End of 10

The end (of Windows 10) is nigh!

Today we're launching "End Of 10" (endof10.org) and bringing Linux to Windows 10 users!

On 14 October 2025, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10. Microsoft will no longer provide updates for the system and this will turn an estimated 200 to 400 million laptops and computers worldwide into security risks and heavily polluting e-waste.

Yours may be one of them.

But what if you could make your current computer fast and secure again so you can continue to use it? There is an alternative to Windows, one that is free, receives regular updates and works on nearly all devices, from most smartphones and routers, to supercomputers that predict the weather and robots on Mars.

Yes, it's Linux. Linux is extremely flexible and adaptable, and it can work for you too. Linux can run smoothly on your latest laptop and on a machine from 10-20 years ago.

The cheapest and most environmentally-friendly computer is the one you already own.

Installing a new operating system may sound difficult, but the community behind the "End Of 10" is here to help! In towns and cities around the globe, there are people and places ready to lend you a hand or even install Linux for you. Many more helper groups get added every day.

Find help near you at our website:

https://endof10.org/

Why can't I just migrate my current machine to Windows 11?

Because there is a good chance it won't meet the system requirements for Windows 11. There are several reasons for this, but one of the most questionable is that many devices are being rejected for not having a modern security module. From a technical standpoint, that’s hard to justify.

Ironically, it just so happens that 14 October is also "International E-Waste Day". Shortly after follows "International Repair Day" on 18 October. You can't make these things up!

But Microsoft really wants Windows 10 users to buy new hardware. In fact, the company has pushed full-screen notifications onto users' screens encouraging them to do just that — even for computers that are able to upgrade to Windows 11. This means manufacturing and transporting hundreds of millions of new devices, and this is perhaps the biggest waste of all. Hardware production alone consumes copious amounts of energy and has a disproportionate carbon footprint, all of which is for absolutely nothing when a working device lands in the bin.

On the other hand, when you choose Linux, you get everything you could ever want for daily use, and the same machine can be working for decades. Whether you need to work, run a company, stay connected, or relax, the software shipped with Linux is often beautiful, blazing fast, easy to use, and always under your control. Most concerns about Linux are now outdated or unfounded and your system will remain secure well beyond the end of Windows 10 date at no cost.

The End Of 10 campaign has identified 5 reasons to upgrade to Linux:

  1. No New Hardware, No Licensing Costs
    A new laptop costs a lot of money, but several Linux operating systems are available for free. Software updates are also free, forever. You can of course show your support with donations!
  2. Enhanced Privacy
    Windows comes with lots of ads and spyware. This slows down your computer, lets companies spy on you, and increases your energy bills.
  3. Good For The Planet
    Production of a computer accounts for 75+% of carbon emissions over its lifecycle. Keeping a functioning device longer is a hugely effective way to reduce emissions. With a Linux operating system you can use your device longer.
  4. Community & Professional Support
    There are local repair cafes and independent, professional services and computer shops available for providing you help. You can find support in online forums, too.
  5. Better User Control
    Linux grants you the four freedoms of software. You are free to use, study, share, and improve the program, for as long as you wish. You are in control of your device.

If you're a gamer, you might be wondering: Can I still play my games on Linux? Yes, you can, and it has never been easier! Thousands of popular AAA games now run seamlessly on Linux and, in many cases, performance is equal to or even better than on Windows, especially on older hardware.

There is a growing list of Free & Open Source Software and repair organizations supporting the campaign, including:

The End Of 10 campaign started in November 2024 at the South Tyrol Free Software Conference and has been attracting many new contributors since. This campaign is made possible by the enthusiastic contributions of a dedicated team. Learn more about the team at:

https://endof10.org/team/

And what if you already purchased a new computer with Windows pre-installed but want to install Linux on it instead? If you prefer using Linux or another OS, you still pay for Windows, even if you don’t use it. That’s unfair and often non-transparent. Refund4Freedom is an initiative from the Free Software Foundation Europe that defends consumers' right to choose their operating system and get refunds for unused pre-installed software — especially Microsoft Windows — on new computers. The Refund4Freedom campaign launches 29 May to help users get refunds for software they don't want. The initiative focuses first on the Italian market, but will be extended to other locations in the near future. Learn more here:

https://refund4freedom.org/

Want future hardware to allow you to install any software you want? It's your hardware, after all! Device Neutrality, an initiative also from the Free Software Foundation Europe, aims to enable end-users to bypass gatekeepers to have a non-discriminatory use of software, including Free & Open Source Software, on their devices. Learn more here:

https://fsfe.org/activities/deviceneutrality/index