Microsoft's decision to end Windows 10 support is driving renewed interest in Linux alternatives. A popular Linux distribution called Bazzite saw over a petabyte of downloads in one month. Meanwhile, many users remain reluctant to upgrade to Windows 11, despite eligibility for hundreds of millions of PCs.
Microsoft's unpopular move to terminate support for Windows 10 has sparked a surge in interest toward Linux operating systems. This development comes as the software giant phases out the aging OS, leaving users facing potential security vulnerabilities if they do not upgrade.
According to reports, Bazzite, a Linux distribution, achieved over a petabyte of ISO downloads in a single month. This volume translates to approximately 143,000 operating system downloads, highlighting growing enthusiasm among users seeking alternatives to Microsoft's ecosystem.
During a recent earnings call, Dell indicated that around 500 million PCs are capable of upgrading to Windows 11. However, many owners are determined to continue using the unsupported Windows 10, exposing their systems to privacy and security risks. This reluctance underscores broader user dissatisfaction with the transition to the newer OS.
The hype around Linux, particularly distributions like Bazzite, suggests a potential shift for users wary of ongoing Microsoft updates or hardware requirements for Windows 11. While Linux has long been positioned as a viable option, this moment may test whether it can finally gain significant mainstream traction beyond its traditional developer and enthusiast base.