Windows 10 support ends in 2025 – A guide to switching to Ubuntu or Linux Mint

End of Windows 10 Support

The official support for Microsoft Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025 ¹. After this date, systems will no longer receive security updates, which increases the risk of continuing to use the operating system.

Motivation to Switch

Two reasons come up again and again when people explain why they left Windows for Linux: they want more privacy, and they are tired of how much data Windows collects about them ².

Recommended Approach

A structured transition usually follows these steps:

1. Preliminary Considerations: Checking the hardware and software compatibility of the existing computer.
2. Backup: All important data should be backed up externally before starting the installation.
3. Deactivate License: For retail versions of Windows, it is advisable to deactivate the license to avoid potential legal issues.
4. Select Linux Distribution: Ubuntu and Linux Mint are often mentioned as user-friendly options ³⁴.
5. Create Installation Media: A bootable USB flash drive is required; Ubuntu recommends 12 GB or more ⁵.
6. Perform Installation: The actual installation process follows the instructions of the chosen distribution.

Choosing the Distribution

Ubuntu and Linux Mint are regularly recommended to beginners, and Linux Mint in particular to people coming from Windows because its desktop feels familiar ³⁴. Both have large, active communities and long support cycles (LTS releases), which makes them a good fit for long-term use.

Creating the Installation Media

For the bootable USB medium, Ubuntu recommends a flash drive with 12 GB or more ⁵. The process involves downloading the ISO image of the chosen distribution and using a tool like dd or a graphical application to write the image to the stick.

Performing the Installation

After booting from the USB stick, the installer guides the user through the usual steps: language selection, keyboard layout, partitioning (manual or automatic if needed), setting up a user account, and finally copying the system files. Remove the installation medium before restarting, otherwise the computer may boot from the stick again.

Reports from Beginners

On the official Linux Mint forum, a Windows 10 user who was considering the switch wrote that he was "still worried for software compatibility" ⁴. The replies were reassuring: a moderator called Mint "an excellent Linux distro" with "quite a few Windows 10 refugees" among its users, and others pointed out that Linux has substitutes for most Windows programs.

Note on Older Hardware

Ubuntu and Linux Mint can also run on older hardware, as long as the minimum requirements (processor, RAM, storage) are met.

Conclusion

The impending end of Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025 provides a concrete reason to consider switching to Linux. Available sources confirm that a structured approach, consisting of data backup, hardware check, license deactivation, selection of a user-friendly distribution, creation of a USB flash drive (12 GB or more recommended), and performing the installation, enables a successful transition. Ubuntu and Linux Mint are repeatedly mentioned as suitable options, especially for users coming from a Windows system who initially prioritize ease of use. Official documentation and active user forums offer help with each individual step. Thus, there is a well-documented foundation for planning and executing the transition from Windows 10 to a Linux system.