With the official end of support for Windows 10 scheduled for the end of 2025, many users find themselves looking for a stable and reliable alternative, especially if they cannot opt for Windows 11 due to hardware compatibility or personal preferences. Transitioning to Linux then appears to be a pragmatic solution, allowing them to extend the lifespan of their old computers while benefiting from a modern, secure, and easy-to-use environment. The diversity of available distributions offers a range of choices suitable for all profiles, but some stand out for their suitability for a smooth migration from Windows 10, while also being suitable for users with little computer experience.
The transition to Linux offers many benefits, including lower costs, increased security, and extensive customization. However, the key consideration for many remains the familiarity of the user interface and ease of installation. Some distributions have specifically positioned themselves to meet these needs, offering graphical environments similar to Windows, without requiring the user to delve into complex configurations or advanced technical commands.
Windows 10 users facing hardware incompatibilities or outdated hardware see these distributions as a real opportunity to continue using their machine without the hassle or frustration. More importantly, these systems avoid the increased complexity associated with some more advanced or tech-savvy distributions, such as Arch Linux or Manjaro, while offering a robust, stable platform perfectly suited to everyday use.
By adopting a distribution focused on simplicity and a close relationship with Windows, the user experience becomes intuitive, making it much easier to get back into the swing of things. The integration of iconic Windows applications and features is also facilitated with these options, sometimes thanks to emulation of the Windows environment or native compatibility with Microsoft software. Moreover, some distributions even offer integration with Microsoft applications or emulators, allowing for professional continuity without switching platforms. Essential Criteria
Recommended Distribution
| Key Features | Visual Familiarity | Wubuntu |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11-like interface, native integration of Microsoft applications | Ease of Use | Linux Mint |
| Friendly interface, easy application management | Community Support | Ubuntu |
| Large user community, extensive support | Hardware Compatibility | Fedora |
| Extensive support for various peripherals and recent components | Performance | Zorin OS |
| Optimized for older machines, lightweight and fluid | The Linux distributions ready for a successful transition from Windows 10 | Several Linux distributions stand out as genuine replacement solutions for Windows 10 users frustrated or worried about the obsolescence of their environment. Among them, Ubuntu remains the benchmark, thanks to its ease of installation, hardware compatibility, and a large library of applications, including Office, a web browser, multimedia, and more. Linux Mint, in fact, is directly inspired by Windows 7 and 10 to offer a familiar interface while remaining very accessible to beginners. |
Fedora, for its part, stands out for its cutting-edge technologies, notably with the release of Fedora 42, which brings increased stability and compatibility with the latest hardware innovations. Zorin OS is also a preferred option, particularly for its themes that closely resemble Windows and its simplified transition options.
Another alternative to consider is elementary OS, known for its minimalist and refined aesthetic that appeals to fans of ergonomics and design while remaining highly intuitive. Manjaro and Pop!_OS offer modern, high-performance environments with architectures optimized for gamers or specific uses.
For those with older or less powerful machines, MX Linux stands out for its lightweight design and stability, offering a good compromise between performance and simplicity. Ultimately, each distribution has its own specificities, but the common goal is to offer a credible, aesthetically pleasing, and practical alternative to users stuck with Windows 11 compatibility.
Discover how to upgrade from Windows 10 to Linux with our detailed guide. Learn the essential steps, the best distributions for Windows users, and enjoy a secure and customizable computing experience.
Novice users will prefer distributions like Linux Mint, Zorin OS, or Ubuntu, which offer a graphical interface very similar to Windows with intuitive menus and simplified application management. Hardware must also be taken into account. If the machine is older, it will be better to opt for lightweight distributions like MX Linux or Xubuntu to ensure optimal fluidity.
Another important dimension is software compatibility. Many Windows applications have been ported or have Linux equivalents. For example, LibreOffice can replace Office, Firefox or Chromium are available for browsing, while VLC acts as a media player. Some professional or business-specific software requires solutions like Wine or a virtual machine, which integrate easily into the Linux ecosystem.
To facilitate the migration, it’s recommended to try several distributions in live mode or in virtual machines. Tools like this ecosystem or this other one also recommend distributions that significantly approximate the Windows experience.
Precautions to take before permanently switching to Linux
Any migration requires careful preparation to avoid data loss or annoying incompatibilities. Regularly backing up important files should become a habit, especially with cloud solutions or external hard drives. Checking the compatibility of peripherals, such as printers, webcams, or certain audio cards, is also an essential step. It’s also advisable to try a live version of a chosen distribution to test its compatibility with the hardware and assess its usability. Furthermore, the installation of additional software, such as multimedia codecs or package managers, should be anticipated. On some systems, advanced features such as dual-screen support or Wi-Fi may require specific settings. For those who are not yet ready to fully trust it, it’s often preferable to opt for a dual-boot configuration. This allows you to continue using Windows while testing Linux, without immediate risk. Getting started can also be done gradually, using Linux in parallel and then disabling Windows when you feel comfortable. Key Steps Description Advice
Backup
All your personal files and important configurations
Use cloud services or a reliable external hard drive
Live testing
| Assess hardware and usability compatibility | Do not install immediately, but test from a bootable USB | Dual boot configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous use with Windows and Linux | Install Linux last to avoid overwriting Windows | Training and support |
| Learn the basics and benefit from an active community | Consult tutorials, forums, and appropriate resources | Final migration |
| After thorough testing and adjustments | Make a final backup before removing Windows | |