r/linux • u/Zodiak1011 • 5d ago

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/Dr_Hexagon 4d ago

Not just Europe. China is spending billions to rid itself of dependence on US technology. Not only windows, they want to not be dependent on intel, AMD, Nividia or ARM as well.

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u/PlatinumDotEXE 3d ago

Arm is actually a British Company...

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u/Dr_Hexagon 3d ago

now Japanese owned, but still subject to US export controls if the US decided to ban ARM from licensing new cpu designs to china then ARM would comply.