Microsoft’s impending end-of-life date for Windows 10, set for October 14, 2025, looms just over two months away. While the upgrade to Windows 11 presents a conventional path forward, the operating system’s demanding minimum system requirements and certain design flaws may deter users from making the leap.
For those who prefer to remain on Windows 10, there are options available. Users can enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for per device, granting an additional year of support. Alternatively, syncing PC settings with a Microsoft Account allows users to continue receiving security updates for an extra year at no cost. However, this is merely a temporary solution, as Windows 10 users will eventually face the same dilemma once again.
As discussions unfold on platforms like Reddit, a noticeable number of users are contemplating a complete switch to Linux. Richard Devine, our Managing Editor, recently penned a thoughtful piece cautioning against this move. He highlighted the challenges posed by Linux’s incompatibility with legacy software and the difficulty newcomers may face in selecting the right distribution to meet their needs.
Nevertheless, for those ready to embrace change, the transition to Linux may soon become more manageable, thanks to a new tool named Operese. This Windows-to-Linux migration tool aims to facilitate the switch to the free and open-source operating system while preserving users’ files, settings, and installed applications. However, it’s important to note that Operese is still in its early development stages, currently limited to a demo version and only compatible with Kubuntu, one of many available Linux distributions.
Ditching Windows is increasingly enticing
Recent initiatives, such as The Restart Project’s “End of 10” toolkit, have emerged to assist Windows 10 users unable to upgrade to Windows 11. This initiative encourages communities to repair and “breathe new life into computers.” It aims to facilitate the installation of free and open-source operating systems like various Linux distributions on older devices still in use or those discarded by users who have upgraded.
These efforts align with a broader mission to combat the rising tide of electronic waste. Additionally, the ‘End of 10’ group advocates for transitioning from Windows 10 to Linux, emphasizing the absence of ads and telemetry tracking as key advantages of their proposal.
The impact of Microsoft’s decision to discontinue support for Windows 10 on its market dominance remains to be seen. Will users abandon the familiar ecosystem for a free and open-source alternative, despite the challenges of software compatibility? The coming months will reveal the choices users make as they navigate this pivotal moment in the tech landscape.
