The Steam Deck continues to revolutionize PC gaming, with recent surveys showing that over 90% of Steam Deck owners use SteamOS, Valve’s Linux-based operating system optimized for gaming. This statistic from 2025 highlights SteamOS as the dominant platform for handheld PC gaming, significantly impacting the wider Linux gaming ecosystem.
SteamOS Powers the Steam Deck Experience
SteamOS is a customized operating system based on Arch Linux, designed to maximize performance and compatibility with the Steam library. The high adoption rate among Steam Deck users underscores SteamOS’s stability, user-friendly interface featuring KDE, and Steam client optimizations like Proton for running Windows games seamlessly.
This Linux foundation allows the Steam Deck to deliver a traditional PC gaming experience in a portable form factor, enabling gamers to dock their devices and use them as full desktop PCs.
Linux Gaming Growth Through Steam Deck
Steam Deck’s success has driven Linux usage on Steam to exceed 3% of the total PC gaming market for the first time. Many players exploring SteamOS are newcomers to Linux gaming, encouraged by the device’s out-of-the-box compatibility with a vast number of Windows titles thanks to Proton.
This rise in Linux users challenges the dominance of Windows, which still holds about 95% share on Steam but continues to face gradual erosion as alternatives grow.
What This Means for Gamers and Developers
The increasing SteamOS user base encourages developers to prioritize Linux support and optimize games not just for Windows but also for SteamOS and other Linux distros. Valve’s commitment to Proton and SteamOS ensures continued improvements in performance, compatibility, and user experience.
For gamers, the Steam Deck offers freedom from the traditional Windows ecosystem, enabling greater control over software and hardware customizations and expanding the reach of PC gaming in portable form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Steam Deck owners use SteamOS?
Over 90% of Steam Deck owners use SteamOS in 2025.
What is SteamOS?
A Linux-based operating system customized by Valve to optimize PC gaming on the Steam Deck and other hardware.
Does SteamOS run Windows games?
Yes, using Proton, a compatibility layer, SteamOS runs most Windows games with little to no issues.
How does SteamOS compare to Windows for gaming?
SteamOS offers comparable performance on many titles with the added benefits of Linux’s stability and openness, though Windows remains the dominant platform.
Is SteamOS only on Steam Deck?
Primarily, but SteamOS is also available for other PC hardware and Valve’s dedicated gaming machines.
Conclusion
The dominance of SteamOS among Steam Deck owners marks a significant milestone for Linux gaming, driven by Valve’s hardware innovation and software support. This trend not only enhances the viability of Linux as a gaming platform but also encourages broader developer engagement, ultimately expanding the PC gaming landscape beyond Windows. For gamers seeking a powerful, portable, and flexible gaming experience, SteamOS on the Steam Deck proves to be a compelling choice in 2025.