Why You Should Consider Switching to Linux Before Windows 10 Support Ends

Time is running out for Windows 10. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially stop supporting it, and that change will affect millions of people who still rely on the operating system every day. If you are one of them, you might already be wondering what to do next. Should you upgrade to Windows 11? Should you buy a new computer? Or is there another option?

The truth is, you do not have to feel boxed in by Microsoft’s choices. There is a powerful, free, and increasingly user-friendly alternative that more and more people are considering: Linux. Before we get into why Linux could be the right move for you, let us first look at why Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 in the first place and what that means for your everyday computer use.

Why Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10

Every version of Windows comes with a shelf life. Microsoft supports an operating system for a set number of years, providing updates, bug fixes, and crucial security patches. Once that support period is up, the company moves its attention to newer versions. Windows 10, which launched in 2015, has reached that stage.

When Windows 10 was first released, Microsoft famously called it “the last version of Windows.” The idea was that it would evolve over time with regular updates instead of being replaced outright. But only a few years later, Windows 11 arrived. The official reason was that advances in hardware and security required a fresh start.

A big part of the push to Windows 11 is about security requirements, such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, that older computers do not always have. Microsoft argues that these features make systems safer against modern cyberthreats. There is also a business side to the decision. By steering users toward new hardware, Microsoft strengthens its partnerships with PC makers and promotes its latest ecosystem of products and services.

So, the end of Windows 10 support is not about your current computer suddenly becoming useless. It is about Microsoft choosing to put its energy into newer systems. That choice leaves many users with a difficult decision: either upgrade to Windows 11 if their hardware allows it, buy a new machine altogether, or look for another path forward.

The implications of Windows 10 support ending for users

If you continue to use Windows 10 after October 2025, your computer will not suddenly stop working. It will still turn on, and your programs will still run. But the lack of support carries serious consequences that will become more noticeable over time.

The biggest concern is security. Without updates, any new flaws discovered in Windows 10 will remain unfixed, making it an easy target for hackers. Over time, this means using the internet, doing online banking, or even opening email attachments will become riskier.

There is also the issue of software compatibility. Developers will gradually stop tailoring their apps for Windows 10, and at some point, even major programs like web browsers will no longer update. This can leave you stuck with outdated tools that are both less secure and less functional.

Hardware support will fade as well. New printers, graphics cards, or other devices might not work properly if manufacturers stop releasing drivers for an unsupported system.

For businesses and professionals, the risks are even higher. Running an unsupported operating system can cause compliance issues, especially in industries that require strict data protection. And even for personal users, the longer you hold onto Windows 10, the more isolated and vulnerable your computer will become.

This is why many people are looking around for alternatives. If your computer is not eligible for Windows 11, it might feel like the only option is to buy a new one. But that is not the whole story. Linux offers another route that lets you keep your current hardware without sacrificing security or functionality.

Why Linux is a good alternative

Linux has been around for decades, powering everything from web servers to smartphones. But in recent years it has become friendlier for everyday users who just want a system that works. For anyone facing the end of Windows 10, it is worth taking a closer look.

One of the biggest advantages of Linux is that it does not force you into obsolescence. Unlike Windows, Linux distributions run on a wide range of hardware, including older computers that Microsoft no longer supports. Many people find that installing Linux gives their aging machine a second life, running faster than it did with Windows.

Another reason people switch is cost. Linux is free to download and install, and so are most of the apps that come with it. You get an office suite, a web browser, media players, and more, all without paying a cent. If you are used to the cycle of buying software licenses or being nudged toward subscriptions, this can be a refreshing change.

Security is also a major strength. Linux is built in a way that makes it harder for malware to spread. Updates arrive regularly, and you stay in control of when and how to install them. That means no surprise reboots in the middle of your workday and no waiting while your computer “configures updates.”

You might worry about whether you can actually use Linux for everyday tasks. The good news is that modern distributions such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, or Zorin OS look and feel very familiar. You still have a desktop, a start-menu-like launcher, and an app store where you can install programs with a click. For many users, the transition is smoother than expected.

As for software, you may be surprised by how much is available. Browsers like Chrome and Firefox, office tools like LibreOffice, and popular apps like VLC Media Player all run on Linux. For gaming, the Steam platform has made huge strides with its Proton compatibility layer, allowing many Windows games to run on Linux with little effort. And for the rare app that has no direct Linux version, tools like Wine can often bridge the gap.

One of the most reassuring aspects of Linux is the community behind it. Because it is open source, people all over the world contribute to improving it and helping newcomers. Forums, tutorials, and guides are abundant, and you will rarely find yourself without an answer if you get stuck.

Making the switch is less scary than it sounds. You can try Linux from a USB stick without installing anything, just to see how it feels. If you like it, you can install it alongside Windows so you can boot into either system until you are ready to commit fully.

Conclusion

The end of Windows 10 support in 2025 does not have to mean the end of your current computer. While Microsoft would prefer you to upgrade to Windows 11 or buy new hardware, Linux offers a different path. It is secure, free, and capable of breathing new life into machines that would otherwise be left behind.

Switching to Linux is not just about avoiding the risks of an unsupported system. It is about taking control of your computing experience, freeing yourself from forced upgrades, and discovering that there is a world of choice beyond Windows. With more user-friendly distributions than ever before, now is the perfect time to try Linux and see how it can fit into your digital life.

Instead of waiting until October 2025 to scramble for solutions, consider exploring Linux today. You might find that it is not only a good alternative to Windows 10 but a better fit for the way you actually use your computer.