Windows 10 has reached its official end of support, leaving millions of machines that can’t or won’t upgrade to Windows 11 exposed to growing security risk — but you don’t have to toss that PC or pay for an expensive replacement to stay safe. For older or TPM‑blocked devices, modern Linux distributions offer polished, secure, and free alternatives that can extend the useful life of your hardware while keeping performance and compatibility high. This guide looks beyond the Microsoft upgrade path and walks through five practical, well-supported alternatives to Windows 10 — Linux Mint, Ubuntu Desktop, Pop!_OS, Zorin OS, and Fedora — including what each distro is best at, real system‑requirement realities, installation approaches, compatibility caveats, and the risks you should plan for before switching.
Microsoft stopped issuing security patches, feature updates, and technical support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That means a Windows 10 PC will continue to power on and run, but it will no longer receive routine security fixes from Microsoft — a nontrivial exposure for systems that connect to the internet. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 where possible or enrolling in an Extended Security Updates (ESU) plan where available, but hardware requirements for Windows 11 (notably TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot plus newer CPU lists) exclude a lot of older systems. For users whose PCs do not meet Microsoft’s Windows 11 hardware checklist, swapping the operating system to a supported Linux distribution is a practical and often free path forward.
Source: The Financial Express https://www.financialexpress.com/li...e-5-alternative-pc-operating-systems-4011330/
Microsoft stopped issuing security patches, feature updates, and technical support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That means a Windows 10 PC will continue to power on and run, but it will no longer receive routine security fixes from Microsoft — a nontrivial exposure for systems that connect to the internet. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 where possible or enrolling in an Extended Security Updates (ESU) plan where available, but hardware requirements for Windows 11 (notably TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot plus newer CPU lists) exclude a lot of older systems. For users whose PCs do not meet Microsoft’s Windows 11 hardware checklist, swapping the operating system to a supported Linux distribution is a practical and often free path forward. - Why consider alternatives now? No more security patches for Windows 10 increases risk from newly discovered vulnerabilities and malware.
- Why not force Windows 11? Microsoft’s minimum spec — including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot plus a list of supported CPUs — is enforced by the installer and Windows Update; running Windows 11 on unsupported hardware is possible via hacks, but Microsoft may restrict updates and doesn’t officially support those configurations.
- What to expect from switching: a learning curve, better security updates for many distros, and potentially faster performance on older hardware.
How to think about a replacement OS: quick checklist
Before diving into distro recommendations, consider these practical points.- Backup first. Create a full image of important drives, or at minimum copy documents, photos, and configuration files to external media or cloud storage.
- Test with a Live USB. Most Linux distributions can boot from USB without touching your installed OS so you can check hardware support (Wi‑Fi, audio, GPU) before installing.
- Decide dual‑boot vs clean install. Dual‑boot lets you keep Windows while you transition; a clean install frees the whole disk for Linux, gives the best performance, and reduces long‑term complexity.
- Consider apps and games. Many productivity apps are available as web apps or native Linux alternatives; Windows-only apps may require Wine, Proton, or virtualization to run.
- Secure Boot & TPM: Linux doesn’t require TPM 2.0. Some distributions support Secure Boot; others will ask you to disable it during installation.
- Read the distro’s install guide. Installation steps, driver support and encryption options vary between projects — the official docs matter.
1. Linux Mint — the familiar, low‑friction Windows alternative
Overview and why it’s recommended
Linux Mint has long been the “easy switch” for former Windows users. It prioritizes a traditional desktop metaphor, out‑of‑the‑box media codecs, and a conservative approach that favors stability and a small learning curve. The Cinnamon desktop looks and behaves in ways that many Windows 10 users find comfortable. Linux Mint releases built on Ubuntu LTS bases provide multi‑year security updates and a predictable upgrade path.Key strengths
- Windows‑like desktop: Cinnamon (default) mimics a conventional taskbar/menu arrangement.
- Low friction: Media codecs and common apps are typically preinstalled or easily added.
- Works well on older hardware: Mint’s system requirements are modest; it runs cleanly on many machines retired from Windows 10.
- Long‑term support rhythm: Mint’s major releases built on Ubuntu LTS inherit multi‑year support windows.
Things to watch out for
- Hardware edge cases: uncommon Wi‑Fi chipsets, fingerprint readers, or proprietary peripherals may need extra setup.
- Software packaging philosophy: Mint uses APT and the Ubuntu base, but some software is delivered via Flatpak or PPAs; users should understand update sources.
Who this is for
Users who want the simplest path from Windows 10 to a supported, secure desktop with minimal reeducation — especially on older machines.2. Ubuntu Desktop — the well‑supported all‑rounder
Overview and why it’s recommended
Ubuntu is the most widely supported desktop Linux distribution, with broad driver support, large community documentation, and a predictable release and support schedule. Canonical’s LTS (Long‑Term Support) releases receive five years of standard security maintenance, and optional Ubuntu Pro/ESM extends coverage further for long deployments. Ubuntu Desktop is a safe, well‑documented port from Windows for users who want mainstream compatibility and strong vendor backing.Key strengths
- Large ecosystem: excellent driver and third‑party support, and a broad set of packaged apps.
- LTS stability: five years of security updates for LTS releases makes Ubuntu attractive for users who want long, stable support windows.
- Commercial backing: Canonical’s ecosystem offers enterprise‑grade tools and paid support if required.
Things to watch out for
- Desktop environment (GNOME) can feel different from Windows; some users prefer a different flavor (e.g., Ubuntu MATE, Kubuntu, Xubuntu).
- Newer interim releases are more cutting‑edge but have shorter support lifespans (9 months).
Who this is for
Users who want a mainstream, vendor‑backed desktop with strong driver support and a large knowledge base.3. Pop!_OS — for productivity, gaming, and modern workflow tweaks
Overview and why it’s recommended
Developed by System76, Pop!_OS mixes polish with productivity features such as auto‑tiling, easy GPU switching, and a software center tuned for creative and gaming workflows. Pop!_OS offers separate ISOs for Intel/AMD and NVIDIA systems (prepacking NVIDIA drivers), making it a strong choice for GPU‑heavy tasks or gaming on older hardware where driver management is the primary pain point. System76’s COSMIC desktop and the auto‑tiling workflow make it attractive for power users who want modern tweaks with minimal configuration.Key strengths
- Auto‑tiling and ergonomics: fast workflows for keyboard users and power tasks.
- NVIDIA support: a dedicated ISO with proprietary drivers smooths setup for gaming and GPU‑accelerated workloads.
- Active development: new desktop features arrive regularly, along with System76 support channels.
Things to watch out for
- Slightly higher memory footprint than the lightest distros; 4GB is a practical minimum, 8GB recommended for comfortable multitasking.
- COSMIC is evolving — very early versions may expose rough edges for some users.
Who this is for
Users who want a modern, productivity‑oriented Linux desktop with good gaming support, especially on machines with NVIDIA GPUs.4. Zorin OS — the Windows‑switcher’s polished option
Overview and why it’s recommended
Zorin OS is explicitly designed to ease migration from Windows. It ships with a “Zorin Appearance” tool that can make the desktop look and feel like Windows 10 (or other layouts). Zorin also offers a Lite edition for very old hardware and makes it easy to run Windows apps with Wine and web‑app workflows. For users who want the least possible friction in the visual and taskbar experience, Zorin is a top pick.Key strengths
- Windows‑like layouts: built to look familiar immediately.
- Lite edition: supports older or low‑RAM PCs through Xfce or lightweight layouts.
- Windows app support: integrated guidance for Wine/Windows App Support and web app integration.
Things to watch out for
- Commercial edition options add extra features — it’s easy to start with the free Core or Lite editions.
- Some heavy Windows‑only applications will still require virtualization.
Who this is for
Users migrating from Windows who want the smallest visual and functional learning curve.5. Fedora — cutting‑edge tech, strong security, fast updates
Overview and why it’s recommended
Fedora Workstation is the home for the latest Linux technologies, favoured by many developers and security‑minded users. It’s backed by Red Hat and emphasizes upstream development, SELinux‑enabled security, and rapid integration of new software stacks. Fedora releases approximately twice per year with each version supported for around 13 months; this makes Fedora a great fit for users who want current software and frequent security updates, but not ideal if you prefer long LTS-style support windows.Key strengths
- Security by default: SELinux and strong default hardening.
- Latest software: newest kernels, GNOME features, and developer tools.
- Developer focus: great for programming, container workflows, and testing new upstream components.
Things to watch out for
- Shorter lifecycle: expect to upgrade Fedora roughly once a year to stay supported.
- Fast moving: occasional regressions or rough edges appear sooner than on LTS distros.
Who this is for
Enthusiasts and developers who want modern features and rapid updates, and don’t mind a more active upgrade cadence.App compatibility and day‑to‑day workflows
Switching operating systems raises the practical question: what happens to your apps and games?- Productivity: Microsoft 365 has web apps that work in any modern browser. LibreOffice and other native Linux apps cover most offline productivity workloads.
- Windows programs: Wine/Proton can run many Windows apps; Steam with Proton makes many games playable on Linux. Performance and compatibility vary — check compatibility databases (community resources) for specific titles.
- Proprietary drivers: distros like Pop!_OS and Ubuntu have well‑trod paths for NVIDIA drivers; Fedora has solid support too but sometimes requires adding third‑party repos (RPM Fusion) for nonfree drivers.
- Virtualization: If a specific Windows app is critical, consider running a Windows VM (VirtualBox, VMware, or KVM) with your app inside. This protects the host and preserves compatibility — at the cost of extra RAM/CPU.
Step‑by‑step: how to try and install one of these distros safely
- Create a backup of documents and an image of your system drive (use tools like Clonezilla or your chosen backup app).
- Download the ISO from the distribution’s official website and verify its checksum (SHA256).
- Create a bootable USB using Rufus (Windows), balenaEtcher, or distro media writers.
- Boot the PC from the USB and choose the Live/“Try without installing” option to test hardware support (Wi‑Fi, audio, display).
- Decide dual‑boot or clean install:
- Dual‑boot: shrink the Windows partition and install Linux alongside Windows. Ensure you understand UEFI/Bootloader flows.
- Clean install: wipe the disk for a simpler configuration and fewer future issues.
- During install:
- Consider full‑disk encryption.
- Create at least two partitions (/, swap or swapfile handled automatically on many distros).
- Reinstall or migrate user files and settings after install.
- Post‑install:
- Update the system, enable proprietary drivers if needed, and install needed codecs or apps.
- Configure backups and automatic updates.
Security and update lifecycles — verifying support guarantees
- Windows 10: End of support was Oct 14, 2025 — no more security updates unless you enroll in Microsoft’s ESU program; Microsoft itself recommends upgrading to Windows 11 or joining ESU for temporary protection.
- Ubuntu LTS: receives five years of standard security maintenance for the main repository; Ubuntu Pro extends coverage to a longer window and offers ESM for wider package protection.
- Linux Mint: major Mint releases based on Ubuntu LTS inherit multi‑year support; Mint’s documentation maps supported versions to end‑of‑life dates for planning upgrades.
- Fedora: each Fedora release has a relatively short lifecycle (typically ~13 months), so Fedora users upgrade more frequently to stay supported.
Common hardware and driver pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
- Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth: Some Broadcom and Realtek chips need nonfree firmware packages. Test with a Live USB first; if Wi‑Fi doesn’t work, use a wired connection or USB tethering for the first update, then install the proprietary firmware package.
- Fingerprint readers and some touchscreen/wacom devices: these are commonly hit or miss; vendor support varies widely — expect extra setup.
- Graphics drivers: NVIDIA users often prefer Pop!_OS or Ubuntu’s driver flows; Fedora works too but frequently needs extra repos for nonfree drivers.
- Secure Boot/UEFI: most major distros support Secure Boot, but certain driver or kernel modules (third‑party) may require Secure Boot to be turned off or machine keys enrolled.
- TPM features: Linux doesn’t require TPM 2.0 to run. TPM presence is not a gating requirement like Windows 11 imposes; Linux can use TPM features if available for disk encryption keys or secure boot chains, but it’s optional.
Risks and trade‑offs — what you give up and what you gain
- Risks
- Some Windows‑only apps may not work or will require Wine/VMs.
- Uncommon hardware might need extra effort or may remain unsupported.
- For mission‑critical corporate workflows, changing OSes without testing can disrupt integrations.
- Gains
- Up‑to‑date security patches and community or vendor support for your chosen distro.
- Often better performance and responsiveness on older hardware.
- No license costs and control over update cadence and privacy settings.
Practical migration scenarios and recommended distro picks
- You want the least friction from Windows 10: Linux Mint or Zorin OS (Core/Lite). They keep a familiar desktop and easy migration path.
- You want vendor backing and long support windows: Ubuntu LTS (5 years support) is the safe bet; consider Ubuntu Pro for extended coverage.
- You’re a gamer or creative professional with NVIDIA hardware: Pop!_OS simplifies NVIDIA driver setup and includes performance tools.
- You are a developer who wants the latest kernels and security tooling: Fedora offers a fast, modern stack but expect more frequent upgrades.
If you can’t replace Windows entirely: virtualization and side‑by‑side options
- Run Linux inside a virtual machine on Windows 10 for exploration; this avoids hardware driver issues but won’t give full GPU acceleration unless you set up PCI passthrough (complex).
- Use a Live USB to try distros without changing your disk.
- Consider Cloud or hosted solutions for software you cannot move off Windows: remote desktops and cloud apps are viable stopgaps.
Final checklist before committing
- Backup your files and create a disk image.
- Make a bootable Live USB and test your target distro on the machine.
- Verify hardware (Wi‑Fi, GPU, printer) works in the Live session.
- Plan for application replacements, Wine compatibility or VM needs.
- Pick the right distro for your priorities (ease, LTS support, drivers, bleeding‑edge).
- Keep a recovery USB and your Windows recovery media for rollback.
Conclusion
Losing Windows 10 security updates is an inflection point for many older PCs. While Microsoft’s push to Windows 11 is driven by stronger hardware security baselines (TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, CPU compatibility lists), the reality is that millions of perfectly usable machines don’t meet those gates. For most home users and many power users, the sensible alternatives are modern Linux distributions — Linux Mint, Ubuntu Desktop, Pop!_OS, Zorin OS, and Fedora — each offering different balances of familiarity, support length, driver friendliness, and freshness. With a modest amount of preparation — backups, a Live USB trial, and an understanding of app compatibility — you can convert an aging Windows 10 PC into a secure, fast, and useful machine without buying new hardware. If any specific distro, application, or hardware model is on your mind, testing with a Live USB and checking the distro’s hardware docs will give immediate, practical clarity before you commit.Source: The Financial Express https://www.financialexpress.com/li...e-5-alternative-pc-operating-systems-4011330/