Windows 10 support ended in October 2025, leaving users with a choice between upgrading to Windows 11 or exploring alternatives. The end of Windows 10 support has driven significant Linux adoption as distributions offer a viable path for those seeking more control over their operating system.
Pop!_OS from System76 leads the pack for gaming performance. The distribution includes automatic tiling and swap file management features directly within the OS.
Valve's Proton compatibility layer enables support for the latest PC games on Linux platforms, and Nvidia's native GeForce NOW beta app for Linux provides additional cloud gaming options.
Ubuntu provides a beginner-friendly entry point for Windows users making the switch. The distribution's large community offers extensive support resources for troubleshooting and learning.
Many users report successful transitions from Windows 10 to Ubuntu without major compatibility issues.
Fedora delivers near-bleeding-edge software packages while maintaining stability. Backed by Red Hat's enterprise expertise, Fedora offers access to the latest software versions.
"While Azure Linux shares some code with Fedora as an RPM-based distribution, Microsoft specifically stated it did not fork Fedora for its Azure Linux platform."
Arch Linux appeals to users seeking maximum customization and control. While requiring more technical knowledge, Arch provides direct access to the latest software packages.
The distribution's community actively supports new users through documentation and forums.
Linux adoption has accelerated in early 2026, with users citing Windows 11's system requirements and privacy concerns as motivating factors. The open-source ecosystem now supports most productivity applications and gaming titles through compatibility layers.
Microsoft continues developing its own Linux distribution for Azure cloud services. Azure Linux, previously called CBL-Mariner, serves as the base container OS for Microsoft's cloud infrastructure. The company released the operating system in 2020 under open-source licenses.
Users switching from Windows can maintain access to essential applications through Linux alternatives. Note-taking applications like Iotas provide Notepad-style functionality with additional features including search and Nextcloud synchronization. The app is available as a Flatpak package through Flathub.
Backup solutions remain available for Linux users with large data collections. Services like Backblaze offer unlimited data backups for $189 every two years, though Linux client support varies. Some users opt for dual-boot configurations during transition periods.
The Linux desktop experience has matured significantly, with distributions offering polished interfaces and reliable hardware support. Community resources provide assistance for troubleshooting driver compatibility and application installation.
Many users report not booting into Windows for months after making the switch.
Windows 10 reached its end of support on October 14, 2025, according to Microsoft's announcement. The company continues developing Windows 11 with increased focus on AI integration through Copilot features, including recent builds with native Sysmon security tools.
Linux distributions offer an alternative path for users prioritizing customization and control over their computing environment.
