing factors.