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Why people keep flocking to Linux in 2025 (and it's not just to escape Windows)
Winsage
November 28, 2025

Why people keep flocking to Linux in 2025 (and it’s not just to escape Windows)

The Linux desktop has seen a rise in popularity, attributed to user distrust in Microsoft Windows, particularly as Windows 10 nears the end of its support life. Zorin OS 18 achieved 1 million downloads in its first month, with 78% from Windows users. Linux desktop market share increased from 1.5% in 2020 to over 4% in 2024, with a peak of over 5% in the US by 2025. The current US figure shows Linux at 3.49%, while the "unknown" category accounts for 4.21%, suggesting many could be running Linux. ChromeOS, a Linux variant, has a market share of 3.67%, bringing the total Linux desktop market share to approximately 11.37%. When including Android, Linux's presence rises to 41.71% in the US and 72.55% globally. The Digital Analytics Program reports a 5.8% market share for Linux desktops, up from 0.67% a decade ago, with a total of 23.3% when including Chrome OS and Android for government site access. Windows 10 holds a 16.9% market share, while Windows 11 is at 13.5%. Factors driving Linux adoption include Microsoft's shift to cloud services, improved gaming capabilities, better usability, hardware compatibility, and concerns about privacy. Approximately 25% of Windows 10 PCs cannot upgrade to Windows 11, with 26% of users planning to continue using Windows 10 post-support. Digital sovereignty is becoming important for users outside the US, with European governments seeking alternatives to Microsoft, leading to increased exploration of Linux solutions.
5 Linux desktop environments that make ditching Windows 10 easy - including my top pick
Winsage
November 26, 2025

5 Linux desktop environments that make ditching Windows 10 easy – including my top pick

KDE Plasma is a Linux desktop environment that resembles the Windows desktop and offers extensive customization options. It serves as the default desktop for distributions such as KDE Neon, Kubuntu, openSUSE, and Fedora KDE. Cinnamon is the default desktop environment for Linux Mint, designed for user-friendliness and closely resembling Windows in aesthetics and functionality. It is included in distributions like Linux Mint, Ubuntu Cinnamon, and Fedora Cinnamon. MATE is a continuation of GNOME 2, retaining familiar Windows features while being lightweight for older hardware. It can be found in distributions such as Debian, Fedora, Gentoo, and Ubuntu MATE. Budgie features an elegant design that mimics Windows and offers a customizable experience with a notification system called Raven. It is available in distributions like Ubuntu Budgie and Fedora. Xfce resembles Windows and includes essential features, but its high level of customization may overwhelm new users. It is the default desktop for distributions like Xubuntu and MX Linux.
I actually liked Windows 8.1, even though I never had a tablet
Winsage
November 13, 2025

I actually liked Windows 8.1, even though I never had a tablet

In 2012, Microsoft launched Windows 8 to bridge traditional desktop environments and the tablet market, but it received a poor reception, leading to the release of Windows 8.1 a year later to address its shortcomings. Windows 8 aimed to compete with the iPad by transforming tablets into productivity tools. Windows 8.1 introduced features like on-demand OneDrive storage and the ability to snap apps side-by-side, marking a significant evolution in Windows. The concept of Windows RT for ARM processors faced challenges due to hardware limitations and underdeveloped applications but laid the groundwork for devices like the Microsoft Surface. The transition to touchscreen capabilities was revolutionary for users accustomed to older operating systems. The adaptation of the Windows Phone Metro UI for Windows 8 and 8.1 was innovative, despite criticism from traditional PC users. Windows 8.1 developed a dedicated fan base for its tile-based interface, leading to hopes for its return in future devices.
If you're still on Windows 10, switching to a new antivirus won't be enough
Tech Optimizer
November 7, 2025

If you’re still on Windows 10, switching to a new antivirus won’t be enough

Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10, which raises significant security concerns due to the lack of security patches. Microsoft Defender Antivirus (MSDA) will continue to provide protection for Windows 10 during the Extended Security Updates (ESU) period, which lasts until October 2028, but users without ESU will remain vulnerable. Upgrading to Windows 11 is a free option for legitimate Windows 10 license holders, ensuring access to the latest features and security updates. Alternatively, users can consider transitioning to Linux, with distributions like Linux Mint, Fedora, and Pop!_OS offering various advantages.
End of Windows 10 support could mean huge e-waste increase
Winsage
October 28, 2025

End of Windows 10 support could mean huge e-waste increase

Microsoft is discontinuing support for Windows 10, raising concerns about increased electronic waste and cybersecurity risks for users unable to upgrade. Approximately 40% of Windows users may lack alternatives, as many devices do not meet the requirements for Windows 11. Research indicates that up to 240 million outdated devices could end up in landfills due to this policy change. Microsoft will provide security updates for Windows 10 for one more year, but users delaying upgrades may face vulnerabilities to cyber threats. Upgrading to new devices can be costly, with prices starting around 0, while Linux Mint is suggested as a free alternative that can extend the life of current devices. Linux Mint requires only 2GB of RAM, 20GB of disk space, and a minimum resolution of 1024×768. Advocates are promoting the right to repair and legislation to combat planned obsolescence to make technology more sustainable.
Microsoft Removing Support for Windows 10 Could Increase E-Waste, Cybersecurity Threats
Winsage
October 23, 2025

Microsoft Removing Support for Windows 10 Could Increase E-Waste, Cybersecurity Threats

Microsoft announced it will discontinue support for Windows 10, affecting approximately 40 percent of its user base. Many devices do not meet the technical specifications required to upgrade to Windows 11, leading users to consider alternatives to avoid discarding their devices or risking exposure to outdated software. Critics, including environmental and cybersecurity advocates, warn that this decision could result in up to 240 million old devices ending up in landfills, exacerbating electronic waste issues and increasing cybersecurity risks for users unable to upgrade. Microsoft will provide security updates for Windows 10 for the next year, but users who do not transition to Windows 11 may become vulnerable to cyber threats, including phishing attacks. The financial burden of new devices can be significant, prompting suggestions to install Linux Mint, a free operating system that can extend the life of older hardware. Advocates also emphasize the importance of supporting the right to repair and legislation against planned obsolescence to promote sustainability in technology.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
October 20, 2025

I used Linux exclusively for five months instead of Windows, and I was surprised by what I didn’t miss

Five months ago, the author started using open-source operating systems, beginning with Linux Mint and eventually transitioning to Fedora KDE Plasma. Initially concerned about losing essential applications, they found that most of their favorite tools, such as Discord and Google Chrome, were available on Linux, with only Paint.net and ShareX lacking Linux versions. They adapted to using alternatives like Pinta and Spectacle. The author also overcame initial concerns about Linux's user-friendliness, gaining a better understanding of Terminal commands. Although they maintained a dual-boot setup with Windows 10, their usage of Windows has significantly decreased, and they no longer miss the Windows experience. The author has grown comfortable with Fedora and is considering fully transitioning away from Windows in the future.
This is the Linux distro you should use after Windows 10 support ends today
Winsage
October 15, 2025

This is the Linux distro you should use after Windows 10 support ends today

Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system has reached its end-of-life date, prompting users to migrate to Windows 11 or opt for extended support for an additional year. Users can also consider alternative operating systems like macOS or Linux. Linux Mint, particularly with its Cinnamon desktop environment, is recommended for Windows users due to its user-friendly interface that resembles Windows. Linux Mint is based on Debian, making it easier to find Linux versions of popular applications. While Linux Mint is a strong choice for beginners, users are encouraged to explore other distributions and desktop environments to find the best fit for their needs.
Oreon 10 gets a timely update as Windows 10 reaches its end of life - download the alternative operating system now!
Winsage
October 12, 2025

Oreon 10 gets a timely update as Windows 10 reaches its end of life – download the alternative operating system now!

Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025, and users must decide whether to transition to Windows 11 or continue with an unsupported system. Oreon 10, a Linux distribution launched in December 2024, has released its Build 2510 update, which includes WINE 10.16 for running Windows programs and minor package upgrades for stability. Oreon 10 is designed to resemble Windows, making it easier for users to transition. It is built on AlmaLinux and will have mainstream support until August 20, 2030, with end of support on June 1, 2035. A successor, Oreon 11, is in development.
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