The digital world is split down the middle: in one camp, Linux is the undisputed champion of servers, powering the bulk of the internet and cloud infrastructure. In the other, Windows maintains a stranglehold on desktops, with macOS and Linux fighting for scraps. Here’s a look at how things stand in 2025—by the numbers—and why the story is far more interesting than a simple corporate rivalry.

Desktop OS

On your desk or laptop, Windows still commands nearly 70% of the global market share for desktop operating systems. It’s the default for most offices, schools, and homes, even as Windows 10 nears its end of life and Windows 11 struggles to capture hearts. macOS sits pretty in the high single digits, beloved by creatives and developers, while Linux has finally breached 5% in the US and hovers just over 4% globally—its highest-ever share.

What’s driving Linux’s quiet desktop revolution? Privacy concerns, Windows 10’s sunset, and a growing ecosystem of user-friendly distros are all factors. There’s a real sense that a corner has been turned, especially in North America, where Linux now matters—not just for enthusiasts, but for everyday users looking for something different. Windows Still Rules, But Linux Is Climbing

Server OS

Flip to the server room, and the picture is utterly reversed. Linux powers more than 78% of the world’s web-facing servers. From Amazon’s cloud to your friendly neighborhood blog, most of the internet runs on Linux. Windows Server and other contenders? Just over 20% combined.

In the realm of supercomputers, Linux is king—100% of the top 500 supercomputers run Linux, and have since 2017. The open-source model, security, and flexibility make Linux the only real choice for serious, scalable infrastructure. Linux Is Everywhere

Inside Linux

Linux isn’t a monolith; it’s a sprawling ecosystem of distributions. Ubuntu is the most popular, with about 34% of the Linux market—thanks to its ease of use and strong community. Debian, CentOS, and a host of others split up the rest, with nearly 40% of the Linux share going to “Unknown/Other”—a mix of niche distros, custom builds, and just plain mystery.

This diversity is Linux’s strength, but also a challenge: with so many options, the “average” Linux user is a myth. Servers, schools, developers, privacy advocates—they’re all part of the story. Ubuntu Leads, But Debian and the Unknown Are Big Players

What does this mean?

• On desktops, Windows is still the safe, boring default, but alternatives are growing.
• On servers, Linux isn’t just winning—it’s winning everywhere that matters for the modern web.
• Inside Linux, there’s a fascinating diversity of platforms, and no single company can claim to “own” the open-source future.

If you’re only reading OS market news for the desktop fight, you’re missing the real plot. Linux has already won the server war, and it’s making gains on the desktop—one user at a time. Whether you’re a Windows loyalist, a Mac fan, or a Linux ninja, the OS landscape is more vibrant and unpredictable than ever.