Swapnil Bhartiya founded Muktware in 2010 to cover Linux and Open Source. He had been covering Linux & Open Source since 2005 and himself became a Linux user when a Windows virus wiped 2GB of his images (2GB was a lot back in 2005). He became a staunch supporter of FLOSS when he attented the LinuxAsia event as part of the Linux For You magazine. That's when he decided to devote his writing career to Linux and Free Software.

In October 2012 Muktware experimented with their publishing plan and started covering the amalgamation of latest technology, science, art, and culture in the web magazine under 'Xtreme Muktware' section. The site retains strong focus on Linux and Open Source Technologies and Free Culture and doesn't cover non-free/propreitary technologies or products such as Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac/iOS or the iPad and the iPhone.