Windows 10 Support Is Ending: Should You Switch to Linux?

Mainstream support for Windows 10 ended in October 2025, but many people kept their machines secure through Microsoft's paid Extended Security Updates program. According to current reporting, that safety net runs out on October 13, 2026, which is only days away. After that date, a Windows 10 PC stops receiving security fixes. If your computer cannot run Windows 11 and you do not want to buy new hardware, Linux is a realistic way to keep it useful and supported.

This guide explains your options, what to check before you switch, and how to try Linux without risking your files. Confirm the exact end-of-support dates with Microsoft before you act, because the details differ between consumer and business licences.

Your realistic options

• Upgrade to Windows 11, if your hardware meets its requirements.
• Buy new hardware that ships with a supported operating system.
• Pay for extended updates where they are still offered, which only delays the decision.
• Install a Linux distribution on the existing machine and keep using it with ongoing security updates.

Linux is not the right answer for everyone. It is a strong fit for older laptops, for people who mostly use a browser, email and office documents, and for anyone curious enough to learn something new. It is a weaker fit if you depend on a specific Windows-only program that has no alternative.

The End of 10 campaign

A community effort called End of 10, supported by people from the Linux community including the KDE project, encourages Windows 10 users to move to Linux rather than throw away working computers. Its website collects installation guides and lists local events where volunteers help people install a distribution. If you are nervous about doing it alone, an install event is a friendly way to start.

Check before you switch

• Back up everything. Copy documents, photos and browser data to an external drive before you touch the disk.
• List the programs you use daily and look for Linux versions or alternatives, such as LibreOffice for office documents, GIMP and Inkscape for graphics, and Firefox or Chromium-based browsers for the web.
• Note any hardware that matters, such as a printer, a fingerprint reader or a graphics card, and search whether it works on Linux.
• Check how your cloud services work. Most web-based tools behave the same in any browser.

Choosing a first distribution

A distribution, or distro, is a complete operating system built around the Linux kernel. For a first switch, choose something popular with good documentation and long support windows. Linux Mint and Ubuntu LTS are common starting points because their desktops feel familiar to Windows users and their release cycles favour stability. Fedora Workstation is a good choice if you want newer software, and KDE-based options give you a highly customisable desktop.

Even David Heinemeier Hansson, the creator of the enthusiast-oriented Omarchy setup, recommends Ubuntu to people who are new to Linux, because tools aimed at experienced users can be unforgiving. Start simple. You can always explore more adventurous distros later.

Try it without committing

Almost every distribution offers a live USB image. You write it to a USB stick, restart your computer and boot from the stick. You get a fully working desktop running from memory, so you can test Wi-Fi, sound, graphics and your touchpad without changing anything on the internal drive. If something does not work, remove the stick and restart into Windows as usual.

Installing alongside or replacing Windows

Installers usually offer to erase the disk and use all of it, or to install alongside the existing system so you can choose at startup. Dual booting is a good safety net while you learn, but it takes more disk space and needs a little care when Windows updates. If the machine is old and you have a verified backup, a clean install is simpler and leaves more room for your files.

What about games?

Gaming on Linux has improved dramatically thanks to Valve's Proton compatibility layer, and many Windows games run well through Steam. The main gap is online games that use anti-cheat software without Linux support. If you play those, check each game's compatibility status before you commit.

A calm way to decide

You do not have to decide this week. Make a backup, try a live USB, and use it for an evening. If your daily tasks work, installing takes under an hour. If they do not, you have lost nothing, and you can pursue one of the other options with full knowledge of what you need.