Microsoft’s recent decision to discontinue support for Windows 10 has sparked a notable shift in the operating system landscape. During Dell’s latest earnings call, the company revealed that around 500 million PCs are eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11. However, many users are choosing to remain on the unsupported platform, exposing themselves to potential privacy and security vulnerabilities.
In light of this, alternative operating systems like Linux are gaining traction, particularly due to their lack of advertisements and telemetry tracking. One such Linux distribution, Zorin OS, has seen a remarkable influx of approximately 780,000 users migrating from Windows within just over a month following Microsoft’s withdrawal of support for Windows 10. While this surge may be coincidental, the timing suggests a correlation between Microsoft’s decision and the growing interest in alternatives.
Tom’s Hardware reported that Bazzite, another Linux-based gaming distribution, achieved a significant milestone by surpassing one petabyte of ISO downloads in a single month. From October 29 to November 28, Bazzite served around 150,000 ISOs, attracting 730,000 visitors to its site. The distribution offers a 7.5GB NVIDIA GPU and an AMD GPU-ready 6.6GB ISO installer, indicating a robust demand for its offerings.
Bazzite positions itself as a strong alternative to SteamOS, boasting better hardware compatibility and desktop support. It also includes pre-installed drivers for NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, facilitating a smoother transition for users looking to migrate their gaming libraries without unnecessary complications. The recent uptick in Bazzite’s popularity can be attributed to a growing number of users seeking alternatives to Windows, especially in light of the end of support for Windows 10 and the stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11.
Moreover, the improved compatibility of Windows games on Linux, largely thanks to Valve’s Proton compatibility layer, is driving this trend. Users dissatisfied with Windows 11’s update policies are increasingly exploring these alternatives.
macOS might be a better alternative if you want a basic user experience
For many, macOS and Windows have long been the go-to operating systems for everyday tasks. However, with the discontinuation of Windows 10, users find themselves at a crossroads. The emergence of platforms like Bazzite simplifies the transition for those seeking alternatives.
As Valve prepares to launch its Steam Machine in Spring 2026, Bazzite emerges as a viable alternative to SteamOS. Unlike SteamOS, which can be cumbersome during installation, Bazzite offers a more user-friendly experience, particularly for gaming on devices like the ROG Ally. For those focused solely on gaming, Bazzite or SteamOS may be the best options available. Conversely, macOS could be a preferable choice for users seeking a straightforward computing experience without the gaming focus.
With Microsoft’s ambitions to evolve Windows into an AI-driven operating system, Apple may have the opportunity to capitalize on the backlash by re-evaluating its own approach to macOS. As our managing editor Richard Devine aptly notes, “As good as Linux is, and as much as I might think people should give it a go, for a lot of people it isn’t going to be a magic solution when Microsoft turns out the lights on Windows 10.” He highlights compatibility issues with legacy software as a significant barrier, along with the challenge of navigating the diverse array of Linux distributions to find the right fit.
What are your thoughts? Will Bazzite carve out a lasting niche in this evolving landscape? Share your opinions in the comments.
Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!
Windows 10’s demise fuels Linux hype again — but will Bazzite finally break the “forever up‑and‑comer” curse? There’s a chance.
Microsoft’s recent decision to discontinue support for Windows 10 has sparked a notable shift in the operating system landscape. During Dell’s latest earnings call, the company revealed that around 500 million PCs are eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11. However, many users are choosing to remain on the unsupported platform, exposing themselves to potential privacy and security vulnerabilities.
In light of this, alternative operating systems like Linux are gaining traction, particularly due to their lack of advertisements and telemetry tracking. One such Linux distribution, Zorin OS, has seen a remarkable influx of approximately 780,000 users migrating from Windows within just over a month following Microsoft’s withdrawal of support for Windows 10. While this surge may be coincidental, the timing suggests a correlation between Microsoft’s decision and the growing interest in alternatives.
Tom’s Hardware reported that Bazzite, another Linux-based gaming distribution, achieved a significant milestone by surpassing one petabyte of ISO downloads in a single month. From October 29 to November 28, Bazzite served around 150,000 ISOs, attracting 730,000 visitors to its site. The distribution offers a 7.5GB NVIDIA GPU and an AMD GPU-ready 6.6GB ISO installer, indicating a robust demand for its offerings.
Bazzite positions itself as a strong alternative to SteamOS, boasting better hardware compatibility and desktop support. It also includes pre-installed drivers for NVIDIA and AMD GPUs, facilitating a smoother transition for users looking to migrate their gaming libraries without unnecessary complications. The recent uptick in Bazzite’s popularity can be attributed to a growing number of users seeking alternatives to Windows, especially in light of the end of support for Windows 10 and the stringent hardware requirements for Windows 11.
Moreover, the improved compatibility of Windows games on Linux, largely thanks to Valve’s Proton compatibility layer, is driving this trend. Users dissatisfied with Windows 11’s update policies are increasingly exploring these alternatives.
macOS might be a better alternative if you want a basic user experience
For many, macOS and Windows have long been the go-to operating systems for everyday tasks. However, with the discontinuation of Windows 10, users find themselves at a crossroads. The emergence of platforms like Bazzite simplifies the transition for those seeking alternatives.
As Valve prepares to launch its Steam Machine in Spring 2026, Bazzite emerges as a viable alternative to SteamOS. Unlike SteamOS, which can be cumbersome during installation, Bazzite offers a more user-friendly experience, particularly for gaming on devices like the ROG Ally. For those focused solely on gaming, Bazzite or SteamOS may be the best options available. Conversely, macOS could be a preferable choice for users seeking a straightforward computing experience without the gaming focus.
With Microsoft’s ambitions to evolve Windows into an AI-driven operating system, Apple may have the opportunity to capitalize on the backlash by re-evaluating its own approach to macOS. As our managing editor Richard Devine aptly notes, “As good as Linux is, and as much as I might think people should give it a go, for a lot of people it isn’t going to be a magic solution when Microsoft turns out the lights on Windows 10.” He highlights compatibility issues with legacy software as a significant barrier, along with the challenge of navigating the diverse array of Linux distributions to find the right fit.
What are your thoughts? Will Bazzite carve out a lasting niche in this evolving landscape? Share your opinions in the comments.
Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!