découvrez les informations indispensables pour réussir votre migration de windows à linux. apprenez les étapes clés, les différences majeures et les conseils pratiques pour faciliter votre transition vers un système d'exploitation open source plus flexible et sécurisé.

Migrating from Windows to Linux: Essential information to know before making the jump

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As the official end of support for Windows 10 approaches on October 14, 2025, many users are facing a crucial decision: stick with a system that now lacks updates or consider a radical switch. However, for those whose machines don’t meet the strict requirements of Windows 11, Linux stands out as a serious alternative. This transition, which goes far beyond a simple reinstallation, raises several technical, practical, and even philosophical questions. Which Linux system should you choose? Will your essential software be compatible? Will the adaptation be difficult? This comprehensive guide explores in detail everything you need to know before making the leap to Linux.

Migrating from Windows to Linux in 2025: Context, Challenges, and Benefits to Consider

The end of support for Windows 10 marks the end of an era for a vast majority of users. With this deadline approaching, there are plenty of options, but none are perfect. Force the upgrade to Windows 11:

  • Solutions such as Flyby11 allow you to bypass Microsoft’s restrictions, allowing the installation of Windows 11 on non-officially supported hardware. However, this method carries an increased risk of instability and can cause incompatibilities. Pay for extended Windows 10 support:
  • Microsoft offers a paid support service (around €30 per year per machine) that extends security. However, this cost increases over time, which can be a significant burden for individuals and businesses. Use Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC:
  • This version is supported for several more years (until 2027 or 2029 depending on the edition), but it is primarily aimed at large organizations and generally requires a specific license. Adopt Linux as your primary operating system:
  • This latter option offers unparalleled freedom, reduced costs, and a second life for your machine, especially if your hardware doesn’t meet Windows 11 requirements. The prospect of abandoning Windows for Linux is not trivial. It requires serious consideration of your hardware, habits, and software needs. Indeed, switching to Linux isn’t just a technical decision: it also involves a cultural adaptation, given that Linux has its own ways of doing things, tools, and specific features. To help with this process, here are the main points to consider.

The undeniable advantages and limitations of Linux compared to Windows for the general public

The choice of Linux is based on several key factors, including software freedom and an open source philosophy. Comparing it with Windows highlights a series of advantages but also real constraints, especially for novice users.

The decisive strengths of Linux

Completely free:

  • Linux is open source, with no need for expensive licenses. This significantly reduces IT costs, a significant advantage for both individuals and businesses. A less hardware-intensive system:
  • Unlike Windows 11, Linux tolerates aging hardware very well. Distributing Ubuntu, Mint, or Debian on an outdated computer helps avoid electronic waste. This is also a significant ecological gesture. Greater respect for privacy:
  • Linux does not collect personal data like Windows does, reinforcing the system’s innate confidentiality. Enhanced security:
  • Vulnerabilities are less frequent and more quickly fixed thanks to the close collaboration of a global community. The absence of spyware significantly reduces risks. Vibrant community and abundant documentation:
  • Whether it’s Ubuntu, Fedora, or Manjaro, the Linux community offers a wealth of support resources, making it easy for even novices to get started. Expanding software ecosystem:
  • Applications such as LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, GIMP, Kdenlive, and several popular browsers provide powerful tools at no additional cost. Limitations to keep in mind before migrating

Hardware compatibility:

  • Some peripherals, such as printers or specific graphics cards, sometimes require extensive configuration or are not fully compatible. Discontinuing certain proprietary software:
  • Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, or Outlook do not necessarily have native versions on Linux. Turning to open source alternatives or the web version is often necessary. Learning the terminal:
  • Although distributions like Ubuntu or Mint offer modern graphical interfaces, regular use of the command line is often essential for advanced maintenance or troubleshooting. Cultural Change and Habits: Switching from Windows to Linux can involve a slight learning curve, particularly in file management and system navigation.
  • For those who want to delve deeper, distributions like Zorin OS

or Elementary OS equip their systems with graphical environments specifically designed to appeal to Windows users, thus simplifying the transition. Linux Distribution Support and Update Management: Understanding Your System’s Lifecycle The longevity and support of a Linux distribution are essential criteria when considering a migration. Each distribution follows a specific update and maintenance schedule, which guarantees a stable and secure environment.

LTS versions, a guarantee of stability for everyday use

For example, Ubuntu offers LTS (Long Term Support) releases that provide support for the distribution for up to five years under mainstream support, followed by additional years under extended security-focused maintenance.

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, released in February 2025, offers mainstream support until April 2029 and extended support until 2036. This makes it ideal for use on workstations and servers where stability is paramount.

Intermediate releases like Ubuntu 25.04, despite their new features, only receive short-term support, encouraging rapid upgrades to the next version.

  • This organization is somewhat reminiscent of LTSC release management on Windows, but with often longer durations on Linux. Distribution documentation regularly clearly announces end-of-life dates, which greatly simplifies planning. Distributions to watch out for based on your user profile Fedora, known for being a very up-to-date distribution, with an average release lifecycle of 13 months, is more suited to users who want to benefit from the latest software innovations.
  • Linux Mint

Arch Linux

and its derivatives like Manjaro require regular support with a rolling release model, suitable for advanced users who always want to have the latest software versions.

  • For a comprehensive overview of the lifespan of many distributions, it is recommended to consult resources likeEndOfLife.date
  • .
  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PtLsftCC70 Essential Linux Software: Alternatives and Compatibility with Your Daily Use

The biggest sticking point in the transition to Linux is often the availability of the software we rely on daily. Fortunately, the Linux ecosystem is vast, and several projects offer credible alternatives to most Windows programs. Office Suites and ProductivityLibreOffice

remains the most comprehensive open source office suite, compatible with Office formats. Its integration is seamless in most distributions.

OnlyOffice

is a modern and compatible alternative, enabling better online collaboration.

Email Clients:

  • Thunderbird, developed by Mozilla, is a stable and powerful alternative to Outlook, which is not available on Linux. Otherwise, the web version of Outlook or webmail services are common. Web Browsing and Multimedia
  • The most popular browsers, Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and Brave, are all available on Linux, with extension support and synchronization. In terms of multimedia, VLC Media Player
  • remains essential for video and audio playback, while Spotify

also offers a native application.

  • Graphic Design and Video Editing GIMP and Inkscape offer robust options for photo editing and vector graphics.
  • For video editing, Kdenlive , OpenShot and the free version of

DaVinci Resolve

  • are powerful tools available natively. Development and Programming Popular languages ​​and IDEs such as Visual Studio Code
  • , Eclipseand IntelliJ IDEA are available on Linux. To run certain more specific Windows programs, the Wine

compatibility layer can be considered, although its compatibility is not always optimal.

  • Overall, the software offerings are now rich enough to not hinder most users, even if some adaptation may be necessary. Some European governments are encouraging this transition to Linux, particularly through the adoption of suites like LibreOffice, as illustrated by the recent case of Denmark. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDQpqOsydc0Video Games on Linux: Prospects and Reality in 2025 The gaming community has long viewed Linux with suspicion, due to the lack of native support for the majority of major titles. However, things have changed radically in recent years, upending the preconceived notion that Linux is poorly suited to gamers. Steam Play and Proton Technology: A Major Turning Point Valve, via Steam Play and the Proton compatibility layer, allows a significant number of Windows games to be launched natively on Linux, sometimes without additional modifications. This translation of system calls (from DirectX to Vulkan) opens a new world for Linux gamers, with AAA titles accessible in just a few clicks. Native Games and Specific Performance
  • Many games developed specifically for Linux exist, often offering even higher performance than those seen on Windows, thanks to better resource management by the Linux kernel and compatible proprietary drivers. Popular distributions such as Ubuntu, Manjaro, and OpenSUSE benefit from broad compatibility with Nvidia, AMD, and Intel drivers, which greatly improves the player experience. The Discord application, essential for gaming communities, is also natively available on Linux, facilitating online communication.

However, it should be emphasized that Windows remains the preferred platform for video games due to broader support and maximum compatibility, especially with some very recent titles. The Linux gaming world is therefore a viable alternative, but with some restrictions linked to specific titles.