This Windows-style Linux distro lets you enjoy a Windows 11 experience without Microsoft’s red tape — as Windows 10 nears its end

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The clock is steadily moving forward, and the end-of-support date for Windows 10 from Microsoft gets nearer by the day. Although Windows 11 has overtaken Windows 10 as the leading desktop operating system, data provided by Statcounter shows that its market share declined by 4% to reach 49.08%. However, it’s worth noting that the market share of Windows 10 increased somewhat unexpectedly by 2.65%, rising to 45.53%, which is surprising given its upcoming end-of-life phase.

A concerned advocacy group urged Microsoft to rethink its plan to discontinue Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, as this move might result in the largest quantity of obsolete computers ever seen. Yet, Microsoft has proposed various solutions for users to keep operating Windows 10 beyond the end of support, guaranteeing they’ll still get security updates.

It’s worth noting that Windows 10 users have the option to join Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which provides an additional year of support beyond the standard end date. Some users have expressed worries about not being able to enroll in the program. However, Microsoft assures all users that they should be able to access it before Windows 10 reaches its end-of-support phase.

Approximately four years ago, Windows 11 was released, yet it hasn’t gained much popularity compared to Windows 10. This is largely due to its high system requirements and some design flaws. It seems these factors may have led Microsoft to resort to using persistent full-screen advertisements across multiple pages in an attempt to persuade Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11.

For those unable to upgrade to Windows 11 or unwilling to part ways with their current PCs, there’s been an increase in options available. One example is the recent significant update for Windows Theme Over Linux, also known as “WINUX,” developed by Linuxfx (as reported by Beta News). The revamp enhances user experience by adding attractive features that could persuade users to leave the Microsoft ecosystem altogether.

It’s important to mention that WINUX is a Linux operating system that takes significant cues from Microsoft’s Windows 11 and Windows 10, as evident in its Start menu and desktop icons. Unlike some other operating systems, WINUX has stringent hardware prerequisites, making it straightforward to install on various devices. Furthermore, you can maintain your existing workflow and continue playing your games with this OS.

With this recent update, the Linux distribution modeled after Windows now operates more efficiently on older devices, offering a smoother experience for those transitioning away from the Windows ecosystem before its end-of-life phase. This allows them to maintain their workflow in a familiar setting without encountering Microsoft’s administrative hurdles.

This version comes equipped with numerous fresh features such as a revamped Redsand theme for both Windows 10 and Windows 11, as well as kernel version 6.14.0-29 that enhances hardware compatibility across old BIOS and modern EFI systems. Additionally, it’s important to mention that the release is built on Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS, ensuring up to five years of free updates.

If you’d like to enjoy additional professional features within the WINUX operating system, consider making a contribution to unlock these advanced Pro offerings. This includes seamless OneDrive integration featuring a user-friendly graphical interface, native Active Directory support for streamlined network management, and improved AI tools that enhance your overall experience.

In contrast to the stringent hardware specifications for Windows 11 by Microsoft, WINUX boasts more accessible requirements. Specifically, it needs only 2GB of RAM and a dual-core 64-bit central processing unit. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to have 4GB of RAM for optimal performance.

Microsoft’s extended support for Windows 10 doesn’t cut it

It appears that Linux could be an increasingly attractive alternative for Windows 10 users, as they are unable to update to Windows 11 due to their systems not fulfilling the necessary requirements.

For example, an organization named End of 10 has been advocating for people to move away from Windows 10 towards Linux, as the end-of-life date for Windows 10 approaches. The group suggests that users who are currently using Windows 10 should consider abandoning the entire Windows platform and instead switch to a version of Linux on older computers. They highlight the lack of advertisements and tracking of user data as the main reasons for making this change.

Elsewhere, a team known as The Restart Project played a part in creating the “End of 10” toolkit. This kit is designed to assist Windows 10 users who are unable to upgrade to Windows 11. Their efforts include providing practical guidance for adapting repair events, organizing novel types of events, and collaborating with others.

The statement suggests that Microsoft’s decision to keep providing security updates for Windows 10 past its end-of-support seems more like a delayed alarm, simply covering up a system that is already in distress. It further advocates for the involvement of political leaders in this matter.

Currently, you have three options:

1. Synchronize your PC settings with the cloud using a Microsoft account, which is free.
2. Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Reward points for benefits.
3. Purchase extended security updates (ESU) for $30, allowing support for up to 10 devices to keep using Windows 10 after its approaching end date.

With the deadline for Windows 10 approaching, are you planning to move to Windows 11 or opt for a different system altogether? Feel free to share your opinions below.

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2025-09-02 13:10