[German]On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 22H2 with the delivery of the last security updates. Enthusiasts want to use the end of Windows 10 in the "End of 10" campaign to persuade users to switch to Linux. This is because Linux runs on these systems, while Windows 11 has hardware requirements that are too high.
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October 2025 is the end of support for Windows 10
Microsoft recently reminded users (see) that there will be no more free updates from October 14, 2025. The Windows 10 systems will continue to run, but their security is no longer guaranteed (unless you know the relevant ways to secure them). Microsoft has pointed out that you should switch to Windows 11.
Microsoft also advised users to sell their old computers or dispose of them as electronic waste. Fittingly, October 14, 2025 is International E-Waste Day, which is all about avoiding electronic waste. I already addressed the issue in the article Windows 10: End of support in October 2025 – Million systems about to be replaced?
End of 10 Initiative
And this is precisely the idea behind the End of 10 initiative, which is taking action against the scrapping of millions of Windows 10 computers worldwide. The Register has reported on it here. The Open Source "End of 10" initiative uses a blog post End of 10: The Open Source alternative to forced obsolescence to encourage people to think about the end of support for Windows 10. There ist also a website endof10.org – according to the following mastodon post.
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Support for Windows 10 ends on October 14, 2025 and Microsoft wants device owners to buy a new computer. However, the initiative poses the legitimate question: what if device owners could make them fast and secure again?
There is probably no reason to quickly dispose of Windows 10 computers that are still working well. An up-to-date Linux operating system gives the computers a new lease of life and they can still be used for years to come.
To make the transition easier for those interested, there are many volunteers in various locations in Germany, Austria, Belgium and other countries who can help with the installation of Linux. The initiative lists the contact points on this page.
Anyone who takes this step can immediately benefit from various advantages. The existing computer can continue to be used, Linux itself is free of charge and no Windows licenses are required. The improved privacy is also emphasized, as Linux does not collect user data with various functions like Windows 10 does. And Linux doesn't really need to be complicated for people who want to do a bit of surfing, word processing (with LibreOffice) or writing emails. The programs are available free of charge for Linux and are similar to Microsoft Office or Outlook. Browsers such as Firefox are also available under Linux.
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We'll likely subscribe to 0patch until we're ready to upgrade hardware.
"Linux runs on these systems"
Getting Linux working is extremely hit and miss. As much as I hate Windows and want to switch to Linux, on the dozen or so systems none of the various distros I've tried work consistently across more than one PC. Every install is different.
Bugs introduced as a result of shoddy programming (Like the acpi.sys bug in the May update), aside; for the most part Windows just works. The one install media works on every PC. There are work arounds for the various hardware requirements. I have never come across a PC that Windows would not install on.
Don't get me wrong – I'm not a Windows Fanboy. I absolutely hate Windows, the endless stream of bugs, the telemetry and data collection, bloat and the lack of customization options.
Linux has ways to go though. On a forum I posted on the response to me was "Create an install media for every PC". Many, if not most, distros come loaded with bloat too.