Windows 10 End of Support Drives Linux Migration with Zorin OS 18

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Microsoft’s decision to end mainstream support for Windows 10 has triggered a rapid, visible migration away from the platform — and for a growing number of users the destination is Linux, not Windows 11. Within days of Windows 10 reaching end-of-life, the Zorin Group published Zorin OS 18 and reported a record early uptake that industry observers say reflects a broader user exodus driven by hardware gates, cost considerations, and security anxiety. The migration is real, but the scale, motives, and long-term outcomes are nuanced: downloads do not equal deployments, ESU pricing changes incentives differently for consumers and businesses, and estimates about how many machines are left behind vary widely among analysts.

Background: Windows 10’s end of support and what it means​

Microsoft officially ended mainstream, free support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. From that date onward, standard feature and security updates for retail Windows 10 editions ceased; affected machines will still boot and run, but they will no longer receive monthly security patches unless enrolled in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program or otherwise covered by a supported pathway. That timetable changes the security posture of any connected device that remains on Windows 10 and creates real operational choices for consumers, businesses, and public-sector IT teams.
Two facts are central and verifiable:
  • Many users remain on Windows 10. Market-tracking data show Windows 10 continued to hold a very large share of Windows PCs as the support cutoff approached — recent figures placed Windows 10 roughly in the low-to-mid 40% range of Windows installations, depending on the tracker and month. These shares make the EoL event a mass-scale migration problem, not a niche patch-management issue.
  • Microsoft is offering a formal bridge: Extended Security Updates (ESU). For consumers Microsoft provided a one‑year ESU path (free if an eligible Microsoft account/back-up option is used, or purchasable for a modest fee), while commercial ESU pricing begins around $61 per device in year one and increases in subsequent years under Microsoft’s stated cadence. That pricing structure pushes businesses toward planned hardware refreshes or cloud migrations while giving consumers a short, paid escape valve.
However, the decision also creates a public-policy and environmental dilemma: strict Windows 11 hardware requirements — notably the requirement for TPM 2.0, UEFI Secure Boot, and a modern CPU baseline — leave a very large installed base unable to perform a supported upgrade, according to independent analysts. Estimates of how many devices cannot upgrade range from the low hundreds of millions to figures approaching 400 million depending on methodology; Canalys has cited a ~20% share of the Windows base (more than 200 million devices) that lack upgradeability without hardware modification. These estimates are directional rather than precise, but they underscore the scale of the problem.

Zorin OS 18: the most visible beneficiary so far​

What Zorin shipped — and why it matters​

Zorin OS 18 launched on October 14, 2025 — the same day Windows 10 support ended — and the Zorin Group positioned it explicitly as a migration target for Windows (and macOS) users. The release is built on a modern GNOME-based desktop with a heavy emphasis on familiarity, visual polish, and migration tooling: a floating, rounded panel, multiple desktop layouts (including Windows-style layouts), a Web Apps integration, OneDrive support via Online Accounts, and a bundled Windows App Support feature powered by Wine 10 to improve compatibility with legacy Windows applications. Zorin also documented longer-term support through mid-2029 for the release, underlining its enterprise and educational ambitions.
From a product perspective, Zorin 18 ticks the boxes that make Linux accessible to Windows refugees:
  • Familiar UI layouts that can emulate Windows 7/10/11 or macOS appearance for a gentler learning curve.
  • Guided app compatibility that identifies Windows installers and recommends the best path (native app, web app, or running via Wine).
  • Bundled modern components such as PipeWire for audio, OneDrive integration, and an upgraded window-tiling manager for productivity users.

Launch numbers and the reporting gap​

Zorin announced on social platforms that Zorin OS 18 “just reached 100,000 downloads in a little over 2 days” and that over 72% of those downloads originated from Windows users, calling it “our biggest launch ever.” The claim was amplified widely across Linux and mainstream tech coverage and is corroborated by the Zorin blog and multiple independent publications that quoted the company message. Those figures demonstrate strong early interest from the Windows-10 audience.
That said, some outlets (including the Tech4Gamers story the user supplied) reported a larger number (200,000 downloads in two days). Direct verification traces back to Zorin’s own announcement and subsequent social posts that cited the 100,000 figure; independent reporting has repeatedly used that 100k number as the canonical public metric. It is important to distinguish downloads from successful installations, activated daily users, or long-term migrations. A download is an early interest metric; it is not same as a deployed replacement for Windows. The public evidence supports Zorin’s claim about a rapid download milestone, but the larger 200k figure lacks a clear primary source and should be treated as an unverified amplification. Caveat emptor.

Why Linux — and Zorin — looks attractive to Windows 10 users right now​

Security, cost, and hardware constraints​

For users whose machines fail Windows 11 compatibility checks, choices narrow to four pragmatic paths:
  • Purchase new Windows 11–capable hardware (the most expensive option).
  • Enroll eligible devices in ESU for a limited window of continued security updates (purchasable for consumers or enterprises under specific terms).
  • Attempt an unsupported, unofficial upgrade to Windows 11 (risky and unsupported by Microsoft).
  • Migrate to an alternative OS — chiefly Linux distributions like Zorin, Ubuntu, or Linux Mint — that can run on older hardware and still receive security updates at no direct subscription cost.
Linux becomes especially compelling because it can keep older machines secure, support modern browsers and apps, and in many cases run Windows programs via compatibility layers (Wine) or virtualization. For many home users, the calculus is simple: avoid a costly hardware refresh while regaining vendor-updated security for the OS and apps.

Application compatibility: the Wine 10 factor​

A key barrier to switching from Windows has traditionally been application compatibility — especially for legacy industry apps and some commercial titles. Wine 10, released earlier in 2025, significantly improved compatibility and added major features (ARM64EC support, better Vulkan and Direct3D handling, Wayland improvements), which raises the probability that many Windows programs will run acceptably on Linux without a full VM. Zorin’s bundling and integration of Wine 10 as part of a migration playbook lowers the friction for Windows users evaluating a move. Still, complex or proprietary apps (certain professional CAD, niche finance, or certified enterprise software) may still require Windows in a VM or retained enclave.

The economics: ESU versus migration​

The availability of paid ESU distorts the migration calculus in different ways for home users and organizations:
  • Consumer path: Microsoft offered one-year ESU coverage for consumers either for free (if certain sync/back-up options are used with a Microsoft account), redeemable via Microsoft Rewards, or as a paid one-year option (reportedly around $30). This consumer pathway provides a low-cost breathing space for users who prefer to keep Windows 10 for one more year while planning their next move.
  • Commercial path: Organizations face steeper pricing: commercial ESU starts around $61 per device in Year 1, and Microsoft’s pricing cadence (doubling in subsequent years) makes ESU an increasingly expensive stop-gap. For fleets of tens or hundreds of thousands of devices, ESU quickly becomes a significant line-item, encouraging planned refresh cycles, device repurposing, or cloud migration.
For many small-business owners and consumers, Linux migration appears cheaper in pure subscription terms — but the real total cost of migration must factor in:
  • time and staff training,
  • per-machine migration effort (backups, reinstall, driver testing),
  • potential software replacement costs (commercial desktop software that has no Linux equivalent),
  • and, where necessary, virtual machine licensing for Windows-only apps.
The precise right answer is situationally dependent: for simple home use, Linux frequently offers an economical, secure alternative; for regulated enterprise applications, ESU or controlled hardware refreshes may be the only path that preserves compliance.

What the numbers don’t tell you — practical caveats​

  • Downloads ≠ installs: The Zorin “100,000 downloads” milestone shows strong interest but not how many of those downloads resulted in a completed install or an ongoing daily use pattern. Upstream verification will require telemetry or long-term engagement metrics, which Linux distros rarely publish for privacy reasons.
  • Sample bias in market-share trackers: StatCounter and other web-analytics tools sample web traffic; variations in user-agent strings and bot activity can skew month-to-month figures for older OS versions. StatCounter’s September 2025 data showed a notable month-to-month swing in Windows 7 share that many analysts flagged as detection artefacts. Treat any single-month jump with caution.
  • Estimates about “how many devices can’t upgrade to Windows 11” vary by methodology: some estimates focus on consumer devices, others on enterprise fleets, and OEM firmware updates or TPM enablement in BIOS can convert otherwise “ineligible” devices into upgradeable ones. The industry consensus is not a precise census — it’s a range indicating a significant, multi-hundred-million population with restricted upgrade options.

Migration playbook: how to evaluate options and act​

For Windows 10 users facing the support cutoff, this is a practical, stepwise plan that balances risk and cost.
  • Inventory and compatibility check
  • Run Microsoft’s PC Health Check (or comparable tools) to determine Windows 11 eligibility. Record CPU, TPM status, Secure Boot setting, RAM, and disk capacity.
  • Back up critical data
  • Use an image backup and file-level backups to an external drive and cloud storage. Test restores.
  • Decide on one of four paths
  • Upgrade hardware to Windows 11 (buy new or refurbish with TPM module where supported).
  • Enroll in ESU (consumer or commercial route) and use the time to plan migration.
  • Migrate to Linux (test by running a live USB, then perform a clean install).
  • Use a dual-boot or VM approach temporarily to retain Windows-only apps while transitioning.
  • Validate applications
  • Use Wine AppDB, Bottles, or vendor statements to test mission-critical software on Linux. For complex professional apps, test in a VM before full cutover.
  • Reduce e‑waste responsibly
  • If retiring hardware, pursue certified refurbishment and recycling programs; many Linux-focused vendors accept trade-ins for reuse.
  • If choosing Linux, start conservatively
  • Boot a live USB for at least one week of real-world testing (web browsing, office productivity, peripherals).
  • Choose a distro with strong community support (Zorin, Ubuntu LTS, Linux Mint) and a clear upgrade path.

Risks and potential pitfalls​

  • Security complacency: Running an unsupported OS online is an active risk. Home users may get away for a while, but critical, unpatched vulnerabilities put devices and data at risk. ESU is a temporary safety net; long-term security requires either a supported OS or a shift to an actively maintained platform.
  • Business compliance and certification: Certain industries (healthcare, finance, government) have regulatory or certification constraints that effectively require supported Microsoft platforms. For those organizations, ESU or controlled hardware refreshes are often the only defensible routes.
  • Peripheral and driver support: Not every laptop peripheral (Wi‑Fi, fingerprint readers, proprietary GPU drivers) has an equal driver story on Linux. Testing is mandatory before committing to a full migration, especially for specialized workstations.
  • Hidden migration costs: Training, corporate image deployment, custom scripts, and software licensing transitions add real operational cost to migrations that vendors’ marketing often minimizes. Factor staff time and productivity loss into any migration ROI.

Strategic implications for Microsoft, OEMs, and the Linux ecosystem​

  • For Microsoft: The EoL decision and Windows 11 hardware gates accelerate hardware replacement cycles and push customers toward cloud and Windows 365 offerings. ESU pricing nudges enterprise customers toward modernization but leaves a politically sensitive consumer cohort exposed — hence the criticism from consumer advocacy groups urging a free ESU for vulnerable users.
  • For OEMs: The hardware replacement opportunity is real, but so is the reputational cost of forcing customers into new purchases. OEMs with Linux-ready offerings may find demand for affordable refurbished systems or Linux-preinstalled devices.
  • For Linux distributions: This is a rare moment to convert mainstream users. Distros that reduce perceived risk by simplifying compatibility (e.g., integrated Wine, OneDrive access, familiar UI modes) will win early converts — but long-term retention hinges on app support and vendor partnerships for drivers and peripherals. Zorin OS 18’s early traction shows the product-market fit for beginner-friendly, Windows-oriented Linux distributions.

Final analysis: what the data says — and what it doesn’t​

The headline narrative is accurate: Windows 10’s end of free support has catalyzed measurable migration activity toward Linux, and Zorin OS 18 has been a highly visible beneficiary of that movement. The Zorin Group’s early download milestone (cited at roughly 100,000 downloads in a little over two days, with ~72% coming from Windows-originated downloads) is supported by the company’s own announcements and by wide media coverage. The Tech4Gamers article’s claim of 200,000 downloads in the same window appears to be an amplification beyond the primary source and lacks verification; it should be treated cautiously.
At the same time, a sober reading of the situation must acknowledge:
  • Downloads are an encouraging but partial signal; long-term adoption requires completed installs, operational satisfaction, and supportability.
  • The number of devices truly stranded by Windows 11 hardware requirements is large but not precisely known; credible industry estimates cluster in the hundreds of millions and should be treated as approximate.
For users, the practical advice is straightforward: don’t run unpatched systems online unnecessarily; evaluate ESU options if an immediate migration isn’t feasible; test Linux in a non-destructive way before committing; and treat cost estimates holistically (hardware, software, time, training). For enterprises and public institutions, ESU offers a breathing period — but not an indefinite solution — and migration plans aligned with security, compliance, and sustainability goals will be required.
The Windows 10 end-of-life is a watershed not only for Microsoft’s product timeline but for the broader desktop ecosystem. The near-term winners will be the projects, vendors, and service providers who make migration safe, predictable, and affordable — whether those users ultimately remain inside the Windows ecosystem or choose a Linux alternative like Zorin OS 18.
Conclusion
The mass movement away from Windows 10 is underway and visible — but it is not a single, uniform migration. Zorin OS 18’s early success demonstrates that Linux distributions with user-first design, migration tooling, and compatibility investments can rapidly attract displaced Windows users. That migration will be iterative, marked by experiments, returns to familiar workflows, and mixed outcomes. The smart choice for any user or organization is a pragmatic, tested plan: inventory, back up, trial, and then execute — prioritizing security and operational continuity over headline-driven urgency.
Source: Tech4Gamers As Windows 10 Support Ends, Majority Of Users Are Migrating To Linux
 
Click to expand...
Microsoft’s decision to stop free mainstream support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025 has done more than close a chapter in the company’s lifecycle planning — it has already reshaped migration choices for millions of users and amplified conversations about privacy, platform control, and the real cost of staying with a vendor’s road map. What might have been a routine sunsetting moment instead sparked a visible surge toward Linux desktops, with Zorin OS emerging as a standout beneficiary. The fallout is immediate and multifaceted: consumers weighing the one‑year Extended Security Updates (ESU) bridge, enterprises recalculating total cost of ownership, and gamers and privacy advocates rethinking where they want their data and digital lives to live.

Background / Overview​

Windows 10 launched in 2015 and grew into one of the most widely deployed desktop operating systems of the last decade. Microsoft’s formal lifecycle plan set a firm end date for mainstream servicing: October 14, 2025. After that date Microsoft ceased routine feature and quality updates for consumer Windows 10 editions; a limited ESU program is available as a migration bridge. At the same time, Microsoft has continued to push Windows 11 development — with stricter hardware requirements (including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot) and deeper integrations with Microsoft account and AI services — positioning Windows 11 as the long-term successor and leaving a sizeable installed base with a hard choice.
What looks like routine product management to a vendor has, in practice, become a catalyst for migration. Users who cannot or will not accept Windows 11’s hardware and account requirements are exploring alternatives. The most conspicuous and public of those alternatives is desktop Linux — distributions designed to ease the transition and to offer a privacy‑centered, lower‑cost pathway off the Microsoft upgrade treadmill.

What ended, and what options remain​

The hard calendar: October 14, 2025​

The official cutoff for free mainstream support for consumer Windows 10 editions was October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft’s usual monthly cumulative updates and broad technical support ended for Windows 10 Home and Pro for general consumers.

The ESU bridge: one year for consumers; longer for organizations​

Microsoft provided an Extended Security Updates (ESU) option that acts as a short bridge, not a replacement strategy. For consumer devices the ESU window is limited and time‑boxed; eligible Windows 10 machines can receive security‑only updates for roughly one additional year beyond the end‑of‑support date. Enterprises and education customers have separate volume licensing ESU arrangements that span up to multiple years with escalating per‑device pricing. The consumer ESU program offers multiple routes to enroll — including a free path tied to settings sync in some markets, a rewards‑points redemption option, or a modest per‑account purchase — but the program was explicitly designed to be a temporary safety valve, not a permanent backstop.

The three obvious choices for Windows 10 users​

  • Upgrade to Windows 11 on supported hardware.
  • Enroll eligible devices in ESU for a limited time and plan migration.
  • Migrate to an alternative OS such as a Linux distribution or ChromeOS Flex.

Why Linux is benefitting now: the Zorin OS example​

Zorin OS’s timed release and the download surge​

Zorin Group released Zorin OS 18 on the same date that Windows 10 support ended. The vendor reported a significant early uptake for the new release — reaching a six‑figure download total within a couple of days, and indicating that a substantial majority of those downloads originated from Windows devices. That combination of timing, a Windows‑familiar UI, and built‑in compatibility tooling has made Zorin a visible face of the Linux alternative for non‑technical users.
Zorin’s approach is deliberate: desktop styling and workflows that feel familiar to Windows users, integrated compatibility helpers for common Windows installers and web‑based alternatives, and a focus on easing the stumbling blocks that historically kept everyday users away from Linux. The prediction from Zorin and similar projects is simple: remove friction, mirror familiar affordances, and the cost and learning‑curve objection evaporates for many users.

Broader Linux signals: Steam and distribution momentum​

Linux’s footprint in consumer computing remains modest on the whole, but measurable pockets show growth. Steam’s hardware survey — a proxy used by gaming and platform observers — has shown Linux desktop share ticking into the mid‑to‑high single digits for gaming contexts (typically measured around the 2–3% range on Steam surveys in 2025). That percentage may seem small, but for a platform historically stuck at fractions of a percent, it represents meaningful acceleration in engagement from a user base that matters for app and driver support.

Industry implications: consumer, gaming, and enterprise angles​

Consumer implications: privacy, account entanglement, and perceived value​

A major reason cited by users switching to Linux is privacy and control. Windows 11’s tighter coupling to Microsoft accounts in Home and broader telemetry features — combined with Microsoft’s rapid integration of Copilot and AI-enabled services — have reinforced privacy fears among a subset of users. Linux distributions explicitly market opt‑in telemetry, transparency of source code (or at least a clear open‑source ecosystem), and de‑emphasize vendor lock‑in. For consumers motivated by privacy, or who simply dislike continuous push toward cloud‑centric services, Linux is an attractive alternative.

Gaming: improving compatibility, but still mixed​

Gaming has historically been the primary friction point for Linux adoption among mainstream desktop users. That story is changing on several fronts:
  • Valve’s investment in Proton (the compatibility layer) and SteamOS has made a large swath of the Windows catalog playable on Linux‑based systems and handhelds like the Steam Deck.
  • Developers increasingly ship native Linux builds or add Linux‑compatible anti‑cheat support, and some titles are receiving Deck‑verified or native ports.
But there are still limits: anti‑cheat systems and kernel‑level protections present technical and policy obstacles for some multiplayer, competitive titles. Some publishers have warned that they won’t guarantee continued compatibility for older Windows platforms, and other titles remain blocklisted or unsupported on Linux because of anti‑cheat tooling or DRM dependencies. In short, gaming on Linux is better than it was — enough for many players — but not yet a universal solution.

Enterprise and public sector implications​

For organizations the calculus is different. Enterprises evaluate three overlapping factors when considering non‑Windows desktop strategies:
  • Cost and procurement: moving thousands of endpoints to Linux eliminates per‑device Windows licensing for new devices and reduces upgrade churn, but it introduces retraining and application‑compatibility costs.
  • Support and management: Linux distributions vary in enterprise support models. Canonical (Ubuntu), Red Hat, and other vendors have commercial support offerings that parallel what large enterprises expect, but migration planning and application validation remain significant efforts.
  • Security and compliance: some organizations actually welcome the transparency of open‑source stacks for security reasons; others are constrained by legacy software delivered only for Windows.
Enterprises with short life‑cycle devices or heavy dependence on Windows‑only applications may still find ESU or hardware refreshes the most pragmatic path. But for public institutions, schools, and certain government agencies, Linux represents a credible path to reduce long‑term vendor lock‑in and total cost of ownership — provided migration is managed and support contracts are in place.

Critical analysis: strengths, risks, and trade‑offs​

Strengths favoring Linux as a migration target​

  • Cost‑effectiveness: many Linux distributions are free to download and deploy, and community or paid commercial support is usually less expensive than enterprise Windows licensing for certain deployments.
  • Privacy and transparency: open‑source ecosystems are easier to audit and, by default, don’t push a single vendor’s cloud services and telemetry as a baseline.
  • Configurability and longevity: Linux distributions often support older hardware well and are less likely to impose arbitrary hardware obsolescence through vendor policy updates.

Real and material risks that must be acknowledged​

  • Application compatibility: Not all proprietary Windows applications have equivalent Linux versions. Businesses running industry‑specific Windows software may face integration and compatibility challenges that are expensive or impossible to mitigate.
  • Hardware drivers and peripherals: While driver support for popular GPUs, Wi‑Fi chips, and printers has improved, some niche or older peripherals still have poor Linux driver support — a non‑trivial barrier for specific user populations.
  • Gaming and anti‑cheat: Despite major improvements, anti‑cheat and kernel‑level protections remain a sticking point for competitive titles and some AAA releases. Gamers who prioritize the broadest possible compatibility may still need to keep at least one Windows machine.
  • Support ecosystem differences: Community forums and documentation are strong, but organizations used to vendor SLA‑driven support may need to purchase commercial subscriptions or retool internal helpdesk operations.

Unverifiable or overstated claims to treat cautiously​

  • “Windows 10 left behind 1 billion devices” is a figure that circulates in some narratives but is difficult to verify precisely for this EOL moment. Installed base estimates vary widely by measurement methodology and region; prudent reporting notes the margin of error in these estimates. Numbers like “hundreds of millions” of devices still use Windows 10 in mid‑2025, but exact global totals differ by tracker and are sensitive to sampling methods.
  • The long‑term magnitude of migration to Linux is still speculative. Surge downloads at the moment of support termination — even sizable ones — are a short‑term signal, not a guaranteed indication of sustained market share shifts. Conversion from curiosity downloads to daily drivers, paid support contracts, or enterprise deployments remains an open question.

The privacy and AI angle: what’s driving users away from Windows​

Microsoft’s aggressive integration of Copilot and other AI services into Windows 11 changed the product’s profile from “OS + apps” to “OS + cloud‑centric, AI‑enhanced services.” For many users and organizations, that shift introduced two anxieties:
  • Account and telemetry entanglement: modern Windows editions increasingly require internet connectivity and a Microsoft account during initial setup, particularly in Home editions and in updated provisioning flows. Some previously available local‑account workarounds have been restricted or made less convenient. That change raises legitimate concerns about vendor dependence and data routing.
  • AI data flows and compliance: when assistant features access local files or cloud services to improve productivity, organizations need clear guarantees about data processing, retention, and reuse. Copilot and related services have spawned conversations (and compliance checklists) about permission management, data repurposing, and auditability — areas where Linux’s opt‑in and transparent design are politically and culturally attractive.
For privacy‑sensitive users — activists, journalists, and many in public interest sectors — these shifts are not trivial; they are often the deciding factor in a migration decision.

Practical migration paths and recommendations​

For users and organizations contemplating the move, the following stepwise pathway balances risk, continuity, and practicality.
  • Backup everything first. Create image backups and off‑device file copies; a complete, tested backup is the single most important safety net.
  • Audit application dependencies. Make a spreadsheet of the apps you must run and investigate Linux alternatives, web apps, or virtualization/compatibility-layer options (Proton, Wine, containerized Windows instances).
  • Test before committing. Boot a Linux live image or run a trial install in a virtual machine. This identifies driver and peripheral issues without touching your main system.
  • Consider dual‑boot or a phased rollout. Keep Windows for critical apps during transition, moving users to Linux as compatibility and staff confidence grows.
  • Plan for training and support. For organizations, internal helpdesk training and a knowledge base for Linux desktop tasks reduce friction and support calls.
  • For gamers: keep a dedicated Windows machine for titles that remain blocked by anti‑cheat, or use Proton/compatibility layers for an increasing number of games; check anti‑cheat status for each title before committing.

Enterprise decision factors and a cost checklist​

When IT leaders evaluate Linux vs. Windows 11 vs. continued Windows 10 ESU, they should weigh these elements:
  • Direct license and support costs (Windows upgrades, ESU fees, or commercial Linux support).
  • Application replatforming costs and vendor support timelines.
  • Training and productivity impacts during transition.
  • Security posture and patch cadence under each model.
  • Hardware refresh cost vs. migration cost (is buying new Windows 11‑capable devices cheaper than migration?).
  • Compliance and auditability for regulated industries.
Migration is rarely “cheaper” out of the gate; it becomes a strategic play only when the total cost of ownership is modeled over multiple years and non‑financial risks are accounted for.

Long‑term outlook: fragmentation, competition, or a Linux breakthrough?​

There are three plausible scenarios in the medium term:
  • A momentary fragmentation: Windows 10’s end prompts a short spike in Linux interest (downloads and publicity) but most users either upgrade hardware or accept ESU in the short term. Windows stays dominant.
  • A competitive realignment: persistent dissatisfaction with Windows 11’s telemetry/account model and better, easier Linux desktops lead to a sustained, slow shift — professionals, public sector organizations, and privacy‑minded consumers gradually increase Linux share over years.
  • A Linux inflection: continued improvements in application compatibility, anti‑cheat integration, and user friendly UX combined with political and regulatory pressure on big tech produce a pronounced structural shift away from Windows on the desktop.
Which path materializes depends on multiple factors beyond technical capabilities: developer incentives (will ISVs fully support Linux?), anti‑cheat ecosystems, OEM device strategies, and regulatory pressure around competition and data portability.

Final takeaways​

  • The formal end of free Windows 10 mainstream support on October 14, 2025 is a real inflection point that has nudged many users toward alternatives.
  • Zorin OS 18 and other Linux distributions captured measurable headline attention and downloads by timing product marketing to the EOL event — but early download surges are only the first step toward sustainable adoption.
  • The ESU program gives users and organizations a short, manageable window to plan and execute migration — but it is explicitly finite and not a long‑term strategy.
  • Linux’s strengths today are privacy, configurability, and lower software licensing costs, while its weaknesses are application compatibility, certain hardware/driver gaps, and gaming anti‑cheat limitations.
  • For enterprises, migration is a complex multi‑year program; for consumers, Linux is a viable and increasingly friendly option — but it is not an instantaneous, universal fix.
Windows 10’s sunset made visible a choice that many users already faced: continue inside a vendor’s evolving ecosystem or reclaim control by choosing an open, community‑driven alternative. The next 12–36 months will show whether the recent migration signals represent a transient correction or the start of a more durable reshaping of the desktop landscape. Whatever follows, the era beyond Windows 10 will be defined less by a single product’s retirement and more by how users, developers, and organizations respond to questions of control, privacy, cost, and compatibility in an increasingly cloud‑and‑AI‑driven computing world.
Source: WebProNews Windows 10 Support Ends: Users Migrate to Linux Like Zorin OS for Privacy
 
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