With Windows 10 reaching its end of support in October 2025, over half a million users are switching to Linux distributions like Zorin instead of upgrading to Windows 11. The rigid hardware requirements for Microsoft's latest OS have left many with older machines unable to make the jump. Zorin OS, designed to mimic Windows, has seen a surge in downloads from Windows users seeking a seamless alternative.
Windows 10, once touted by Microsoft as the final version of the operating system, officially ended support in October 2025. Free Extended Security Updates will continue until October 13, 2026, with paid options extending to 2028. However, the transition to Windows 11 has proven challenging for users with older hardware, as it mandates TPM 2.0 security chips, which many desktops and laptops from previous years lack.
This barrier has driven a notable shift toward Linux. Zorin OS, an Ubuntu-based distribution tailored for Windows migrants, features a taskbar and start menu resembling Windows 11 to ease the switch. The distro has surpassed one million downloads, with 78% originating from Windows machines, indicating a significant number of permanent transitions.
Critics suggest Microsoft's TPM requirement may encourage hardware upgrades more than enhance security, despite benefits like Secure Boot that prevent malware at startup. For many, replacing functional devices is unappealing when Linux offers compatibility with aging systems while prioritizing user privacy.
Advancements in Linux gaming have further bolstered its appeal. Valve's Steam Deck, running on Linux, has improved GPU drivers and support for titles such as "Cyberpunk 2077" and "Baldur's Gate 3." Proton, a Valve-forked version of the WINE emulator, enables smooth execution of Windows games and applications on Linux.
Zorin enhances this with its "Windows App Support" tool, allowing easy installation of .exe and .msi files as native apps. Where native software lags—such as Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Office—web-based versions fill the void. Zorin supports progressive web apps for services like Google Drive and Grammarly, providing flexibility without corporate lock-in.
As Linux matures in drivers, gaming, and app compatibility, it presents a viable, cost-free path for Windows 10 users facing obsolescence.
