With Windows 10’s fast-approaching demise, this Linux migration tool could let you ditch Microsoft’s ecosystem with your data and apps intact — but it’s limited to one distro

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Microsoft’s deadline for support for Windows 10 is quickly coming up – it’s just over two months away on October 14, 2025. While upgrading to Windows 11 might seem like a common solution, its high system requirement standards and design issues make the transition less appealing for some users.

Absolutely, you have two options if you wish to keep using Windows 10. Firstly, you could join Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for $30 per device, which will provide an additional year of support. Or secondly, you can synchronize your PC settings data with the cloud using a Microsoft Account, allowing you to receive another year of security updates from Microsoft free of charge.

Regardless of the scenario, a significant number of currently operational Windows devices are said to be running Windows 10. This could theoretically result in the largest increase in discarded computers ever seen. Although Microsoft offers optional services for users to continue receiving security updates after the deadline, these updates will only remain valid for an additional year following the cutoff date. Consequently, Windows 10 users will find themselves in a challenging situation at some point in the future.

I’ve been thoroughly examining social media discussions, focusing particularly on opinions about the end-of-life phase of Windows 10 on platforms such as X (previously known as Twitter) and Reddit. It appears that a large portion of users are contemplating switching from Windows to Linux entirely.

Our Managing Editor, Richard Devine, penned an enlightening piece discussing why he might not suggest Windows 10 users transition to Linux after its expiration date, highlighting the challenge of using Linux due to its incompatibility with legacy software as a significant hurdle. Additionally, he hinted at the difficulties faced by new users when attempting to choose the appropriate Linux distribution tailored for their unique wants and needs.

In other words, if you choose to make the move to Linux, the process might become a bit easier and smoother due to a new tool called Operese. This application is designed to help Windows users transition smoothly to the open-source operating system, taking along all their files, settings, and installed applications (as reported by Neowin).

The project exhibits significant potential for Windows 10 users, but it’s crucial to acknowledge that it’s currently under early development. This means its capabilities are limited to a demonstration and not yet ready for actual operation. Furthermore, the tool is only designed for switching between Ubuntu; however, there are numerous other Linux distributions available for selection as well.

Ditching Windows is increasingly enticing

Previously, I shared insights about The Restart Project’s “End of 10” toolkit, catering to Windows 10 users unable to upgrade to Windows 11. According to them, there’s a growing movement encouraging repair and revitalization of old computers. As an analyst, I am part of this initiative, working to give these systems a second wind.

It’s appropriate to assist in setting up free and open-source operating systems such as Linux distributions on older devices that are still functional or have been abandoned by individuals and businesses who have already moved to Windows 11 after Microsoft’s decision. These actions align with the group’s larger initiative to reduce electronic waste.

In other places, a collective known as ‘End of 10’ is encouraging people to switch from Windows 10 to Linux, due to the approaching end-of-support date. They highlight the absence of advertisements and reduced privacy concerns through telemetry tracking as their primary arguments for this shift.

It would be intriguing to observe the potential impact on Microsoft’s market supremacy, should they discontinue support for Windows 10. Additionally, it’s worth considering if users might switch to a freely available and open-source OS such as a Linux distribution, even with the software compatibility hurdles that could arise.

Do you continue to use Windows 10 on your device? If so, what are your plans once Microsoft stops providing free security updates? Are you considering a switch to Linux? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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2025-07-29 13:09