The End of Windows 10: A Historic Turning Point for Users and the Rise of Linux
Official support for Windows 10 recently ended, leaving millions of users facing a crucial decision: continue with an aging Microsoft solution or opt for an alternative system. This milestone not only marks a milestone in the lifecycle of Windows systems, but it also opens up an unprecedented opportunity for GNU/Linux distributions, particularly those that offer an intuitive, out-of-the-box user experience.
Concretely, the end of support means no more free security updates, which exposes machines to significant vulnerability risks. Microsoft has indeed offered a one-year paid extension for around $30, but this is more of a stopgap than a permanent solution. For users on machines not compatible with Windows 11—which meet fairly strict hardware requirements—the problem is compounded. Buying a new computer and migrating to Windows 11 represents a significant cost. This is where Linux, with its countless distributions, plays a lifeline.
- End of Windows 10 support: End of security and reliability updates.
- Migration cost: Mandatory purchase of new hardware for Windows 11 or transition to Linux.
- Choice of alternatives: MacOS often requires a mandatory hardware upgrade, but Linux stands out for its adaptability.
One distribution in particular, Zorin OS, has capitalized on this situation. It simultaneously launched Zorin OS 18, a major update designed to facilitate the migration of users coming from Windows. The numbers speak for themselves: over 100,000 downloads in just two days, with approximately 72% of users coming directly from a Windows environment. Zorin OS’s appeal lies in its ability to replicate a Windows-like interface and its integrated tool, which facilitates the use of Windows applications thanks to Wine.
Why is the end of Windows 10 boosting downloads of Linux distributions like Zorin OS?
The main trigger lies in the hardware incompatibility of many PCs with Windows 11. Unlike Windows 11, a Linux distribution often requires fewer resources and can bypass strict requirements such as TPM 2.0 or compatible processors on x86 and ARM architectures. For many users, this represents a considerable economic and technical gain.
Beyond the economic aspect, the security issue is even more pressing. Maintaining an outdated system, like Windows 10, without official support, means accepting total vulnerability to cyberattacks, including ransomware or other malware targeting unpatched vulnerabilities. Conversely, Linux distributions benefit from a very active community that releases security patches regularly, even several times a week for some Linux kernels thanks to the kernel’s modularity.
- Hardware incompatibility: Linux can run on older hardware or hardware that is not compatible with Windows 11.
- Enhanced security: Frequent and free security updates for Linux.
- Community and open-source: a dynamic ecosystem guaranteeing the sustainability of the system.
Finally, on a practical level, distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Fedora, Debian, Kubuntu, elementary OS, Manjaro, Red Hat or SUSE offer a wide range of solutions, from the general public to professional uses. This diversity ensures that everyone – whether beginner, tinkerer or system administrator – can find a suitable environment. The Zorin OS community has been able to capture this dynamic to offer a smooth migration to Linux, especially thanks to the combined use of tools like Snap, Flatpak or classic package managers.
Tools and tips to ease the transition to Linux after Windows 10
Adopting a Linux distribution to replace Windows is not as simple as downloading an ISO and then installing it. It is a process that deserves organization and technical understanding. The key lies in managing applications, hardware drivers and user habits.
Software compatibility and application management on Linux
The most common fear is often the compatibility of usual software under Windows. However, Linux offers several solutions:
- Wine & Proton: Thanks to Wine, it is possible to launch many Windows applications under Linux. Proton, based on Wine and developed by Valve, optimizes this compatibility for games.
- Native alternatives: Zorin OS offers a system that suggests Linux equivalents when you download a Windows installer. For example, MS Office can be replaced by LibreOffice.
- Universal packages: Flatpak, Snap and AppImage make it easy to install recent software without worrying about dependencies.
Furthermore, it’s important to emphasize the importance of drivers. Some components, such as Wi-Fi cards or printers, require specific drivers. Linux has made enormous progress, but some hardware remains more complex to configure. To overcome this, distributions like Fedora and Ubuntu benefit from extensive hardware support and now directly integrate a large number of proprietary or open source drivers, in accordance with the open-source philosophy.
NTFS file system management is, for example, a significant aspect of ensuring smooth communication between Linux and Windows, especially during data migration.
Configure the environment for optimal comfort
Transitioning to Linux also involves reconfiguring certain habits, such as shell usage, system permissions, and desktop layout. Popular environments include:
- GNOME, KDE Plasma (Kubuntu): Modern, customizable, and feature-rich graphical interfaces.
- XFCE and Mate: Lightweight options for modest machines.
- elementary OS: For a minimalist design similar to macOS.
In addition, certain fundamental terminal commands must be gradually integrated. These allow you to manage packages (apt, dnf, pacman), configure the network, and securely manipulate system files. This shift to command-line mode is one of the most powerful and rewarding aspects of Linux, which clearly differentiates it from the Windows model.
To learn more about Linux performance and security, resources such as Intel Linux patches or What’s new in kernel 6.18 regarding security are essential for understanding and updating systems.
Zorin OS 18: An example of a distribution designed for the post-Windows 10 transition
Zorin OS reached a milestone with version 18, released on the same day that Windows 10 support ended. This distribution is primarily aimed at users who want to abandon Windows without sacrificing their user experience.
- Adaptable interface: Option to choose a desktop resembling Windows 10, Windows 11, or even macOS.
- Integrated tools: Zorin OS Windows App Support simplifies Wine installation and Windows application management.
- Stable system: Based on Ubuntu, it benefits from the robustness of Debian and enjoys extensive community support.
This initiative was a resounding success, with an unprecedented spike in downloads, demonstrating the growing confidence in Linux as a viable alternative. The case of the city of Échirolles, France, which migrated its town hall to free software, particularly Zorin OS, also demonstrates the real potential of open source software in public institutions. There, approximately 10% of computers have adopted this distribution, a start that suggests significant prospects for the expansion of Linux.
The complementarity with Wine is a real plus, as the notion of application porting remains an obstacle in most migrations. Zorin OS addresses this issue head-on with a tool that indicates compatible Windows apps and their Linux equivalents, combined with recent universal packaging technologies like Snap and Flatpak.
A mature Linux ecosystem ready to replace Windows 10 on all fronts
It’s important to note that Linux is no longer limited to geeks or servers. With distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Manjaro, and Fedora, Linux has also established itself on everyday desktops, offering modern interfaces, enhanced security, and a vast and accessible software library.
- Game Management: Thanks to Steam Proton, gaming on Linux is almost as easy as on Windows.
- Development Environments: Excellent support for tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, and popular IDEs.
- Enterprise Systems: Red Hat and SUSE provide secure services and robust enterprise support.
Technical advances are also notable at the kernel level. The arrival of Linux 6.18 brings substantial improvements in terms of security and performance, notably with the EROFS file system and patches for advanced RAID. This reinforces the idea that Linux is ready for mass adoption, even in mission-critical environments. System administrators and advanced users will also appreciate tools like
Nmap for Linux security or advanced multi-kernel architecture management, which enhance system reliability for all uses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PtLsftCC70
Migrating to Linux may seem daunting at first, but it’s part of a sustainable process. Here are some key tips for making the switch with confidence:
Evaluate the hardware:
- Check the condition of your PC and its components to choose the most suitable distribution. Make backups:
- All data transfers require careful precautions to avoid loss. Test on a Live USB:
- Before fully installing, use a Live USB to familiarize yourself with the interface. Get involved gradually:
- Start by installing your favorite applications and then discover the power of the command line. Join communities:
- Forums, IRC channels, and specialized groups are valuable resources. This structured approach significantly reduces the risk of failure and allows you to take full advantage of the benefits. Additionally, following Linux news and project developments, as detailed in the
Linux 6.18 kernel details or the Asahi Linux for Apple M3 initiative offers a clear view of innovations. For experienced users, this choice also unlocks increased flexibility, with the ability to adapt and customize environments endlessly, something not possible with Windows or macOS. Thus, the switch to Linux is not simply a response to the end of support for Windows 10; it is also a leap toward a freer and more manageable world.