Governments Drop Windows & Office Over High Windows 11 Switch Costs
▼ Summary
– Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, after which users will no longer receive updates or security patches.
– Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11, but many PCs cannot meet its hardware requirements, forcing users to consider alternatives like Linux and LibreOffice.
– The Document Foundation argues that Windows 11 increases dependence on Microsoft through cloud integration, subscription models, and restrictive hardware policies.
– Linux and LibreOffice offer a free, compatible alternative to Windows and Office, with Linux running on older hardware and LibreOffice supporting Microsoft file formats.
– While Linux is viable for general productivity, compatibility issues may make it unsuitable for users reliant on Windows-only software.
With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, many users face a critical decision: upgrade to Windows 11 or explore alternatives. The transition isn’t just about security updates, it involves significant costs, compatibility challenges, and concerns about Microsoft’s growing control over user systems.
Denmark’s Ministry of Digital Affairs recently announced plans to abandon Windows and Office 365 in favor of Linux and LibreOffice, highlighting a growing trend among organizations wary of forced upgrades. The Document Foundation, which supports LibreOffice, argues that Microsoft’s push toward Windows 11 isn’t purely about security. Instead, it locks users into Microsoft accounts, increases reliance on cloud services, and forces unnecessary hardware upgrades, leaving millions of functional PCs obsolete.
The real cost of switching to Windows 11 goes beyond licensing fees. Microsoft has tightened restrictions, making it harder to use the OS without an account, and blocked popular workarounds earlier this year. According to the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), this could trigger “the single biggest jump in junked computers ever” as users discard perfectly functional machines that don’t meet Windows 11’s strict hardware requirements.
Linux and LibreOffice present viable alternatives, especially for those prioritizing cost efficiency and control. Unlike Windows 11, Linux runs on older hardware, eliminating the need for expensive upgrades. LibreOffice maintains strong compatibility with Microsoft formats (DOCX, XLSX, PPTX) while using the open ODF standard. The Document Foundation emphasizes that this combination is already trusted worldwide for mission-critical tasks in businesses, schools, and governments.
Gaming and specialized software remain hurdles for Linux adoption, though SteamOS, a Linux-based system, powers some of the best handheld gaming devices. For general productivity, Linux offers robust tools, but users reliant on Windows-exclusive applications may face compatibility issues.
Testing Linux on a secondary partition is a practical way to evaluate the switch. This approach lets users check software compatibility and workflow suitability without fully committing. While Linux isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, it’s a compelling option for those frustrated by Microsoft’s upgrade demands, proving that sometimes, the best move forward is a step away from the status quo.
(Source: Windows Central)
