The end of Windows 10 has sharpened a decision many hobbyists and professionals have been postponing: if you’re ready to ditch Windows, should you move to macOS or switch to Linux? The answer isn’t a slogan — it’s a set of practical trade-offs rooted in apps, hardware, support, budget, and how much control you actually want over the machine. This piece expands a practical seven‑question checklist into an actionable migration plan, verifies the key technical claims you should treat as deal‑makers or deal‑breakers, and highlights the risks you must validate before pressing “install.” (support.microsoft.com)
Microsoft has set a hard deadline: Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14, 2025. After that date Windows 10 devices will not receive security updates or technical support from Microsoft, although an Extended Security Updates (ESU) option exists for short‑term coverage. This impending deadline is the immediate catalyst for many users to evaluate alternatives — upgrade to Windows 11 (if compatible), keep Windows in a VM, or migrate to macOS, Linux, ChromeOS Flex, or other systems. (support.microsoft.com)
ZDNET’s original checklist frames the decision as seven practical questions — ecosystem vs stability, vendor lock‑in vs freedom, proprietary app compatibility, budget, support model, hardware upgradeability, and mobile integration. Those seven checkpoints remain a sensible decision map; the remainder of this article tests each checkpoint against independent facts and lays out a realistic migration playbook.
Linux support is community‑driven for most desktop distributions — free but variable — though commercial vendors (Canonical, Red Hat, SUSE, System76) provide paid support options suitable for enterprise or mission‑critical users. Choose vendor support if you require an SLA; choose Linux community support if you can tolerate community‑paced troubleshooting or budget third‑party paid support.
If you’re undecided, follow the validation plan above: run Linux from a Live USB or borrow a Mac, test your mission‑critical workload for several weeks, and keep a tested rollback plan. That approach converts a risky “switch” into a controlled migration with clear checkpoints — and it’s the one path that prevents expensive surprises after you wipe your drive.
Conclusion: both macOS and Linux are outstanding choices. The right pick depends on which trade‑offs you accept — polish and vendor support, or choice and upgradeability — and whether your essential apps and peripherals are supported where you plan to land. Follow the checklist, validate the big dependencies (apps, anti‑cheat, drivers), and migrate on a schedule you can reverse if anything breaks. The clock on Windows 10 makes action urgent, but it also gives you a practical window to test and pick the right next platform for the long run. (support.microsoft.com)
Source: ZDNET How to decide between Linux and MacOS - if you're ready to ditch Windows
Background / Overview
Microsoft has set a hard deadline: Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14, 2025. After that date Windows 10 devices will not receive security updates or technical support from Microsoft, although an Extended Security Updates (ESU) option exists for short‑term coverage. This impending deadline is the immediate catalyst for many users to evaluate alternatives — upgrade to Windows 11 (if compatible), keep Windows in a VM, or migrate to macOS, Linux, ChromeOS Flex, or other systems. (support.microsoft.com)ZDNET’s original checklist frames the decision as seven practical questions — ecosystem vs stability, vendor lock‑in vs freedom, proprietary app compatibility, budget, support model, hardware upgradeability, and mobile integration. Those seven checkpoints remain a sensible decision map; the remainder of this article tests each checkpoint against independent facts and lays out a realistic migration playbook.
1. Ecosystem vs Stable, Configurable OS
What “ecosystem” means in practice
macOS is delivered as part of Apple’s tightly integrated hardware‑software‑services ecosystem. Features like Handoff, AirDrop, Continuity Camera, Universal Clipboard, Messages and Phone integration reduce friction between iPhone, iPad and Mac — they work with minimal setup when devices meet Apple’s compatibility rules. That is a deliberate design choice: macOS prioritizes seamless cross‑device workflows at the cost of control and hardware choice.What “stability” means on Linux
Linux isn’t a single product; it’s a family of distributions with different goals. Conservative distributions and LTS channels (for example, Debian Stable and Ubuntu LTS) explicitly prioritize long maintenance windows and predictable updates, which translate into a very stable platform for desktops and servers. Debian’s release lifecycle and LTS arrangements document multi‑year support windows that are deliberately conservative to reduce breaking changes. If you value a system that “just runs” without forced telemetry or sudden breaking updates, install a stable Linux distribution and configure updates to your cadence. (debian.org)How to pick between them
- Choose macOS if low‑friction integration with an iPhone/iPad and consistent vendor‑managed updates are your priority.
- Choose Linux if fine‑grained control, upgradeability, and a transparent, community‑driven maintenance model matter more than zero‑config continuity features.
2. Freedom of Choice vs Apple Curation
macOS is curated: Apple controls hardware, drivers, ship‑by‑Apple OS builds, and a tightly policed app ecosystem. That curation reduces choices but increases predictability and polish. Linux, by contrast, is defined by choice — distro, desktop, kernel, package manager, and even display stack are selectable. The trade‑off is responsibility: with choice comes the need to integrate and maintain those components yourself. If you prefer a vendor to “decide for you,” macOS fits; if you want to be the systems integrator, Linux does.3. Proprietary App Compatibility — the single most decisive question
The hard fact: Adobe Creative Cloud and other pro apps
Many industry‑standard professional applications (notably Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and the broader Creative Cloud suite) are developed and supported for Windows and macOS, not for Linux. Adobe’s system requirements and product documentation list Windows and macOS as supported desktop platforms; there is no official native Linux build for these flagship desktop apps. For creative professionals, that single fact alone often dictates macOS as the practical choice. (helpx.adobe.com)Alternatives on Linux and practical caveats
- Compatibility layers and wrappers (Wine, Bottles, Proton, CrossOver) can run many Windows apps on Linux, and Proton has matured for gaming use. But these layers are not vendor support; they require testing and occasional troubleshooting, and they don’t guarantee full plugin or hardware‑accelerated feature parity for complex professional workloads.
- Virtual machines (VMs) are a reliable fallback: a Windows VM can host stubborn apps, but heavy video editing or GPU‑bound workloads may suffer unless you implement GPU passthrough and niche virtualization setups.
- If your workflow depends on a single vendor‑supported app with no Linux port and poor VM performance, macOS (or continuing to run Windows in a VM on a Mac) is the safer choice.
What to do now
- Inventory every app and plugin you must have.
- Cross‑check vendor support pages for macOS/Linux.
- Test problematic apps with trial installs, Wine/Proton compatibility databases, or short‑term macOS access to validate performance before committing.
4. Budget: total cost of ownership matters
Apple hardware is premium priced. Linux runs on nearly any x86/ARM machine — even refurbished or decade‑old PCs — making Linux the budget‑friendly path to reclaiming older hardware or building upgradeable desktops. While a new Mac can deliver excellent battery life, display quality and resale value, the upfront cost is typically higher than building or buying a Windows‑capable PC for Linux. If initial cost and upgradeability are binding constraints, Linux is the obvious winner.5. Support model: AppleCare vs community (and paid enterprise support)
macOS users can buy AppleCare or AppleCare One for vendor‑handled, predictable support and in‑person or mail‑in repairs; AppleCare One tiers start at $19.99/month for coverage across multiple Apple devices in supported regions. That vendor SLA matters for less technical users and small businesses who value predictable triage and warranty handling. (apple.com)Linux support is community‑driven for most desktop distributions — free but variable — though commercial vendors (Canonical, Red Hat, SUSE, System76) provide paid support options suitable for enterprise or mission‑critical users. Choose vendor support if you require an SLA; choose Linux community support if you can tolerate community‑paced troubleshooting or budget third‑party paid support.
6. Hardware selection and upgradeability
Apple is increasingly soldering RAM, storage and other components, which limits aftermarket upgrades and pushes buyers toward higher initial configurations. Linux thrives on commodity, user‑serviceable hardware: you can pick motherboards, GPUs, and peripherals to match your needs and upgrade later without being forced into Apple’s product cycle. If you care about upgrading parts, DIY builds on Linux are the way to go.7. Mobile integration — iPhone or Android matters
If your phone is an iPhone, macOS delivers the cleanest, lowest‑friction integration (calls, SMS, AirDrop, Handoff and Continuity features) — those features are baked in and broadly reliable. If you carry Android, Linux (with KDE Connect / GSConnect) or Windows provide better parity and fewer compromises. Note: KDE Connect delivers excellent Android integration, but iOS support is limited by Apple’s platform restrictions (background processes, file access and sandboxing), so Linux + iPhone will rarely match Apple’s Continuity polish.Gaming, anti‑cheat, and title‑by‑title reality
Linux gaming has improved massively thanks to Valve’s Proton and Steam’s investment; many titles run well, and Proton’s compatibility layer continues to expand support. However, anti‑cheat systems remain a practical blocker for some multiplayer titles: Easy Anti‑Cheat (EAC) and BattlEye have been adapted to support Linux in many cases, but developer opt‑in and technical caveats create game‑by‑game variability. In short: you must check compatibility per title (ProtonDB, developer statements), not assume blanket parity. (theverge.com, boilingsteam.com, github.com)Migration playbook: a 30–90 day validation plan
- Inventory everything you depend on: apps (include plugins), peripherals, printers, license servers, games (list titles), and workflows. Export browser profiles, email archives, and cloud sync data.
- Short trial: For Linux, create a Live USB or run an install in a VM (Ubuntu, Pop!_OS, Linux Mint, Zorin). For macOS, borrow a Mac or test in a store — macOS behaves consistently across Apple hardware. Run your critical apps for a week.
- App compatibility test: For each app, mark one of three outcomes — native macOS available; native Linux available; Windows‑only but runs acceptably via Wine/Proton/VM. If any mission‑critical app falls into the third bucket with unacceptable performance, mark macOS as favored.
- Peripherals: Test printers, label makers, specialty audio/MIDI devices and calibration tools. Linux may need driver work for niche hardware; Apple only supports hardware Apple ships or vendors that maintain macOS drivers.
- Decide support posture: if you need a formal SLA, budget AppleCare or commercial Linux support. If community support is acceptable, compile a list of distro forums, Stack Exchange threads, and helpful threads for your hardware profile.
- Finalize migration window: keep Windows as a fallback (dual‑boot or VM) for 30–90 days after move‑in. Make recovery media and a rollback plan. Only wipe the old OS after confidence tests pass.
Critical analysis: strengths, risks, and real‑world caveats
Strengths of macOS
- Seamless device integration with iPhone and iPad provides real productivity gains for Apple‑centric households and professionals who rely on mobile continuity features.
- Vendor‑backed support and relatively consistent hardware experience reduce troubleshooting overhead for non‑technical users. AppleCare and in‑store service deliver predictable options.
- Industry software optimization for Apple silicon: many creative apps are optimized for macOS on Apple silicon, delivering excellent performance for video/photo/audio work.
Strengths of Linux
- Choice and upgradeability. If you want to build or upgrade a powerful desktop or breathe life into older hardware, Linux is unmatched.
- Cost advantage. Linux itself is free and runs on commodity parts, lowering total cost of ownership.
- Security transparency. Open‑source code and community review make privacy controls and telemetry easier to audit and control.
Key risks and limitations
- Proprietary apps: Adobe and many specialized industry tools remain Windows/macOS‑only — this is the single most important compatibility risk for creatives. If your pipeline depends on those apps, Linux will add friction. (helpx.adobe.com)
- Anti‑cheat and gaming: Proton has closed many gaps but anti‑cheat depends on developer opt‑in and can still block popular games, making Linux a risky choice for some competitive gaming communities. Validate each title. (boilingsteam.com, github.com)
- Peripheral drivers and laptop power management: Wi‑Fi chipsets, fingerprint readers, niche USB devices and some docking stations can require manual fixes on Linux. Community guides often exist, but expect investigation and patience.
- iPhone integration on Linux: KDE Connect and GSConnect deliver great Android parity, but iOS functionality is constrained by Apple, so Linux + iPhone won’t match macOS + iPhone for polish or zero‑config features. (saashub.com)
Unverifiable or outdated claims to treat with caution
- Any single statistic claiming “most developers use Linux” should be verified against up‑to‑date survey data; public developer surveys vary by sample and question framing. Treat single percentages without sourcing as dubious.
- Mentions of niche compatibility tools or misspelled project names in casual guides (for example, a reference to “Winboat”) should be treated as likely typos or niche forks — rely on well‑known compatibility tools: Wine, CrossOver, Proton, Bottles. If a tool matters to your workflow, verify its current status and community activity before depending on it.
Quick comparison — the decision map (short)
- Need iPhone integration + industry creative apps? — macOS.
- Need upgradeable hardware, low cost, or to revive old machines? — Linux.
- Rely on Windows‑only proprietary apps with no Mac ports? — Hold Windows in a VM, or remain on Windows where necessary.
Migration checklist (printable)
- Backup complete disk image and critical files.
- Inventory critical apps + plugin list.
- Test apps on target OS (Live USB, VM, loaner Mac).
- Validate peripherals (USB devices, printers, scanners, docks).
- Confirm game titles on ProtonDB or vendor statements (anti‑cheat).
- Decide on support model and budget (AppleCare vs community/paid Linux support).
- Keep Windows as fallback for at least 30–90 days.
Final assessment and practical recommendation
This is a pragmatic — not ideological — decision. The technical facts verify the central claims of the seven‑question checklist: macOS offers best‑in‑class device continuity and vendor support, while Linux offers unmatched freedom, upgradeability, and cost efficiency. The single most decisive fact is app compatibility: if your workflow depends on native Adobe Creative Cloud or other vendor‑locked professional software, macOS is the path of least resistance. If you’re motivated to reduce cost, escape vendor lock‑in, or repurpose older hardware and are comfortable with community support and occasional troubleshooting, Linux will serve you exceptionally well.If you’re undecided, follow the validation plan above: run Linux from a Live USB or borrow a Mac, test your mission‑critical workload for several weeks, and keep a tested rollback plan. That approach converts a risky “switch” into a controlled migration with clear checkpoints — and it’s the one path that prevents expensive surprises after you wipe your drive.
Conclusion: both macOS and Linux are outstanding choices. The right pick depends on which trade‑offs you accept — polish and vendor support, or choice and upgradeability — and whether your essential apps and peripherals are supported where you plan to land. Follow the checklist, validate the big dependencies (apps, anti‑cheat, drivers), and migrate on a schedule you can reverse if anything breaks. The clock on Windows 10 makes action urgent, but it also gives you a practical window to test and pick the right next platform for the long run. (support.microsoft.com)
Source: ZDNET How to decide between Linux and MacOS - if you're ready to ditch Windows
