KDE Urges Windows 10 Users to Switch to Linux Ahead of End-of-Life
With Microsoft officially ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, millions of users are being pushed to upgrade to Windows 11 or face a future without security updates, feature improvements, or guaranteed app compatibility. If your PC doesn’t meet Windows 11’s strict hardware requirements, Microsoft’s suggestion is clear: recycle your current device and buy a new one. But not everyone is ready—or willing—to abandon a perfectly functioning machine.
Enter KDE’s new initiative, “KDE for Windows 10 Exiles,” which aims to offer a compelling alternative. Instead of creating unnecessary e-waste or shelling out for a new system, KDE invites Windows 10 users to repurpose their existing PCs by installing Linux—specifically with the Plasma Desktop environment, a free and highly customizable UI designed to be familiar to Windows users.
The Plasma Desktop mimics many of Windows’ key elements, including a start menu-style launcher, taskbar, system tray, and notification center. It also offers extensive configuration tools, letting users tailor their desktop experience in ways Windows doesn’t allow. As KDE points out, Plasma is light on system resources and designed to run smoothly on older hardware, making it a perfect fit for systems that can’t jump to Windows 11.
It’s important to note that Plasma is not an operating system in itself, but rather a desktop interface that runs on KDE-compatible Linux distributions. These include OpenSUSE, Fedora KDE Spin, Kubuntu, and Manjaro KDE Edition, among others. KDE recommends trying OpenSUSE if you’re a newcomer, with an Installation Quick Start Guide available to help walk you through the setup process, even if you’re new to Linux.
For Windows 10 users reluctant to upgrade or discard still-functional hardware, KDE’s campaign is both a practical and environmentally friendly option. It underscores that you don’t have to follow Microsoft’s path if it doesn’t suit your needs. With the right tools and a bit of guidance, switching to Linux could breathe new life into your aging PC.
