As Windows 10 marks its 10th anniversary since its release on July 29, 2015, users are confronted with a pivotal decision: continue within the Microsoft ecosystem or explore alternative operating systems. With the end of support for Windows 10 scheduled for October 14, 2025, and Windows 11's stringent hardware requirements, many are considering a transition to Linux.
Windows 10 was introduced as a significant improvement over its predecessor, Windows 8.1, aiming to unify the user experience across various devices. It brought back the Start menu, introduced the Edge browser, and implemented features like Windows Hello for biometric authentication. Despite its success, the impending end of support has left users evaluating their options.
Windows 11, released in October 2021, offers a refreshed interface and new features but comes with hardware requirements that exclude many older yet functional PCs. These requirements include a compatible 64-bit processor with at least 1 GHz clock rate and 2 cores, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, TPM version 2.0, and a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card. These specifications have led to criticism, as they render a substantial number of existing systems incompatible. (microsoft.com)
For users whose hardware doesn't meet these requirements, Microsoft offers Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10, providing an additional year of security updates. However, this is a temporary solution, and the cost increases annually. For consumers, the pricing is $30 per device for one year, with enrollment starting in 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)
Given these constraints, many are turning to Linux distributions as viable alternatives. Linux offers a range of distributions (distros) that can breathe new life into older hardware, providing a secure and customizable computing environment. One such example is Fedora KDE Plasma, which offers a user-friendly interface and robust performance.
Transitioning to Linux involves several considerations:
- Hardware Compatibility: Most Linux distros have modest system requirements, making them suitable for older machines.
- Software Availability: While many applications have Linux versions or alternatives, some proprietary software may not be available.
- Learning Curve: Users accustomed to Windows may need time to adapt to the Linux environment.
- Community Support: Linux communities are known for their helpfulness, offering forums and resources for troubleshooting and learning.
Source: xda-developers.com For Windows 10's 10th anniversary, I'm switching to Linux