If macOS and Windows are the leaders in desktop operating systems, Linux distributions dominate the server world. When it comes to supercomputers, they have no equal, with all 500 of the top 500 running Linux.

However, soon Linux will not only catch up with Windows and macOS but also surpass its competitors in the desktop market. Here are 7 reasons why this will happen.

Why Will Desktop Users Choose Linux in 2024?

1. The Cost of New PCs Might Drive People to Keep Their Old Machines and Install Linux

The trend began during the pandemic when many needed laptops for working from home. The computer hardware industry suffered due to supply chain issues: new PC chips were hard to come by. People were buying equipment at old prices, and new stock arrived slowly and at higher prices.

Don’t forget about inflation and rising interest rates. Now, even buying laptops on credit has become less feasible. Although the situation slightly stabilized by the end of 2022, both manufacturers and potential buyers need time to find balance in the new reality.

The war in Ukraine has also had an impact. Not just for Ukrainians, but globally, as several well-known companies exited the Russian market (Apple, ASUS, Dell, IBM, etc.) to avoid funding terrorism. Consequently, their profits fell, and product prices rose.

Even though the PC market looks relatively stable now, external economic factors might push people to refrain from buying new tech. As Microsoft and Apple stop supporting older machines, more users will install lightweight Linux distributions on them in 2024.

2. Desktop Linux Continues to Improve

Although Linux is often associated with command-line usage, desktop versions of this OS now present an attractive alternative to Windows and macOS.

Distributions like Zorin OS are clearly aimed at current Windows and macOS users by providing similar user interfaces. Other distributions also strive to make their systems more familiar to non-Linux enthusiasts. If you don’t need it, you won’t see text consoles during startup or use the command line. Only a visual interface and familiar mouse clicks.

While installing a new OS might seem complicated, modern Linux systems are more intuitive than early window managers from the 80s and 90s.

3. Microsoft and Apple Are Ending Support for Older Versions of Their OS

As Microsoft and Apple try to move users to newer versions, they will end support for older ones.

Microsoft stopped providing security updates for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users in January 2024. In September 2022, Microsoft announced that it would end support for Windows 10 version 21H1.

Apple systematically cuts support for older versions of their OS and hardware. If users do not want to switch to new systems, they might turn to lightweight Linux distributions that support older machines (like Xubuntu).

4. Alpha Version of Asahi Linux Supports Apple Silicon, More to Come

With Intel transitioning to Apple Silicon processors, the only viable OS choice for Mac hardware became macOS. Asahi Linux decided to create a Linux distribution for Apple Silicon processors. In December 2022, Asahi Linux announced support for GPU, which was a significant breakthrough.

Asahi Linux will make it easier for other developers to port Linux to Apple Silicon. The project could become a viable alternative to macOS. In short, Linux is occupying even a larger niche on Macs than on Windows.

As it was during the PowerPC and Intel eras, Linux on Apple Silicon will likely appeal to developers and tech personnel rather than the general Apple user base. The release of the first alpha version of Asahi Linux has already happened.

5. Linux Gaming Continues to Grow

Despite games on Linux still being far from mainstream, interest in this platform is growing. Steam statistics show a slow but steady increase in the number of users who use Linux on their gaming PCs.

According to Valve’s survey of their customers’ hardware and software, it seems that Linux gaming is developing organically, albeit slowly. For instance, many original games are available on Steam for Linux. With Proton, gamers can switch to Linux without giving up their old favorites.

Enter Steam Deck, the portable Linux-based gaming console introduced by Valve. This device has already created quite a buzz. If Steam Deck becomes a successful project, developers might consider releasing native Linux games before Windows versions. Or at least make Linux ports a priority.

6. Running Windows Programs on Linux Is Getting Easier

With WinApps, you can easily manage and run Windows software on Linux and even integrate it into your system and context menu. Wine helps run Windows programs on Linux seamlessly. How does it work? Simply put, Wine translates Windows internal commands into commands your Linux system can understand.

There are quite a few projects for running Windows applications on other platforms based on Wine:

• CrossOver: A significant portion of Wine developers work on this project. The releases are more stable, the only main drawback is that CrossOver is paid.
• PlayOnLinux: This project is entirely based on Wine and is free. The program is also available for Mac (PlayOnMac).
• Bottles: A simple-to-use tool with various features. You can run both applications and games here.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg, so share your favorites in the comments.

7. Chromebooks Are Challenging Macs

Chromebooks are internet-focused laptops running a customized version of Linux. They have become a popular alternative to Windows and Mac laptops due to their low cost and ease of administration.

Many users have already experienced the benefits of Chromebooks and might not want to go back to a standard PC. With ChromeOS Flex, you can rejuvenate your old computers using the ChromeOS interface.

ChromeOS, and therefore Linux, poses a serious challenge to Mac as an alternative computing platform.

Google is also pushing towards cloud gaming with a new line of gaming-focused Chromebooks from many manufacturers. It remains to be seen how this idea will unfold in 2024, so stay tuned.