I don’t like the direction Windows is headed, and I’m excited about the gaming opportunities on Linux. It’s time for me to take the plunge and install Linux on my gaming PC. I’m declaring that 2026 will be the year of Linux on my desktop.
Linux has long been a capable desktop operating system, and when it comes to gaming, it’s becoming increasingly viable. Thanks to Valve’s efforts in making Windows games run well on the Linux-based Steam Deck, many gaming handhelds now outperform their Windows counterparts when using Bazzite, a Fedora-based distribution. Inspired by experiences using Bazzite and the upcoming Steam Machine, I’m ready to dive into Linux gaming.
My desktop runs fine on Windows 11, but the balance between cool features and annoying extras is unappealing. I want no part in the forced integration of services like OneDrive and Edge or the unhelpful updates turning useful applications into unnecessary AI tools. With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 and crippling features on older hardware, it feels like a logical time to explore Linux.
While I’ve primarily been a Windows user since version 3.1, my experience with Linux has been limited to side projects. I’ve dabbled in setting up a Raspberry Pi, running a Linux VM on my Chromebook, and a few other minor projects. However, all these experiences took longer than I anticipated and distracted from gaming, my reading, and personal projects. The potential for added frustration during another OS installation has kept me from switching.
Given the current landscape in gaming on Linux, now seems like the perfect time to make the leap. Friends have had success with Bazzite, and one is even co-hosting a podcast focused on Linux gaming, Dual Boot Diaries.
With a robust desktop featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super graphics card, I’m ready to give Linux gaming a shot. I’ve decided to install CachyOS, an Arch-based distro optimized for modern gaming hardware and noted for its straightforward setup.
I don’t expect my journey to go smoothly. Linux remains a niche in PC gaming, with only about 3% of Steam users utilizing it. Should any issues arise during installation, navigating community forums and Discord channels will be essential. Fortunately, I have other machines to rely on during the transition, and even if I spend more time troubleshooting than gaming, it may lead to new insights.
Here’s to hoping for a smooth installation; if not, I might be back to Windows before long. Only one way to find out.
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