A recent survey conducted by Gergely Orosz among 4,000 developers revealed that 61.6% primarily use macOS, 24.2% prefer Linux, and only 12.8% choose Windows. A separate LinkedIn poll of 6,000 participants showed similar results, with 66% using macOS, 20% Linux, and 12% Windows.
Despite these findings, the 2025 Stack Overflow Global Developer Survey indicates that Windows remains the most widely used operating system among professional developers globally, holding a 49.5% share compared to 32.9% for macOS.
Microsoft has invested heavily in Windows development tools throughout 2026, including enhancements to the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), integration of Linux containers, and the launch of Windows Developer Configurations. The company also introduced AI-assisted development features during the Build 2026 conference.
The discrepancy between the surveys highlights that while Windows maintains a broad lead in the general market, developers at major tech firms and startups increasingly favor macOS and Linux. These groups often prefer Linux for its server environment and Mac for its Unix compatibility and hardware stability.
Analysts note that while Microsoft continues to optimize the Windows ecosystem, changing long-standing developer habits remains a significant challenge. The company aims to leverage Windows 11 and AI tools to regain traction among core developer communities.
