software
Why now? Well, the Linux desktop market share in the EU doubled between 2024 and 2025 (to 5.7%). That's why!
Berlin-based eco-conscious search outfit Ecosia is expanding its range of European-focused web browsers to include a Linux version, citing the growing number of users in the EU looking for open alternatives to the clutches of American tech giants. Calling Linux users a “critical tech community that has long called for data privacy, digital sovereignty, and sustainability,” Ecosia said it was launching the new browser to support the community, whose numbers it says doubled in the EU between 2024 and 2025.The absolute share remains small, mind you - from 2.5 percent of EU computer users to 5.7 percent in the course of a year, but it’s still an increase that the Linux community can be proud of. Ecosia noted that Windows’ share of the market fell during that same period, from 80.2 percent to 74.2 percent. As of this writing, Linux’s share of the European desktop and console market is 6.4 percent, while Windows has dropped to 68.62 percent, per Statcounter.
“Linux in particular is becoming increasingly popular among tech circles, developers, and privacy-conscious users - a target group that views commercial tech giants like Microsoft and Google with increasing skepticism,” Ecosia said. Europeans don't appear completely disillusioned with American tech, however, as macOS's share in the region has nearly doubled since August 2025.
