alternatives to Windows Archives

Winsage

December 4, 2025

Microsoft finds an unlikely ally — Linux developer defends Windows against BSoD jokes

Windows has traditionally held a dominant market share in operating systems, but Linux is gaining traction, particularly after Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Zorin OS, a Linux distribution, attracted around 780,000 former Windows users within a month of this announcement. Bazzite delivered a petabyte of ISO files in one month, indicating a growing interest among Windows 10 users in alternatives to Windows 11. Linus Torvalds highlighted that many blue screen errors in Windows are linked to hardware issues rather than software bugs and recommended using Error-Correcting Code (ECC) memory for better stability. Microsoft has changed its error reporting from the blue screen of death to a black screen to enhance security and prevent destabilizing updates. There are three types of Blue Screen of Death errors: the Windows 3.1 Ctrl+Alt+Del screen, the Windows 95 kernel error, and the Windows NT kernel error.

AppWizard

December 3, 2025

Steam Deck lead reveals Valve is funding ARM compatibility of Windows games “to expand PC gaming” and release “ultraportables” in the future

Valve has been supporting Fex, an open-source initiative for enabling Windows games to run on ARM architecture, for nearly ten years. The Fex compatibility layer was developed to ensure reliability for gamers. Valve aims to expand PC gaming options by allowing Windows games to operate on ARM devices, which could include low-power laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The company is developing an ARM version of SteamOS that will maintain the same core components as its x86 version, with a tailored version of Proton that includes the Fex emulator. While there are challenges with compatibility, particularly with modern multiplayer titles and anti-cheat mechanisms, Valve is working to address these issues. The demand for alternatives to Windows in the gaming market is increasing, particularly with the success of SteamOS on the Steam Deck.

Winsage

December 3, 2025

Windows 10’s demise fuels Linux hype again — but will Bazzite finally break the “forever up‑and‑comer” curse? There’s a chance.

Microsoft has discontinued support for Windows 10, leading to around 500 million PCs being eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11, though many users remain on the unsupported platform. Zorin OS has gained approximately 780,000 users migrating from Windows within a month of this decision. Bazzite, a Linux-based gaming distribution, surpassed one petabyte of ISO downloads in a month, serving around 150,000 ISOs and attracting 730,000 visitors. Bazzite offers better hardware compatibility and pre-installed drivers for NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, making it a strong alternative to SteamOS. The improved compatibility of Windows games on Linux, aided by Valve's Proton, is contributing to the trend of users exploring alternatives to Windows.

Winsage

November 25, 2025

This Linux OS has got a million downloads since Windows 10 support ended – should Microsoft start worrying now?

Zorin OS achieved one million downloads within the past month, coinciding with the release of Zorin OS 18 and the end of support for Windows 10. The new version received 100,000 downloads in the first two days after its launch. The surge in interest may be attributed to users seeking alternatives to Windows 11, especially those with hardware that does not meet its requirements. The 'Lite' version of Zorin OS is particularly suited for older PCs. Despite the end of support for Windows 10, Microsoft will continue offering extended support until October 2026.

Winsage

October 27, 2025

6 exciting and niche OS projects that are quietly growing as users leave Windows

More individuals are dissatisfied with Windows due to updates, telemetry, and restrictive design choices, especially with the end of life for Windows 10 approaching. This has led to a subtle migration towards niche operating systems. Zorin OS is a user-friendly Linux distribution designed for newcomers, featuring a familiar interface that mimics Windows and macOS, and is powered by Ubuntu for stability. It includes Zorin Connect for synchronizing notifications and emphasizes security and privacy. Haiku is a lightweight operating system that serves as a successor to BeOS, focusing on speed and simplicity, built entirely from scratch for a snappy user experience. SerenityOS is an independent project created from the ground up, featuring a nostalgic aesthetic and a complete desktop environment, with a focus on usability and craftsmanship. Ultramarine Linux is a Fedora-based distribution that simplifies open-source software for users, offering multimedia codecs and multiple desktop environments for a comprehensive experience. Vanilla OS introduces a modern approach to Linux with immutability, protecting core system files and allowing independent application management to enhance stability. ReactOS aims to recreate the Windows experience using open-source code, focusing on compatibility with Windows applications and drivers while fostering a community around its development.

Winsage

October 21, 2025

Windows 10 support has ended: Here’s what you need to do going forward

As of October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, affecting all editions including Home, Pro, and Enterprise. Microsoft has introduced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, allowing users to enroll for an additional year of security updates until October 2026. The ESU program is free for users who sign in with a Microsoft account and sync their settings to the cloud, while residents of the European Economic Area can access it at no cost without cloud synchronization, although they must sign in every 60 days. Alternatives to consider include upgrading to Windows 11, which has hardware requirements like a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, or switching to other operating systems such as Linux distributions or ChromeOS. WINUX is a Linux-based distribution resembling Windows 11. Users can also purchase new PCs like the ASUS Zenbook A14 (2025) or Microsoft's Surface Pro 11 to avoid disruptions when Windows 10 support ends.

Winsage

October 19, 2025

Windows 10 Support Ends: Users Switch to Linux Like Zorin OS

Microsoft ended free support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, prompting many users to explore open-source alternatives, particularly Linux distributions. Zorin OS, an Ubuntu-based distribution designed to mimic Windows interfaces, reported a significant increase in downloads and installations from former Windows 10 users seeking secure, cost-free operating systems. Industry analysts noted that many users are reluctant to pay for Microsoft's extended security updates, especially for older hardware that does not meet Windows 11's requirements. This has led to discussions about privacy concerns and dissatisfaction with Microsoft's ecosystem, contributing to what some are calling a "Windows exodus." Zorin OS has capitalized on this shift by offering a user-friendly experience with a Windows-like desktop layout and compatibility tools, attracting non-technical users. The open-source community sees this as a critical moment for mainstream Linux adoption, potentially challenging Windows' long-standing dominance. Hardware companies are also responding by offering Linux-preloaded devices. While challenges like software compatibility exist, the current momentum presents an opportunity for Linux advocates to convert new users into loyal supporters.

Winsage

October 4, 2025

Windows 10’s End of Life is just 10 days away — you must take action NOW or risk your PC’s security

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, ceasing new features, security updates, or bug fixes for all versions. Users can enroll in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for an additional year of security updates until October 2026, which is free but requires effort to enroll. Alternatives include upgrading to Windows 11, which requires specific system requirements like TPM 2.0, or switching to WINUX, a Linux distribution that mimics Windows. Users considering hardware upgrades can look at the ASUS Zenbook A14, priced around 9, or Microsoft's Surface Pro 11, priced at approximately ,399.99.

Winsage

September 18, 2025

Farewell, Windows 10!

On October 14, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10, ceasing new features, security updates, or bug fixes. Users are advised to upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase a new device. The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program offers security updates for an additional year beyond October 2025, available for free with a Microsoft account or for a fee of 1,000 Microsoft reward points. Alternatives to Windows 10 include Linux distributions and Google's ChromeOS, with WINUX being a notable Linux option that resembles Windows. Recommended devices for those considering a new purchase include the ASUS Zenbook A14, priced around 9, and the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, priced around ,399.99.

Winsage

September 16, 2025

Your Windows 10 PC is reaching its end in 30 days. Here are your options

Windows 10 version 22H2 will reach end of servicing on October 14, 2025, which includes all editions such as Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise. This date also marks the end of support for Windows 10 2015 LTSB and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB 2015. After this deadline, users will no longer receive monthly security updates or previews. Microsoft offers an Extended Security Update (ESU) program for home users to extend support for an additional year through various methods: activating Windows Backup for free, redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards Points, or paying to extend support in non-US countries. An unofficial method involves using UpDownTool to switch to Windows 10 LTSC 2021, which will receive updates until 2032. Users can also consider switching to Linux distributions or Chromebooks as alternatives to Windows 11.