The announcement that Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025 has triggered significant conversations among personal and enterprise users alike. Although this is not an unfamiliar move—Microsoft has previously phased out older versions such as Windows 7 and XP—the sheer scale of Windows 10’s user base, estimated at over one billion active devices globally, gives the impending change a wider impact.
As Windows 10 support ends, many users are now considering switching to Linux, a once-niche operating system that is gradually entering mainstream discourse.
What Does the End of Support Really Mean?
Microsoft’s “end of support” essentially means the cessation of security updates, bug fixes, and technical support. While the system will still function, users will be left exposed to security vulnerabilities and compatibility issues with newer applications. Enterprises may have the option to pay for extended security updates (ESUs), but individual users will not be afforded the same flexibility unless they transition to Windows 11 or choose an alternative operating system altogether.
Given that Windows 11 has relatively strict hardware requirements—including TPM 2.0 and certain CPU generations—many users with older devices cannot upgrade without purchasing new hardware. This has led to discontent, especially among those who find their current machines functional yet deemed obsolete by Microsoft’s standards.
Linux: Once Niche, Now Viable
Historically, Linux has been considered an operating system for developers, tech enthusiasts, or those with strong command-line experience. That perception is rapidly changing. Modern Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, and Pop!_OS offer user-friendly graphical interfaces, software managers, and compatibility with a wide range of hardware.
Moreover, Linux has become a far more viable daily driver for average users. The open-source community has invested significant effort into improving usability, providing out-of-the-box support for common file formats, peripherals, and productivity applications. With free and frequent updates, customisation options, and a strong security model, Linux is now being viewed as a practical alternative to proprietary systems.
Rising Interest Backed by Data
Data from platforms like StatCounter and NetMarketShare suggest a gradual but noticeable rise in desktop Linux usage, especially in regions where hardware replacement cycles are longer. While Linux still accounts for a small percentage of desktop OS share—around 3% globally—this figure has been climbing steadily. In certain niche communities and among technically inclined users, Linux use has soared, partly fuelled by dissatisfaction with Microsoft’s direction.
Reddit communities, YouTube tech channels, and tech blogs have also documented a surge in interest, often using Windows 10’s end-of-life timeline as a call to action for trying Linux. Tutorials on “How to switch from Windows to Linux” and “Linux for beginners” have seen significantly increased engagement.
Cost as a Driving Factor
The financial burden of upgrading to Windows 11 or replacing hardware has prompted many to re-evaluate their options. Linux distributions are entirely free of charge, with no licensing fees or upgrade costs. For users with older machines that still perform well, Linux offers a way to extend the device’s life without investing in a new PC. This makes it especially appealing to students, small businesses, and users in developing countries where budget constraints are a major concern.
Moreover, the cost savings are not limited to the operating system alone. Many Linux distributions come bundled with free productivity tools such as LibreOffice, GIMP, and Firefox, eliminating the need for expensive software subscriptions or licences.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Another strong motivator behind the shift to Linux is concern over privacy and data collection. Microsoft has often been criticised for the amount of telemetry data Windows collects from users. Although some of these settings can be configured or turned off, many remain enabled by default and are difficult for the average user to navigate.
Linux, by contrast, is open source, which means its code is available for public scrutiny. This makes it less likely to contain backdoors or invasive tracking mechanisms. Additionally, most Linux distributions do not include pre-installed advertising, bloatware, or compulsory online accounts for installation.
Application Compatibility: Still a Hurdle, but Shrinking
One of the biggest historical barriers to Linux adoption has been software compatibility, particularly for users reliant on Windows-exclusive applications. While this remains a concern, several developments have narrowed the gap.
Tools like Wine, Lutris, and Proton (via Steam) allow users to run many Windows applications and games on Linux with surprising stability. Moreover, popular cross-platform software like Google Chrome, Firefox, Zoom, and even Microsoft Teams have Linux versions. For office tasks, LibreOffice and OnlyOffice are highly capable alternatives to Microsoft Office, and web-based productivity suites continue to fill the gaps.
However, for users tied to niche professional software like AutoCAD or Adobe Creative Suite, Linux may still present challenges. In these cases, some adopt a dual-boot setup or run Linux in virtual environments to ease the transition.
Community Support and Learning Curve
The Linux community, known for its collaborative and informative nature, offers an abundance of support through forums, wikis, and tutorials. Distributions such as Ubuntu and Linux Mint have particularly active communities where newcomers can ask questions without being overwhelmed by technical jargon.
While the learning curve still exists—especially for users transitioning from a heavily GUI-based system—it is far less steep than it once was. With thoughtful design choices and increasing documentation, Linux has become accessible to a broader audience.
Enterprise Considerations
Interestingly, it is not only individuals who are exploring Linux alternatives. Enterprise adoption is also on the rise, particularly in the education, government, and non-profit sectors. Organisations seeking cost-effective and secure IT infrastructure are finding Linux to be a compelling option, especially for non-critical workstations and cloud deployments.
Furthermore, Linux-based systems dominate in areas like web servers, supercomputers, and development environments, offering long-term reliability and robust performance.
A Philosophical Choice
For many, the decision to switch to Linux is not purely technical—it is also philosophical. The open-source ethos, which values freedom, transparency, and collaboration, contrasts sharply with the commercial model employed by proprietary software vendors. This sense of digital autonomy resonates deeply with users who feel constrained by forced updates, proprietary file formats, and planned obsolescence.
Conclusion
As the end of Windows 10 support looms, users are being nudged to make crucial decisions about the future of their computing experience. While some will inevitably transition to Windows 11, a significant and growing number are seizing this moment to explore Linux as a serious alternative. The cost savings, enhanced privacy, and increasing user-friendliness of modern Linux distributions are reshaping public perception. What was once considered a platform for specialists is now being embraced by a broader, more diverse user base. As this shift continues, it may well redefine what mainstream computing looks like in the post-Windows 10 era.
