NEWS & BLOG

So, Windows 10 is marching towards its twilight years. The support cut-off date – 14th October 2025 – will arrive as inevitably as your laptop deciding to update itself when you’re about to join a crucial video call.

If your organisation is still using Windows 10 and can’t upgrade to Windows 11 because your perfectly functional desktops and laptops are been deemed unworthy by Microsoft’s ever-stringent hardware requirements, you’re left with a few choices:

• Buy new machines – because obviously, that’s the most reasonable solution for an OS update. How many do you need?
• Pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU) – handing over £50 per device in the first year for security updates, then double that the next year, and so on, until you’re essentially paying for the privilege of being obsolete.
• Do nothing – because surely nothing bad will happen if you continue using an unsupported OS. Right? Right?!
• Or… migrate to Linux.

Yes, Linux. The mythical alternative to Windows that seems to be used exclusively by programmers, mysterious people in dark rooms, and the occasional grandparent whose nerdy grandchild “helped set up their laptop properly.”

Now, before you roll your eyes, let’s entertain this idea seriously. Because if Windows 11’s hardware requirements have turned a chunk of your estate into legacy devices overnight, Linux might not just be an option – it could be the only way to extend the life of your fleet without hemorrhaging budget.

The Windows 11 Barrier: What’s the Real Problem?

Windows 11 is selective. Not all machines can run it, thanks to strict security requirements – most notably TPM 2.0 and specific CPU generations. This means many pre-2020 machines (which, let’s be honest, are still perfectly fine) are suddenly obsolete in Microsoft’s eyes.

For an IT director, this is a problem. Large organisations aren’t in the habit of replacing their entire hardware estate every few years just to keep up with an operating system. The CAPEX hit alone makes CFOs break out in a cold sweat.

Meanwhile, sticking with Windows 10 post-2025 means committing to Microsoft’s ever-increasing ransom fees for Extended Security Updates. If you start paying for ESU in 2025, by 2029 you’re looking at over £800 per device – which, at scale, is the kind of number that gets boardroom questions like: “So… what’s Plan B?”

Is Linux a Viable Enterprise Alternative?

Linux has traditionally been the preserve of server rooms, cloud environments, and that one developer in the corner who refuses to use anything else. But for corporate desktops and laptops? Less common – though not unheard of.

In fact, entire government departments, large enterprises, and even schools have successfully migrated to Linux. In 2020, the South Korean government announced plans to replace Windows with Linux. Even the City of Munich ran on Linux for years before politics (and, let’s assume, a few Microsoft sales incentives) dragged it back to Windows.

But before you submit a Linux Migration Proposal to the CIO, let’s look at the realities.

What Would a Linux Rollout Actually Look Like?

The Good News: It’s Cost-Effective, Secure, and Extends Hardware Lifespan

1. No licensing costs: Unlike Windows, Linux is free. No per-device fees, no subscriptions, no feature-gating.
2. Hardware efficiency: Linux runs smoothly on older hardware, extending device life by years.
3. Security: A major advantage. No built-in bloatware (remember when Windows 10 helpfully installed Candy Crush?), no forced updates, and significantly fewer malware threats. Linux also enforces strong user privilege models, reducing the attack surface.
4. IT control: Updates when you want them, not when Microsoft decides. No more “installing updates… do not turn off your computer” during a board meeting or the aforementioned video call.

The Challenges: User Training, Application Compatibility, and Support

1. User Adoption: For anyone familiar with Windows, Linux will feel… different. While Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Zorin OS offer familiar interfaces, for Windows refugees there’s still an adjustment period.
2. Software Compatibility: Microsoft Office has a web version, but if your users need the full-fat desktop experience, you’ll need to explore alternatives (LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, or running Office 365 via a virtual desktop or Wine – a compatibility layer, not a drink). Adobe users? Expect resistance.
3. Enterprise IT Support: Microsoft has a dedicated enterprise support team. With Linux, you’re relying on in-house expertise or a support contract from a vendor like Red Hat, Ubuntu (Canonical), or SUSE. Although… if you happen to be wondering where to find expert Linux support, we might just have a solution for that. Stick around.

How to Make Linux Work in an Enterprise IT Environment

Step 1: Choose Your Distro Wisely

For business use, you’ll want something with long-term support and stability. Ubuntu LTS or SUSE Linux Enterprise (SLE) are strong choices. Linux Mint is another user-friendly option that closely resembles Windows.

Step 2: Test with a Pilot Group

Don’t flip the switch overnight. Run a controlled pilot – start with a few teams (developers, security-conscious users) and gather feedback.

Step 3: Solve the Software Issue

• Microsoft 365 / Office 365? Web versions work fine. Some organisations use CrossOver (a commercial version of Wine) to run Office.
• Email? Thunderbird, Evolution, or Outlook’s web client.
• Google Workplace? If you’re not tied to 365, Google Workplace (formerly G Suite) is a viable, browser-based alternative.
• CRM / ERP / Finance Apps? If it’s web-based, no problem. If not, you might need virtualized Windows sessions or compatibility layers.

Step 4: Train Users

The biggest hurdle isn’t the OS – it’s adoption. A well-planned training and comms strategy is essential to avoid “What fresh hell is this?” reactions from staff.

Step 5: Secure Executive Buy-In

C-level execs don’t care about kernel updates – they care about cost, security, and business continuity. Your case needs to highlight:

• Cost savings (no licenses, extended hardware use)
• Security improvements (Linux’s inherent resilience against malware)
• Control over updates and configurations

The Verdict: Is Linux a Sensible Alternative to Windows 11?

For IT leaders facing the Windows 10 end-of-life dilemma, Linux isn’t a crazy idea. It’s a logical consideration for extending the lifespan of devices, reducing dependency on Microsoft, and cutting costs.

But let’s be honest – it’s not a plug-and-play alternative. Any migration needs careful planning, testing, and training. The key questions to ask are:

• Do you have teams that can manage a Linux environment at scale?
• Are the business-critical apps compatible?
• Are stakeholders open to a transition away from Windows?

If the answer to those is yes, then Linux might just be the smartest move your IT team ever makes. If not… well, there’s always the ESU fees – or a bulk order of new machines to keep the finance team happy.

Either way, the clock is ticking on Windows 10. Time to decide whether you’re paying, upgrading, or doing something different.

And if you’re now seriously considering Linux as a way to sidestep the Windows 11 dilemma (or at least want to know whether it’s a realistic option for your business), let’s talk. At Tiger Computing, we specialise in Linux IT support and consultancy and have helped countless organisations make sense of their IT strategy – whether that means sticking with Microsoft, making the leap to Linux, or just figuring out how to avoid a budget-busting hardware refresh. Drop us a message, and let’s see what’s possible.