Switch From Windows 10 to Linux With ‘End of 10’
▼ Summary
– The ‘End of 10’ campaign promotes Linux as an alternative to Windows 11 for users with older PCs that don’t meet its system requirements.
– Windows 11’s strict hardware requirements leave many PCs unsupported, forcing users to buy new hardware or pay for extended Windows 10 security updates.
– The campaign offers resources, events, and local support to help users transition to Linux, emphasizing its compatibility with older hardware.
– ‘End of 10’ is compiling a global list of repair shops and organizations to assist with Linux installations, with current focus on Europe but expanding elsewhere.
– The campaign is distribution-agnostic, avoiding debates over specific Linux distros to present a unified FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) community approach.
With Windows 10 reaching its end-of-life soon, many users face a tough choice: upgrade to Windows 11 or find an alternative. The ‘End of 10’ initiative is making a strong case for Linux as a viable option, especially for those with older hardware that doesn’t meet Windows 11’s strict requirements.
Microsoft’s latest operating system demands newer processors, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot—leaving countless functional PCs behind. While unofficial workarounds exist, they come with uncertainty. Sticking with Windows 10 beyond October 2025 means paying for extended security updates, adding unnecessary costs.
Linux, on the other hand, breathes new life into aging machines without demanding expensive upgrades. The ‘End of 10’ campaign, backed by Linux advocates from GNOME, KDE, and other communities, aims to simplify the transition. Their website reassures users: “Microsoft wants you to buy a new computer. But what if you could make your current one fast and secure again? Installing Linux could extend its lifespan for years.”
To ease the process, the project is assembling a global network of support—repair shops, volunteer groups, and local events where beginners can get hands-on assistance. Currently, most locations are in Europe, but participation is growing in the U.S., Brazil, India, and Australia. One upcoming event in California, for example, offers a Linux Mint demo with guidance from volunteers at a repair café.
Unlike typical Linux advocacy, ‘End of 10’ avoids favoring any specific distribution. Instead, it presents Linux as a unified open-source solution, sidestepping the often overwhelming debates about which distro is “best.” This inclusive approach lowers barriers for newcomers who might otherwise feel intimidated.
While Linux isn’t a one-size-fits-all replacement for Windows, initiatives like this provide crucial real-world support. Personalized help—whether through local workshops or online resources—could encourage more users to explore Linux as a practical, cost-effective alternative. For those hesitant about abandoning Windows, this campaign offers a structured path forward.
(Source: How To Geek)
