r/linux • u/Zodiak1011 • Aug 30 '26

Alternative OS Why does it feel like Linux is suddenly exploding in 2026?

I’ve been seeing more and more people switching to Linux this year, especially gamers. Bazzite, CachyOS, Linux Mint, etc. seem to be getting mentioned everywhere.

Why didn’t we see a massive shift like this earlier? What changed, or what finally pushed people to make the switch?

I know the Steam Deck was probably a big factor in showing people that Linux gaming is actually viable and that Linux isn’t as painful as it used to be.

But what else changed over the last few years that made Linux suddenly feel like a realistic alternative to Windows for so many people?

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u/realmauer01 Aug 31 '26

And the infrastructure isnt even just american servers, its even european servers if its american software.

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u/Randommaggy Aug 31 '26

Or under American ownership

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u/Kazer67 Aug 31 '26

That's literally why OVH is split into to separate society: world and US.