With Microsoft set to discontinue extended support for Windows 10 in October 2025, millions of users globally are facing a pivotal crossroads: stay the course and upgrade to Windows 11—hardware permitting—or seek greener, possibly less-traveled pastures. In an unexpected but growing campaign, The Document Foundation (TDF), the nonprofit behind the popular LibreOffice suite, is leading the charge urging Windows 10 holdouts to chart a new course: ditch Microsoft’s ecosystem and embrace Linux, along with LibreOffice, as a genuine alternative to Windows plus Microsoft 365.
For context, TDF’s latest campaign isn’t launching into a vacuum. It’s the latest volley in a broader grassroots movement gaining traction among open-source advocates, privacy experts, and even a noteworthy slice of mainstream tech commentators. KDE, another pillar of the Linux community thanks to its flagship Plasma desktop, recently raised the rhetoric further by accusing Microsoft of “tech extortion”—a claim grounded in Windows 11’s more aggressive hardware requirements, deepening dependency on Microsoft cloud services, and a pervasive push toward recurring subscriptions.
The “Go Linux, not Windows 11” mantra is thus both a direct response to mounting consumer frustrations and an affirmation of the core values that underpin free and open software alternatives. TDF’s official blog post, picked up by outlets like Neowin and TechRadar, sets the tone bluntly: “The countdown has begun. On 14 October 2025, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10. The good news? You don’t have to follow Microsoft’s upgrade path.” Instead, they argue, switching to Linux and LibreOffice “puts control back in the hands of users, institutions, and public bodies… a powerful, privacy-friendly and future-proof alternative to the Windows + Microsoft 365 ecosystem.”
At the heart of their argument is a multi-pronged critique of Microsoft’s strategy—one that resonates with ever-larger segments of the global PC community.
Industry authorities like StatCounter indicate Windows 10 remains the world’s most widely deployed desktop operating system as of mid-2025. With over a billion Windows 10 devices in operation, the potential environmental and economic impact of forced obsolescence is enormous.
TDF frames this as a “loss of control” over the way data is managed—telemetry and user activity frequently being sent back to Microsoft’s servers, with opacity around the breadth and depth of what is collected. Security experts broadly confirm the telemetry pipeline in Windows 11 is difficult for most users to completely turn off, and although business customers can pay for more granular controls, the free and open ethos embodied by Linux stands in sharp contrast.
Furthermore, the migration to Windows 11 reinforces the perception of a “walled garden”—the tight coupling of OS, productivity suite, authentication, cloud storage, and even hardware. TDF and its allies describe this as “vendor lock-in,” raising concerns about both individual autonomy and the open market.
LibreOffice runs on Windows, macOS, and, crucially, almost every Linux distribution.
The vibrant Linux community is consistently praised for its helpfulness and generosity, and there is an ever-expanding wiki and documentation universe to ease the migration path. But as TechRadar’s analysis underlines, there’s a risk of underestimating the sheer inertia and risk aversion among rank-and-file PC owners who might balk at making such a leap, especially where business-critical apps or beloved games hang in the balance.
For some—particularly the technically adept, those with older hardware, or those who already rely on open standards—the pitch is compelling. For others, especially less tech-savvy or enterprise users deeply invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem, the transition remains daunting.
Industry insiders advise possible defectors to begin their journey with beginner-friendly Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Zorin OS—distros designed to resemble Windows as closely as possible and minimize the culture shock. For those most concerned with privacy, Debian or Fedora are perennial favorites. And for the adventurous, lightweight distributions can give ancient hardware a surprising new lease on life.
What’s clear is that the question facing hundreds of millions of Windows 10 users isn’t just “to upgrade or not to upgrade,” but “who controls your computing future—Big Tech or you?” The answers, both practical and philosophical, will define the desktop landscape for years to come.
For those on the fence, perhaps it is indeed time to download a live USB of Linux, try out LibreOffice, and weigh—firsthand—if the emerging promise of open-source computing is worth the climb. As always, the comfort zone comes at a price. And sometimes, as TDF and rising legions of open-source standard bearers argue, it may just be time to leave.
Source: TechRadar LibreOffice maker urges Windows 10 users to defect in viral ‘Go Linux, not Windows 11’ campaign
Understanding the Anti-Windows 11 Momentum
For context, TDF’s latest campaign isn’t launching into a vacuum. It’s the latest volley in a broader grassroots movement gaining traction among open-source advocates, privacy experts, and even a noteworthy slice of mainstream tech commentators. KDE, another pillar of the Linux community thanks to its flagship Plasma desktop, recently raised the rhetoric further by accusing Microsoft of “tech extortion”—a claim grounded in Windows 11’s more aggressive hardware requirements, deepening dependency on Microsoft cloud services, and a pervasive push toward recurring subscriptions.The “Go Linux, not Windows 11” mantra is thus both a direct response to mounting consumer frustrations and an affirmation of the core values that underpin free and open software alternatives. TDF’s official blog post, picked up by outlets like Neowin and TechRadar, sets the tone bluntly: “The countdown has begun. On 14 October 2025, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10. The good news? You don’t have to follow Microsoft’s upgrade path.” Instead, they argue, switching to Linux and LibreOffice “puts control back in the hands of users, institutions, and public bodies… a powerful, privacy-friendly and future-proof alternative to the Windows + Microsoft 365 ecosystem.”
At the heart of their argument is a multi-pronged critique of Microsoft’s strategy—one that resonates with ever-larger segments of the global PC community.
The Case Against Upgrading to Windows 11
1. Heavier System Requirements and E-Waste
Perhaps the most universally felt concern revolves around the hardware baseline imposed by Windows 11. As of its 2021 release, Microsoft required not just a 64-bit CPU with at least two cores and 4 GB of RAM, but also Secure Boot capability and a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0—a security chip found in newer PCs. According to Microsoft’s own estimates and widespread independent reporting, this instantly rendered millions of otherwise functional desktops and laptops ineligible for upgrade, creating a looming specter of e-waste as owners contemplate replacing perfectly serviceable machines.Industry authorities like StatCounter indicate Windows 10 remains the world’s most widely deployed desktop operating system as of mid-2025. With over a billion Windows 10 devices in operation, the potential environmental and economic impact of forced obsolescence is enormous.
2. Mandatory Microsoft Account and Cloud Integration
Windows 11’s Home edition pushes all users to sign in with a Microsoft account during setup and leans hard on OneDrive integration and cloud-based services. While workarounds exist, power users have long lamented how increasingly aggressive Microsoft has become in nudging (if not outright forcing) consumers to rely on Microsoft 365 subscriptions and other paid services. Advertising is now appearing even in Windows' built-in apps and within the Start menu itself.TDF frames this as a “loss of control” over the way data is managed—telemetry and user activity frequently being sent back to Microsoft’s servers, with opacity around the breadth and depth of what is collected. Security experts broadly confirm the telemetry pipeline in Windows 11 is difficult for most users to completely turn off, and although business customers can pay for more granular controls, the free and open ethos embodied by Linux stands in sharp contrast.
3. Recurring Software Costs and Locked Ecosystem
Once famous for charging a single up-front license fee, Microsoft has shifted steadily toward a recurring subscription model. Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) exemplifies this trend; while the Office suite is more powerful and cloud-savvy than ever, it’s become harder for consumers and small businesses to avoid monthly or annual charges unless they turn to less feature-complete “online only” versions.Furthermore, the migration to Windows 11 reinforces the perception of a “walled garden”—the tight coupling of OS, productivity suite, authentication, cloud storage, and even hardware. TDF and its allies describe this as “vendor lock-in,” raising concerns about both individual autonomy and the open market.
The LibreOffice and Linux Opportunity
The Document Foundation isn’t just playing defense; it’s staging a confident offensive. Their premise is simple: Linux has matured to the point where, for an ever-larger share of users, it’s now a viable daily driver—especially when paired with LibreOffice, which covers common document, spreadsheet, and presentation needs without cost, invasive data collection, or restrictive licensing.What is LibreOffice, and Why Does It Matter?
LibreOffice is a powerful, open-source office suite maintained as a community project. It includes alternatives to Microsoft’s Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. Far from being a fringe proposition, LibreOffice enjoys broad government and educational adoption worldwide and sees active development with regular feature and security updates. Its file format support is robust, offering both ODF (Open Document Format, an ISO standardized format) and very good Microsoft Office compatibility, though 100% fidelity—especially with complex macros or obscure layouts—sometimes lags behind Microsoft's own products.LibreOffice runs on Windows, macOS, and, crucially, almost every Linux distribution.
Why Switch to Linux?
TDF’s advocacy for Linux is grounded in several real, verifiable strengths:- Freedom and Transparency: Linux is open-source, and most popular distributions are managed by non-profit foundations or collectives. Anyone can inspect the source code for hidden backdoors or telemetry routines.
- Security: Linux’s architecture, legacy of multi-user design, and the transparent development process make it less susceptible to many classes of malware and ransomware. Critical security flaws are fixed rapidly, often within hours or days.
- Customization: Users can pick from a variety of desktop environments and workflows. Distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora offer user-friendly experiences designed for Windows migrants, while more advanced users can fine-tune almost every aspect of their operating environment.
- Resource Efficiency: Linux distributions can breathe new life into older hardware, requiring less RAM and disk space than modern Windows releases.
- Vibrant Community and Support: Forums, chat rooms, and documentation abound. Many distributions invest heavily in both written guides and responsive support channels.
A Critical Look: The Real-World Barriers
Yet advocacy, however passionate, does not erase complexity. The road from Windows to Linux, while smoother in recent years, is undeniably challenging for non-expert users.User Interface and Change Resistance
For the vast majority of Windows 10 users, the operating system, default apps, and associated workflows are familiar—often the only ones they’ve ever known. Despite great strides in user friendliness, even the most Windows-like Linux distributions come with differences: the package manager paradigm, the way you install and update applications, and the location of system settings. As TDF itself advises, the prudent strategy for new users is to experiment with Linux on a separate partition or a non-critical device first—not a trivial undertaking for less tech-savvy individuals.Application Compatibility
Many proprietary Windows programs have no direct Linux equivalent. This is especially acute with:- Specialized business software
- Professional creative tools (Adobe Creative Cloud, for example, lacks native Linux support)
- Certain gaming titles, particularly those using advanced anti-cheat technology incompatible with Proton/Wine emulation layers
- Some peripherals whose drivers are Windows-only
Gamer and Power User Perceptions
The Linux gaming landscape has improved dramatically thanks to Valve’s support (particularly on platforms like Steam Deck), but not all games run perfectly. Performance, anti-cheat compatibility, and modding support still lag behind Windows in many popular titles. Power users who rely on specific Windows features or ask a lot of their hardware may encounter frustrating roadblocks.Migration Complexity
Partitioning a drive, dual-booting, or fully moving over to Linux still entails risk. The process of backing up essential data, installing a new OS, and possibly rolling back if things go awry is not for the faint of heart.Institutional and Corporate Adoption
For enterprises, switching hundreds (or thousands) of endpoints to Linux and LibreOffice is a project of monumental scale. Retraining staff, ensuring compatibility with legacy systems, and supporting a non-standard desktop environment can introduce significant complexity, though certain public sector organizations—especially in Europe and parts of Asia—report success stories.Table: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature / Factor | Windows 11 | Linux + LibreOffice |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Windows license + optional Microsoft 365 subscription | Free, open-source |
| Hardware Requirements | TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, modern CPUs | Highly variable, runs on older PCs |
| Vendor Lock-in | High | Low, strong interoperability |
| Privacy & Telemetry | Extensive | Minimal / user-controlled |
| App Availability | Vast, but mostly proprietary | Rapidly growing, some gaps in niche/proprietary apps |
| Gaming Support | Excellent, full parity | Good and improving, some anti-cheat/game DRM issues remain |
| Updates | Automatic, sometimes intrusive | User-controlled, less disruptive |
| Community and Support | Official MS support, large forums | Large, passionate volunteer community |
| Ease of Use (for new users) | Familiar UI | Varies by distribution—best options close, but learning curve present |
| Document Format Compatibility | Proprietary & open, best fidelity in MS ecosystem | Excellent with open formats, good MS compatibility but not perfect |
The Growing Appeal—and Its Limitations
TDF argues, with some justification, that “replacing Windows and Microsoft Office is not as difficult as it seems, either at an individual or corporate level.” They recommend starting by testing Linux and LibreOffice “on a second partition of your PC (for individuals) or in less critical departments (for companies).” This incremental approach lowers the barrier but does assume users are comfortable with partitioning hard drives—an operation foreign and intimidating to many.The vibrant Linux community is consistently praised for its helpfulness and generosity, and there is an ever-expanding wiki and documentation universe to ease the migration path. But as TechRadar’s analysis underlines, there’s a risk of underestimating the sheer inertia and risk aversion among rank-and-file PC owners who might balk at making such a leap, especially where business-critical apps or beloved games hang in the balance.
A Surging but Measured Campaign
TDF and other Linux advocates are mounting a lively, timely campaign—with passions inflamed by Microsoft’s push toward subscriptions, telemetry, and ecosystem lock-in. While the technical and philosophical merits of Linux and LibreOffice are strong, especially for anyone who values privacy, transparency, or cost savings, the proposition is not without real-world caveats.For some—particularly the technically adept, those with older hardware, or those who already rely on open standards—the pitch is compelling. For others, especially less tech-savvy or enterprise users deeply invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem, the transition remains daunting.
Industry insiders advise possible defectors to begin their journey with beginner-friendly Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Zorin OS—distros designed to resemble Windows as closely as possible and minimize the culture shock. For those most concerned with privacy, Debian or Fedora are perennial favorites. And for the adventurous, lightweight distributions can give ancient hardware a surprising new lease on life.
The Verdict: A Tipping Point, or a False Dawn?
Is this the beginning of a mass migration from Windows to Linux? It’s too early to say. Linux’s desktop market share, while inching higher, remains well below 5% according to most tracking agencies as of this writing—but it’s growing, and high-profile campaigns like this one from The Document Foundation are stoking the fires as never before.What’s clear is that the question facing hundreds of millions of Windows 10 users isn’t just “to upgrade or not to upgrade,” but “who controls your computing future—Big Tech or you?” The answers, both practical and philosophical, will define the desktop landscape for years to come.
For those on the fence, perhaps it is indeed time to download a live USB of Linux, try out LibreOffice, and weigh—firsthand—if the emerging promise of open-source computing is worth the climb. As always, the comfort zone comes at a price. And sometimes, as TDF and rising legions of open-source standard bearers argue, it may just be time to leave.
Source: TechRadar LibreOffice maker urges Windows 10 users to defect in viral ‘Go Linux, not Windows 11’ campaign
