After Windows 10 Support Ends, Many Users Switch to Linux

With the recent end of Windows 10’s ten-year support cycle, millions of users—roughly 40% of the installed base—no longer receive updates. Instead of moving to Windows 11, many are turning to alternative operating systems.

Based on GNOME, Zorin OS 18 was released recently and is presented as a complete replacement for both Windows and macOS. It was downloaded 200,000 times within its first two days, and 72% of those downloads came from former Windows users. The distribution lets you configure the desktop to resemble Windows 7, 10, 11 or macOS, making it especially approachable for newcomers to Linux.

Zorin OS 18 also enables running many Windows applications via integration with Wine 10, translating system calls in real time. Users who choose to remain on Windows 10 face elevated security risks: Microsoft is offering a one-year security extension for $61.

Upgrading to Windows 11 is impractical for many because of strict hardware requirements such as TPM 2.0. The upgrade would force hardware replacements for an estimated 200 million users, so migrating to Linux—or even reverting to Windows 7—remains the most pragmatic option for many.

Source: iXBT.games