As Windows 10 support winds down, KDE welcomes "Windows 10 exiles" to Linux

Early last month, we reported on a Linux (KDE)-backed initiative called "End of 10," which aimed to show folks how to save their unsupported Windows 10 PCs by installing Linux. Now, as we speed towards October 14, 2025, end-of-support date for Windows 10, KDE is still urging, or rather, inviting what it calls "Windows 10 exiles" to consider making the switch.

KDE's message is pretty blunt: your Windows 10 computer is about to become "junk" and "officially obsolete" once Microsoft pulls the plug on support. The organization paints a grim picture of unpatched bugs leading to increased risks of being hacked, potentially compromising your data and identity.

Beyond security, KDE suggests that new versions of applications will cease to run, and Microsoft will effectively block upgrades to newer Windows versions unless you purchase new hardware. KDE calls this "tech extortion" and points to the environmental impact of discarded PCs. The alternative presented is to "upgrade the smart way" by keeping existing hardware and installing Linux, specifically highlighting its Plasma desktop, which it claims can run well even on machines a decade old.

To entice users, KDE details why Plasma could be a good fit. The environment aims for a familiar feel, with a launch menu and workspace akin to what Windows users are accustomed to, but also offers extensive customization to mimic Windows, macOS, or create something entirely unique. Being open source and developed by a nonprofit, Plasma is free. KDE also points to powerful features like multiple virtual desktops and the Dolphin file manager's built-in connectivity tools for servers and cloud services.

Recognizing that switching operating systems is a significant step, KDE offers advice for the transition. It concedes Linux "does take some getting used to" and encourages new users to lean on the community for help. A key piece of advice is not to expect the exact same Windows programs but to look for Linux applications that perform similar functions, noting that essentials like Firefox and LibreOffice often come pre-installed. For additional software, KDE points to package managers like its Discover application, which acts as an app store.

KDE also outlines what it believes users will not miss from Windows, such as viruses, ads injected into the operating system, spyware, forced updates, and mandatory account registrations. Interestingly, this "What will you miss" section, while focusing on shedding unwanted Windows behaviors, didn't mention the real things you'd also miss, like the full Adobe Creative Suite, specific Microsoft Office desktop applications, or popular titles like Call of Duty and Fortnite, which are often unsupported due to anti-cheat systems that don't work on Linux.

If this all sounds good to you, the most straightforward way to get started is by downloading a Linux distribution (or "distro") that comes with KDE Plasma as its default desktop environment. A few good options include Kubuntu, Fedora KDE Spin, openSUSE, and KDE Neon. But as KDE notes, Plasma isn't your only option. Other desktop environments exist, like GNOME, Xfce, and Cinnamon.

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