Microsoft’s reminder that Windows 10 will reach end of support on October 14, 2025 has pushed many users — especially those with older or non‑upgradeable machines — to consider free alternatives, and a number of Ukrainian outlets and community posts are already pointing readers toward Linux distributions and open‑source projects as practical, cost‑free replacements.
Microsoft’s lifecycle notice is explicit: Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise and Education editions will no longer receive security updates, feature updates, or official technical support after October 14, 2025. That is a definitive security and operational boundary for organizations and home users alike; Microsoft urges upgrades to Windows 11 where hardware allows, or enrollment in the paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program as a short‑term stopgap. (support.microsoft.com, learn.microsoft.com)
The company also claims Windows 11 version 24H2 is “the most reliable version of Windows yet,” citing internal telemetry that unexpected restarts have dropped by roughly 24% versus Windows 10 22H2 — a useful datapoint for people weighing the benefits of moving to Windows 11, but one that should be read as Microsoft telemetry rather than independently audited measurement. (techcommunity.microsoft.com, windowscentral.com)
For many Ukrainians (as for users around the world), the barrier to moving to Windows 11 is not preference but hardware: Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, UEFI, and specific processor family requirements mean a large share of older but otherwise serviceable PCs will be unable to install Windows 11 without hardware changes or replacement. That reality — plus the cost of new devices or Windows licenses — explains the growing interest in free, open‑source alternatives that can extend a PC’s usable life while keeping data safer than an unsupported Windows install.
Careful testing (live USB), good backups, community help, and realistic expectations about application compatibility will make a migration safe and sustainable. For mission‑critical environments, a staged approach — VM fallbacks or temporary ESU enrollment while migrating — provides the most risk‑averse path. The end of Windows 10 does not have to mean forced replacement; with planning, many machines can be repurposed and secured with free, actively maintained operating systems.
Source: 112.ua Windows 10 reaches end of support: 5 free OS options for Ukrainians instead of Microsoft - all the latest news today – 112.ua
Background / Overview
Microsoft’s lifecycle notice is explicit: Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise and Education editions will no longer receive security updates, feature updates, or official technical support after October 14, 2025. That is a definitive security and operational boundary for organizations and home users alike; Microsoft urges upgrades to Windows 11 where hardware allows, or enrollment in the paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program as a short‑term stopgap. (support.microsoft.com, learn.microsoft.com)The company also claims Windows 11 version 24H2 is “the most reliable version of Windows yet,” citing internal telemetry that unexpected restarts have dropped by roughly 24% versus Windows 10 22H2 — a useful datapoint for people weighing the benefits of moving to Windows 11, but one that should be read as Microsoft telemetry rather than independently audited measurement. (techcommunity.microsoft.com, windowscentral.com)
For many Ukrainians (as for users around the world), the barrier to moving to Windows 11 is not preference but hardware: Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, UEFI, and specific processor family requirements mean a large share of older but otherwise serviceable PCs will be unable to install Windows 11 without hardware changes or replacement. That reality — plus the cost of new devices or Windows licenses — explains the growing interest in free, open‑source alternatives that can extend a PC’s usable life while keeping data safer than an unsupported Windows install.
What Ukrainians are being advised to try: five free OS options
Local reporting and community guides commonly mention a short list of user‑friendly Linux distributions and one Windows‑reimplementation project as practical alternatives. Below is a concise, verifiable profile of each candidate, with strengths, limitations, and realistic expectations.Zorin OS — polished, Windows‑friendly Ubuntu LTS base
- What it is: A user‑focused Ubuntu‑based distribution that ships a customizable desktop shell designed to look and feel familiar to Windows users. The project emphasizes an easy installer, preconfigured drivers, and Windows‑style layouts. (blog.zorin.com, howtogeek.com)
- Strengths:
- Windows‑like desktop layouts and a purpose‑built “Zorin Appearance” app let former Windows users feel at home quickly.
- Based on Ubuntu LTS (stable ecosystem and long security update window).
- Out‑of‑the‑box support for common multimedia, drivers and easy access to Flatpak/Snap apps.
- Limitations:
- Some advanced Windows binaries still require compatibility layers (Wine) or workarounds.
- Pro edition offers extra layouts and commercial extras; core functionality is free but the Pro version bundles conveniences for a fee. (9to5linux.com, thelinuxcode.com)
- Who it’s good for: Desktop users who want the smallest learning curve when switching away from Windows.
Linux Mint (Cinnamon) — stable, conservative, Windows 7‑style navigation
- What it is: A long‑standing, Ubuntu‑based distribution offering multiple desktop environments; Cinnamon is the most Windows‑familiar. Linux Mint targets everyday users with preinstalled codecs and a low‑friction installer. (geeky-gadgets.com, ru.wikipedia.org)
- Strengths:
- Cinnamon’s UI resembles classic Windows paradigms — start menu, system tray, and taskbar — minimizing retraining.
- Strong multimedia support and wide community help; familiar utilities for backups and updates (Timeshift, Update Manager).
- Wine can be added later to run many Windows programs, and extensive documentation covers that process.
- Limitations:
- Slightly “old‑school” look relative to modern GNOME or KDE; some users call it conservative but reliable.
- Wine is not preinstalled: running certain proprietary Windows apps or games may require manual setup (Wine or Proton, or virtual machines).
- Who it’s good for: Users who want a familiar, stable desktop and minimal surprises after installation.
Kubuntu (KDE Plasma) — ultra‑customizable, feature rich, but more demanding
- What it is: An official Ubuntu flavor that uses KDE Plasma, a highly configurable desktop environment with powerful theming and widget support. Plasma can be themed to mimic Windows 10 or other UIs. (userbase.kde.org, itsfoss.com)
- Strengths:
- Extensive customization — panels, widgets, and themes let power users precisely design their workspace.
- Feature rich: integrated KDE apps (Dolphin file manager, KRunner, system settings) and access to Ubuntu repositories.
- Limitations:
- The number of settings can confuse newcomers; Plasma’s visual effects and features can consume more resources than lighter desktops.
- Theme or configuration changes from third‑party sources sometimes require knowledge of KDE internals to fix. (help.ubuntu.com, itsfoss.com)
- Who it’s good for: Users who like to tinker and want a modern, Windows‑like experience but are comfortable learning a more powerful interface.
Deepin (deepin) — macOS‑style polish; visual familiarity at a performance cost
- What it is: A Debian‑based distribution with the Deepin Desktop Environment (DDE), designed for refined visuals, smooth animations, and a tightly integrated app store. The project emphasizes an attractive, simple experience. (deepin.org, news.itsfoss.com)
- Strengths:
- Very polished UI and a curated set of native apps (file manager, music, movie) that feel modern and clean.
- Installer and app store are designed for nontechnical users; internationalization is improving with each release.
- Limitations:
- Visual effects and animations are attractive but can be resource‑hungry; recommended specs are higher — e.g., 8GB RAM for the best experience on some recent releases.
- Some users and organizations have voiced privacy or provenance concerns because of the project’s roots; those concerns are nuanced and require user research. (news.ardwatalab.com, en.linuxadictos.com)
- Who it’s good for: Users who prioritize a modern, macOS‑like desktop and have mid‑to‑newer hardware.
ReactOS — the experimental Windows re‑implementation (for testing and legacy apps)
- What it is: An open‑source project attempting to re‑implement the Windows NT architecture so that Windows applications and drivers can run natively without Microsoft code. ReactOS remains in alpha and is primarily for testing, development, and very specific legacy compatibility needs. (reactos.org, en.wikipedia.org)
- Strengths:
- The interface resembles classic Windows, and the project’s goal is binary compatibility with a subset of Windows apps and drivers.
- Useful for experimenting with legacy software in a low‑cost environment.
- Limitations:
- Alpha quality: ReactOS is explicitly flagged by its developers as experimental; it can be unstable and is not recommended for production use or as the primary OS on a device with important data.
- Modern commercial apps and games are frequently incompatible; drivers and peripherals may fail.
- Who it’s good for: Enthusiasts, testers, and those needing to run specific legacy Windows programs for isolated tasks — always in virtual machines or disposable test hardware.
Cross‑checking the key claims (verification and caution)
- Windows 10 end‑of‑support: Microsoft’s official lifecycle announcement confirms October 14, 2025 as the end date for mainstream Windows 10 updates and support; the company recommends upgrading to Windows 11 or enrolling in ESU for limited extension. This is authoritative and not disputed. (support.microsoft.com, learn.microsoft.com)
- Windows 11 24H2 stability claim: Microsoft’s Windows IT Pro blog states 24H2 is the “most reliable version of Windows yet,” with telemetry showing a 24% reduction in unexpected restarts compared with Windows 10 22H2. That is a Microsoft‑provided telemetry claim and has been widely reported by industry press; the number represents internal measurements, not an independent third‑party audit, and readers should therefore treat it as Microsoft’s operational metric rather than an independently verified fact. (techcommunity.microsoft.com, windowscentral.com)
- Linux distributions and features: The distro descriptions here are grounded in official project documentation and reputable reviews — Zorin’s Ubuntu LTS base and Windows‑like layouts; Linux Mint’s Cinnamon UI and multimedia focus; Kubuntu’s KDE Plasma customization; deepin’s polished DDE and higher recommended RAM; ReactOS’s alpha status and legacy focus — all of which are confirmed in project pages and independent reviews. Readers are encouraged to test via live USBs and consult official release notes for exact supported versions and update lifecycles. (blog.zorin.com, geeky-gadgets.com, userbase.kde.org, deepin.org, reactos.org)
Practical advice: how to evaluate and migrate safely (step‑by‑step)
Switching an entire workstation from Windows 10 to a free OS is a reasonably large change, but it’s manageable if you take a methodical approach.- Inventory hardware and software:
- Note CPU, RAM, storage, and peripheral devices (printers, scanners, specialized dongles).
- List critical applications; check whether native Linux versions exist, whether Wine/Proton can run them, or whether a Windows VM is required.
- Test with a live USB:
- Create a live USB for Zorin, Linux Mint, Kubuntu or deepin (most distros let you “try before you install”). Boot the USB to check Wi‑Fi, display, and keyboard/mouse functionality.
- Back up everything first:
- Use an external drive and cloud backups. Confirm restore procedures before wiping the disk.
- Choose one of three migration paths:
- Full install (replace Windows): clean, fastest, but destructive if you haven’t backed up.
- Dual‑boot: preserves Windows for fallback but complicates updates and support; avoid if you’re not comfortable with bootloaders.
- Virtual machine (VM): install Linux in a VM hosted on Windows, or install Windows in a VM after switching to Linux — best for gradual transitions and legacy app access.
- Set up Windows app compatibility:
- Install Wine, Winetricks, or Lutris for games; alternatively, use VirtualBox/VMware to run a full Windows environment for programs that won’t run under Wine. Linux distributions have abundant guides for these steps. (linuxcapable.com, debugpoint.com)
- Secure the new system:
- Enable automatic updates and set up firewall rules; configure backups and disk encryption if needed.
- Local community support:
- Look for local repair cafés, Linux User Groups, or community events that organize “End of 10” sessions to help with live USB trials and hands‑on installs. These community efforts have been cited as important stopgaps to avoid forced hardware replacement and reduce e‑waste.
What to expect for application compatibility and peripherals
- Office productivity: LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, and web‑based Office (Office.com) cover most home and SMB use cases. Microsoft 365 apps will continue to run on Windows 10 for a time, but Microsoft notes diminishing support and recommends Windows 11 for best long‑term compatibility.
- Specialized Windows apps: Many industry‑specific or legacy apps run under Wine or in a VM; ReactOS may handle some legacy Windows binaries but is not production‑ready. For mission‑critical software, use a VM or retain a supported Windows host until a tested migration path is available. (reactos.org, linuxcapable.com)
- Gaming: Native Linux ports, Steam with Proton, Lutris and Wine cover an increasing catalog of games. Compatibility varies — some titles need manual tweaks, and anti‑cheat drivers can be problematic. Recent Windows 11 updates have also had game‑related compatibility incidents, so gaming users should test thoroughly. (learn.microsoft.com, linuxcapable.com)
- Printers and scanners: Modern Linux kernels and CUPS drivers support a wide range of devices; check manufacturers’ Linux support pages and run a live USB to verify before committing. Older, vendor‑locked devices may need manual driver search.
Security and lifecycle considerations
- Running Windows 10 after October 14, 2025 exposes systems to unpatched vulnerabilities. For connected devices, that’s a meaningful and growing risk. Microsoft’s ESU program offers a one‑year consumer ESU and longer commercial ESU options, but these are stopgaps and require account linkage and/or fees. (support.microsoft.com, tomshardware.com)
- Switching to an actively maintained Linux distribution restores regular security updates at no licensing cost — but administering updates and configuring security tools becomes the user’s responsibility. Most mainstream distros make updates straightforward, and long‑term support releases minimize disruptive changes. (howtogeek.com, geeky-gadgets.com)
- Experimental projects like ReactOS are not a security substitute for a modern OS; use them only inside sandboxed VMs for testing.
Strengths and risks — a critical analysis
Notable strengths of the open‑source path
- Cost: Free OS licenses remove the immediate need for new Windows licenses or device purchases.
- Sustainability: Repurposing older hardware reduces e‑waste and household costs.
- Control & privacy: Users gain transparency over software components and can avoid telemetry and forced account linkages that accompany some commercial vendor paths.
- Flexibility: Multiple desktop paradigms (Windows‑like, macOS‑like, minimal) let users tailor their workspace to preference and hardware.
Key risks and limitations
- Application compatibility: Some professional or industry software may not have Linux equivalents or acceptable compatibility layers; VMs can mitigate but require resources and Windows licensing.
- Support expectations: Community support is excellent for popular distros, but official vendor SLAs differ from Microsoft’s commercial support model — businesses must plan accordingly.
- Usability friction: While the “console myth” is largely outdated, administrative tasks and troubleshooting occasionally still require command‑line knowledge or community help.
- ReactOS instability: ReactOS offers nostalgia and certain legacy compatibility experiments but is explicitly not ready for primary production use.
Recommendations for Ukrainian users and community actors
- Start small and local: use live USB sessions at home or community repair cafés to evaluate distros — that prevents rushed decisions and reduces risk of data loss. Community events are already being organized in many places to address this transition.
- Prioritize backups and offline install media before October 14, 2025. Microsoft’s own guidance suggests creating recovery media and using Windows Backup for a smoother shift — but an even safer approach is a verified external backup before any major change.
- Choose a distro that matches hardware:
- Older, low‑spec PCs: consider Linux Mint XFCE, Zorin Lite, or other purpose‑built lightweight distros.
- Mid‑range: Zorin OS Core or Linux Mint Cinnamon offer familiar UIs without heavy resource demands.
- Newer, graphics‑capable machines: deepin or Kubuntu for a richer visual experience.
- Plan for legacy Windows apps: test them under Wine/Proton or in a Windows VM. If an app absolutely cannot run, maintain one dedicated Windows machine (patched and isolated) or consider ESU for a limited period while migrating.
- For organizations: conduct an audit of software dependencies and user training needs; Linux migrations are feasible but require planning and possibly vendor negotiation for proprietary software.
Conclusion
The October 14, 2025 end‑of‑support deadline for Windows 10 is real and non‑negotiable; Microsoft’s own lifecycle pages make that clear, and their push to Windows 11 includes telemetry‑based claims about 24H2’s improved stability. (support.microsoft.com, techcommunity.microsoft.com) For many Ukrainian users facing hardware constraints or licensing costs, free open‑source alternatives — notably Zorin OS, Linux Mint, Kubuntu, deepin and experimental projects like ReactOS — present credible ways to keep working without paying for a new Windows license or a new PC. Each option carries tradeoffs: ease of transition, hardware demands, application compatibility, and support models differ, and the right choice depends on the individual’s hardware and software needs.Careful testing (live USB), good backups, community help, and realistic expectations about application compatibility will make a migration safe and sustainable. For mission‑critical environments, a staged approach — VM fallbacks or temporary ESU enrollment while migrating — provides the most risk‑averse path. The end of Windows 10 does not have to mean forced replacement; with planning, many machines can be repurposed and secured with free, actively maintained operating systems.
Source: 112.ua Windows 10 reaches end of support: 5 free OS options for Ukrainians instead of Microsoft - all the latest news today – 112.ua
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