Valve has just released its latest Hardware & Software Survey for March 2025, offering a detailed snapshot of the hardware and software preferences of PC gamers on Steam. This monthly, optional survey provides invaluable insights for gamers and developers alike, shedding light on the most popular operating systems, graphics cards, and other hardware configurations within the Steam community. As of March 2025, Windows 11 has solidified its position as the leading operating system, while hardware trends reveal the enduring preferences of gamers. Let’s dive into the key findings and what they mean for the future of PC gaming.
Windows 11 Takes the Lead: A Rollercoaster Journey
According to the March 2025 survey, Windows 11 now commands a 55.34% market share among all Windows-based Steam users who participated. This marks a significant 11.24% increase from the previous month, cementing its status as the most popular operating system on the platform. It’s worth noting that participation in the survey is voluntary and randomized, so the data doesn’t reflect the entire Steam user base but offers a reliable average.
Windows 11 first overtook Windows 10 in August 2024, maintaining its lead through January 2025. However, February brought an unexpected twist: a sharp, unexplained drop in its user base. This anomaly raised eyebrows, but March’s results show a strong recovery, with Windows 11 reclaiming its dominance. The resurgence aligns with its gaming-focused features, such as Auto HDR, DirectStorage, and performance optimizations, which continue to attract gamers.
Meanwhile, Windows 10, the second-most popular OS, saw a steep decline, dropping 12.76% to a 40.58% market share. This shift isn’t surprising, given Windows 11’s superior gaming capabilities and Microsoft’s looming end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 in October 2025. Even after official support ends, though, Windows 10 is unlikely to vanish from Steam entirely—just look at Windows 7. Despite being obsolete and unsupported by Valve (it can’t run the latest Steam client), Windows 7 still clings to a 0.11% share, up 0.01% in March 2025.
Operating System Breakdown: Windows Reigns Supreme
Overall, Windows remains the overwhelming favorite among Steam gamers, accounting for 96.10% of the total user base in March 2025, though it saw a slight 1.48% dip from February. Linux holds the second spot with a 2.33% share, up 0.88% from last month, driven largely by distributions like Arch Linux. The Steam Deck, powered by SteamOS (a Linux-based system), likely contributes to this growth, though Linux’s overall adoption remains niche. macOS rounds out the top three with a 1.58% share, up 0.61%, with macOS 15.1 Sequoia as the most popular version.
Here’s the full operating system breakdown for March 2025:
- Windows: 96.10% (-1.48%)
- Linux: 2.33% (+0.88%)
- macOS: 1.58% (+0.61%)
While Windows dominates, the slight uptick in Linux and macOS usage hints at growing diversity among gamers, though these platforms still lag far behind.
Hardware Trends: Nvidia Leads, 1080p Persists
On the hardware front, the March 2025 survey shows stability rather than seismic shifts. The Nvidia RTX 3060 remains the most popular graphics card among Steam users, holding a 4.94% market share. Its successor, the RTX 4060, follows closely at 4.6%, with the laptop version of the RTX 4060 taking third place at 4.32%. These mid-range GPUs highlight gamers’ preference for affordable yet powerful options. AMD’s top contender, the Radeon RX 6600, trails with a modest 0.86% share, underscoring Nvidia’s dominance in the gaming GPU market.
Other key hardware stats from the survey include:
- RAM: 16GB is the most common configuration, reflecting the sweet spot for modern gaming.
- CPU: 6-core processors lead the pack, balancing performance and cost.
- VRAM: 8GB is the norm, sufficient for most current titles.
- Primary Drive: Capacities under 250GB dominate, though larger SSDs are gaining traction.
- Resolution: 1080p remains the go-to resolution, despite the rise of 1440p and 4K displays.
These trends suggest that while gamers are upgrading, many stick to reliable, budget-friendly setups rather than chasing cutting-edge hardware.
Why Windows 11 Is Winning Over Gamers
Windows 11’s rise isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a reflection of its gaming prowess. Features like Auto HDR enhance visual quality automatically, while DirectStorage slashes load times by leveraging fast NVMe SSDs. Add in better integration with the Xbox ecosystem and ongoing performance tweaks, and it’s clear why gamers are making the switch. With Windows 10’s end-of-life approaching in October 2025, the transition is accelerating, though some holdouts will likely persist, as seen with Windows 7’s stubborn presence.
For developers, these stats signal a shift in priorities. Optimizing for Windows 11’s features could give games a competitive edge, especially as its user base grows. Meanwhile, the small but steady Linux contingent—boosted by the Steam Deck—suggests that cross-platform support remains worth considering.
What the Survey Means for Gamers and Developers
Valve’s Hardware & Software Survey isn’t just a curiosity—it’s a tool for shaping the gaming ecosystem. For gamers, it reveals the setups powering their favorite titles, offering a benchmark for upgrades. For developers, it’s a roadmap for optimization, highlighting the hardware and software they should target. Since participation is optional, the data isn’t 100% precise, but it paints a clear picture of trends.
You can explore the full March 2025 results on Valve’s official survey page. The site breaks down everything from OS versions to VR headset usage, providing a treasure trove of data for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Looking Ahead: The Future of PC Gaming
As Windows 11 strengthens its grip, the PC gaming landscape is evolving. The impending retirement of Windows 10 will likely push more users to upgrade, especially as new games demand modern features. Hardware-wise, Nvidia’s mid-tier GPUs continue to rule, but AMD’s growing presence and the rise of higher resolutions like 1440p could shake things up in the coming years.
For now, 1080p and 16GB of RAM remain the gold standard, proving that accessibility still trumps bleeding-edge specs for most gamers. Linux and macOS, while minor players, show signs of life, hinting at a more diverse future. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore enthusiast, Valve’s survey offers a fascinating glimpse into the pulse of PC gaming in 2025.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve
The March 2025 Valve Hardware & Software Survey underscores Windows 11’s ascent and the enduring appeal of practical hardware choices. As the gaming industry marches forward, staying informed about these trends can help you optimize your setup or development pipeline. Whether you’re upgrading your rig or crafting the next big title, this data is your window into the preferences of millions of Steam users. Check out the full survey on Valve’s website and see where you fit in the ever-shifting world of PC gaming. Black Screen