Migrating to Linux before Windows 10's end? A specific tool might help preserve your data and apps from Microsoft's environment, however, it's confined to a single Linux distribution.
As the end-of-life (EOL) date for Windows 10 approaches on October 14, 2025, users are faced with significant security risks and operational challenges. With no more security patches or bug fixes, Windows 10 systems will become vulnerable to cyber threats and unsupported for software and hardware compatibility.
Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11, buying new hardware certified for Windows 11, or enrolling in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for a temporary and paid solution. However, many users face difficulties upgrading to Windows 11 due to its stringent hardware requirements and design concerns.
In response, some users and organizations are turning to Linux distributions as a secure and sustainable alternative. Linux Mint, for example, is user-friendly, runs on older hardware with modest specifications, and continues to receive security updates and support. This Linux migration approach offers a way to extend the usable life of hardware that cannot run Windows 11, avoiding the security risks of staying on unsupported Windows 10 and reducing electronic waste.
The Restart Project, an organisation aiming to curb electronic waste, has released a toolkit called "End of 10" to support Windows 10 users who cannot upgrade to Windows 11. A new tool called Operese, a Windows-to-Linux migration tool, has also been developed to assist in the transition to Linux, allowing users to bring all their files, settings, and installed apps.
However, the future of Windows' dominance in the market share is uncertain. It remains to be seen if users will switch to a free and open-source operating system like a Linux distro despite software compatibility challenges.
Our Managing Editor, Richard Devine, wrote a feature about the potential drawbacks of switching to Linux beyond the operating system's cutoff date. He cites incompatibility with legacy software and difficulty in choosing the right Linux distro for specific needs as potential challenges.
As the EOL date for Windows 10 approaches, users are encouraged to share their plans beyond Microsoft's free security updates, whether they will be switching to Linux or not. The decision to migrate to Linux may offer a sustainable and secure solution for many Windows 10 users.
[1] Microsoft (2022). Windows 10 End of Service FAQ [2] Microsoft (2021). Windows 11 system requirements [3] The Verge (2021). The backlash against Windows 11's TPM 2.0 requirement [4] TechRadar (2021). Why you should consider switching to Linux after Windows 10 support ends [5] The Restart Project (2022). End of 10
- The Edge browser, a key component of the Windows 10 PC, will no longer receive updates after the end-of-life date, making it less secure.
- With the impending end of Windows 10, users may consider the Surface Laptop as a new Windows 11 device option, benefiting from its latest features and security.
- The XBox and Windows 10 ecosystems, both under the Microsoft umbrella, might face integration issues as users opt for different operating systems, such as Linux.
- As users explore alternatives to Windows 10, they might find the Office suite, a staple of Microsoft Technology, available on Linux distributions like Ubuntu, ensuring continuity in productivity.
- With Windows 11's system requirements proving challenging for many, some users may gravitate towards the Surface Pro, designed to accommodate a wide range of performance needs while delivering a seamless Windows experience.
- The Windows 10's EOL does not only impact the laptop market, but also affects the PC gaming community, where games optimized for specific versions of Windows may no longer run smoothly.
- The software updates on the Office suite available for Windows 11 could provide improved compatibility and functionality compared to the Windows 10 version, appealing to users who decide to upgrade to the newer operating system.
