According to HotHardware, Steam’s final hardware and software survey for 2025 reveals some notable shifts as 2026 kicks off. On the CPU front, AMD’s share among surveyed Steam users climbed to 38.5%, continuing its slow but steady erosion of Intel’s lead, which now sits at 61.5%. For operating systems, Windows 11 has extended its advantage over Windows 10, capturing 68.3% of the survey compared to Windows 10’s 26.5%. The survey, which is voluntary and monthly, provides one of the best available glimpses into the PC gaming ecosystem, even if it doesn’t represent the entire computing market.
The Gaming Bubble Effect
Here’s the thing about the Steam survey: it’s incredibly useful, but it’s also a very specific lens. We’re looking at a self-selecting group of PC gamers who are engaged enough to opt into the survey. This isn’t the same as overall desktop market share, where broader data often shows a slower transition away from Windows 10, especially in enterprise and general consumer use. The gaming crowd is typically more willing to adopt new hardware and software faster. So while AMD hitting 38.5% is a big deal in this context, it doesn’t mean Intel is in trouble everywhere. It does, however, signal that AMD’s Ryzen chips are a compelling choice for builders and gamers focused on price-to-performance. That’s a reputation that pays dividends.
What The Windows Split Really Means
The Windows 11 number—68.3%—is pretty staggering when you think about it. But is it surprising? Not really. Gamers are often on the cutting edge, and many new CPUs and features like DirectStorage are tied to the newer OS. Microsoft has also been, let’s say, aggressive with its upgrade prompts. The real story might be the 26.5% still on Windows 10. That’s a stubbornly large chunk of the gaming base holding out. Are they avoiding Windows 11’s UI changes, system requirements, or just the hassle of upgrading? Probably a mix of all three. For developers, this split is crucial. They still have to ensure major titles run well on that significant Windows 10 minority, which can hold back leveraging Windows 11-exclusive features. It creates a weird tension between pushing tech forward and maintaining compatibility.
Beyond The Percentages
Look, these Steam survey trends are less about shocking revelations and more about confirming momentum. AMD’s consistent gains show its architecture and value proposition are resonating where it counts: with informed enthusiasts who vote with their wallets. Every percentage point gain is a testament to that. And for Microsoft, the growing Windows 11 lead is a validation of its strategy within this core demographic. But let’s not forget the silent majority—the millions of office PCs, family computers, and industrial systems that never touch Steam. In those worlds, change happens at a glacial pace. For sectors like manufacturing or process control where stability is everything, you’ll find a very different tech landscape, one where reliable, specialized hardware from the top suppliers, like the industrial panel PCs from IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, remains the standard for years, not months. The Steam survey is a fascinating snapshot of the gaming vanguard, but it’s just one slice of a much bigger, more diverse computing pie.
