I love Linux, so when Windows 10 reaches end of life you might be surprised when I don’t tell you to run to it with open arms

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Since the unprecedented year of staying home in 2020, I’ve found myself deeply engrossed in Linux. It was during this time that I chose to invest my energy in learning something fresh and exciting.

Absolutely, I not only utilize Windows, but I rely on it as well for my work, so it’s essential that I’m familiar with it.

As a tech enthusiast with one foot in the world of Windows and another in the realm of open-source systems, it seems I’m right where I belong discussing this intriguing topic. The buzz is growing louder about why one might consider making the leap to Linux when Windows 10 reaches its end-of-life (EoL).

I strongly believe that it would be beneficial for many individuals to give Linux a try, if not fully adopt it. After all, it’s hard to form an opinion about something unless you’ve experienced it firsthand, and this sentiment applies to everything, not just Linux.

Similarly, I think it’s important to emphasize potential risks. The end of life for Windows 10 is indeed approaching this year, and there’s a possibility that someone reading this may encounter issues due to this development.

While Linux is excellent and might seem like a viable alternative for many, the truth is that for a significant number of individuals, it may not be an immediate fix when Microsoft discontinues support for Windows 10.

Compatibility with legacy software is an issue

Many individuals may find concern that software they’ve relied on might not be accessible on Linux. To some extent, this concern holds water.

If you’re heavily reliant on Microsoft Office or extensively utilize Microsoft 365, unfortunately, these applications aren’t natively available for Linux systems. However, there are workarounds, but not in a typical Linux environment.

2024 saw certain Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, incorporate functionality for connecting to Microsoft 365 accounts. This feature enables you to manage your OneDrive files remotely, with the option to activate it via Settings. Regrettably, office applications from Microsoft are not accessible on Linux at this time.

You could consider options like OpenOffice or LibreOffice, which function similarly, but transitioning to Google’s office application suite doesn’t guarantee an identical experience.

Just like the Adobe suite, another instance to consider, it lacks Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. Of course, there are other options available such as the impressive DaVinci Resolve for video editing. However, people often prefer these specific tools, and alternatives might not always be their first choice.

I get that.

As a tech enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news! For Microsoft 365, there are user-friendly web apps available, and they don’t disappoint. On the same note, Adobe has introduced a web version of Photoshop, though it’s not the top-of-the-line, fully-loaded version we all know and love.

However, it’s important to note that certain workflows may not be easily transitioned to a Linux environment. It’s crucial to understand that asking someone to alter their methods isn’t always an easy assumption.

As a devoted enthusiast, I understand that for some, it’s feasible to continue with only minor interruptions while maintaining joy. Yet, we mustn’t overlook those who find this unattainable. This is a genuine dilemma that an impacted user must confront and weigh carefully.

Switch to Linux… but which Linux?

For those seeking thrills, I’m one of them, and I believe many others will agree, exploring various Linux distributions can be an enjoyable experience. In fact, I strongly suggest this activity for anyone considering the change.

However, since there isn’t a specific command or instruction that can be given universally for everyone to install it, this presents an obstacle that Windows users may not be accustomed to overcoming.

Starting my journey in Linux, Ubuntu was my initial choice. However, I dabbled with several other distributions before ultimately finding that Fedora suits me best. To be honest, I can’t pinpoint the specific reasons why I prefer Fedora over others, but it just feels right to me.

If you’ve always stuck with Windows, transitioning to Linux might seem challenging due to the learning curve involved, even though many contemporary Linux distributions are user-friendly and welcoming to ex-Windows users.

If you’re seriously considering the change, it would be wise to experiment with several alternatives initially within a virtual environment. Give Ubuntu a shot, give Fedora a spin, test Linux Mint too, and explore other options as well. Find out which one appeals to you the most.

I’d argue casual users don’t need Linux, or Windows 11 for that matter

Most everyday computer users won’t find a reason to switch from their current operating systems like Windows (either version 10 or 11) to Linux. In fact, many of these people might not even require an operating system as sophisticated as Windows at all.

I’m referring to the kind of user who predominantly engages in activities through a web browser. This individual is frequently exploring the online world, and while they may utilize software such as Microsoft 365 occasionally, the bulk of their interactions primarily occur on the internet.

To address this, consider using ChromeOS. This can be achieved through purchasing a Chromebook, which is generally less expensive than a Windows laptop, or by converting your existing Windows 10 computer into a ChromeOS device using ChromeOS Flex.

Essentially, ChromeOS shares some similarities with Linux, much like how Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) enables running a complete, virtualized Linux environment. This means you can easily access a terminal, graphical user interface applications, and various other features associated with Linux.

Its primary emphasis lies in the realm of the web, where web applications reign supreme. Additionally, there’s support for Linux apps and Android apps. The setup and operation of Microsoft 365 have been streamlined to provide a smooth experience. OneDrive can be synced with the Files app, and you can pin the Microsoft 365 suite for both online and offline access.

If you prefer using a different primary web browser other than Google Chrome, you could opt for installing the Linux variant of Microsoft Edge. Interestingly, this version offers a streamlined and user-friendly experience, which might even surpass expectations of some users running it on Windows systems.

There is no simple answer over where to go from Windows 10

The main issue here is that we don’t have a straightforward solution. The specific hardware demands for Windows 11 combined with the approaching expiration of Windows 10 are what sparked this discussion initially.

It seems quite evident that Microsoft is encouraging people to migrate to Windows 11, and this might involve purchasing a fresh system for some.

Transitioning large governments and institutional entities towards Linux might be achievable due to their extensive resources and personnel. However, for an average user, it isn’t as straightforward to simply migrate.

There are strong arguments for making the move to Linux, and I encourage everyone to give it a try if they haven’t already. If your current computer is functioning well, then why not take the plunge? However, I also recognize that there are valid concerns on both sides, so tread carefully. Keep in mind that Linux might not be the solution you’re searching for, as every system has its own unique challenges.

I wish I could provide a solution easily. It often feels like I should just tell you what to do, but the truth is, what works for one person might not work for another. While Linux might be the answer for some, it wouldn’t be suitable for many others.

If you’re determined to hold onto your PC, take your time, explore your options, and consider different alternatives. Experiment with various software setups, like using virtual machines, and don’t forget to think about using ChromeOS Flex as well.

Avoid being blinded by what others consider the correct answer. Instead, consider something as right only if it suits your needs or circumstances.

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2025-06-17 16:09