"End of 10" Project's aim is to help Windows 10 users keep their PCs running for years

Ghacks ^ | May 6, 2025 | Martin Brinkmann

[Openurmind]

With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025, millions of Windows 10 users will be left behind by the company. Upgrades to Windows 11 may be out of the question, due to stricter system requirements. While these can be bypassed, many Windows 10 users may lack the expertise to do so.

This leaves Microsoft's recommendation to buy a new Windows 11 PC or subscribe to one year of extended security updates as the only options that Microsoft highlights in its recommendations.

There are at least two additional options available to users, but Microsoft makes no mention of them. The first is to subscribe to 0Patch, which costs $30 per year as well, like ESU, but guarantees updates until at least 2030. The second is to migrate to Linux.

Migrating to Linux is a daunting task. It is another operating system, which means it needs to be installed and configured, and files need to be moved over. Also, while many programs are available for Windows and Linux, there are notable exceptions.

End of 10

End of 10 tries to help Windows 10 users move over to Linux. It has KDE backing, at least when it comes to hosting, which gives it credibility.

The project team highlights five reasons for switching to Linux:

It is cheaper - Linux is free to install and use. It is ad-free and not spying no users. Good for the planet to keep using older PCs instead of purchasing new ones. Communities around the world support Linux and may help new users. Users are in control.

While those are reassuring, the project's main goal is to bring Windows 10 users who want to switch to Linux but need help doing so together with Linux communities.

[Myrddin]

I have 3 Windows 10 systems that don't meet hardware spec for Windows 11. Paying for support is cheaper than replacing the hardware. My other platforms are dual boot with Linux and Windows 11.

[i_robot73]

>
Migrating to Linux is a daunting task. It is another operating system, which means it needs to be installed and configured, and files need to be moved over. Also, while many programs are available for Windows and Linux, there are notable exceptions.
>

Daunting? Not @ all. Notable exceptions?? Sure, some...but it’s a diminishing set as Linux continues to mature. Most, if not all, can be solved via VM/Docker+.

LOT more secure. Requires LESS (memory, CPU+) to work. Requires less re(booting). LESS crashes (least, for me).

Going Linux was the best move I made when Win10 was being foisted upon the unwilling. I detest Win11, having it was my work OS.

[ken in texas]

I still miss Windows 98 SE.

[DJ Frisat]

I have Ubuntu on a couple of laptops that I rarely even turn on, and everything else in my home runs Windows 10 - even the new relatively high-end creator machine I built last year. I was in the Windows Insider program for some time before 10 was released, and have been very pleased with 10 all along. The only machine I have that can be properly ‘upgraded’ to 11 is the new one, and I don’t want it. (I could use the workaround on some of the others, but no, thank you... 🤮)

Biggest problem with Linux is that the complex high-end audio and video restoration software I use will only run on Windows or iOS - there is no Linux version, and the emulators that allow some Windows software to run are not compatible with the sophisticated programs I need.

[blogOps]

Hi, Dutch Boy

Since you may have Ubuntu installed:
Install VirtualBox into that Linux,
Install Windows into that VirtualBox,
Install VBoxGuestAdditions in the VirtualBox Windows,
(to share Win/Lin files) link a shared folder,
And try installing the MRI software from there.

[George from New England]

I use wine on ubuntu to still use IrfanView. Simple and works in my sleep.
wine also lets me use WinAmp.
That allows me to play with VST Host DSP v1.1
A tri-band audio processor
slim slow slider - C3 Multi Band Compressor 1.2.11
I am not aware of any linux tools that will do this audio processing.

[Sequoyah101]

Apple is just as guilty of leaving users in the lurch.

Two nights ago I rebooted and my extended monitor, an old LCD Cinema, quit responding to adjustments, especially brightness. I discovered to my dismay, that the monitor is no longer supported as of Monterey OS.

Thankfully, I found a patch that will control the old monitor but it took a couple of hours to get it all up and running.

Curses to Apple.

[FreedomPoster]

I think I’m about to go Apple. Keep the Windows 10 laptop to run some automotive diagnostic software.

[Bigg Red]

mark

[JimRed]

There is far too much garbage included in eleven. With every update I have to sift through and turn off the useless crap.

What happens to us non tech-savvy types who don't know what is useless and how to turn it off?

[T. Rustin Noone]

I would have been happy if they stopped at Windows XP.

[catnipman]

“I want my Windows 7 to last forever. The best version...by far!”

ditto ... i’m still on W7 ... new releases of H&R Block still install and work fine so far ... User Agent Switcher and Manager Addon still tricks websites like Chase into thinking one has an updated OS and browser ... though Firefox is determined to lose its few remaining users by deliberately refusing to renew the security certificate that allows addons to continue to function ...

[Brian Griffin]

I have a Mac a neighbor gave me.

I’ll learn how to use it when the time comes.

[PJ-Comix]

This leaves Microsoft's recommendation to buy a new Windows 11 PC or subscribe to one year of extended security updates as the only options that Microsoft highlights in its recommendations.

I've got a Windows 10 and was hoping they DON'T end their support for it in October. I don't want Windows 11 and am hoping I can hang on to my current Windows 10 computer until they come out with a Windows 12.

[algore]

I am going to have to upgrade my windows 2012r2 to 2022 or maybe 2025 soon. I have not decided yet

[MayflowerMadam]

“I want my Windows 7 to last forever.”

“Amen! to that!

Windows 7 ran better the day they did us a favor and stopped providing upgrades. Expect that’ll be the same with Windows 10.

I bought two refurbished Windows 10 computers (desktop and laptop) for $200 each to be about to experiment, test, and compare. Windows 7 still is best.

The Edge thing is on both, and I really do hate it.

[MayflowerMadam]

I miss Clippy. 😥

[spel_grammer_an_punct_polise]

Change for the sake of $s with total disregard for any improvement whatsoever.....Microsoft’s motto.

I’m still running Windows 7 Ultimate. I will NOT be fed B.S.!

[Bob Ireland]

Your links come up with a “Error 404 - Page Not Found”. Can you please see if you have the proper url address?

[Seruzawa]

Didn’t Microsoft commit fraud by lying about 10 being the last system?