Well 2025 will soon come to a close and a new year will soon be upon us. Over the holidays you might be thinking about what to do about your computer in the new year. In this article, I will walk you through what I think is the recommended path to consider.
First of all you have to decide on the first step:
Do you keep your system the way it is?
If your system is currently running Windows 10, you should already know that security updates have ended in October 2025. If your computer is able to upgrade Windows 11, however, you are hesitant to do so, I understand. With all the unwanted stuff that is happening within Windows 11, I don’t blame you. But the longer you wait the more risk you are taking with your computer and files.
Now Microsoft has some solutions (other than directly upgrading to Windows 11), such as paying for or backing up your stuff in a Microsoft account for continued updates for a little while longer. This solution is not the best as all you are doing is delaying the inevitable – Microsoft will eventually force you into Windows 11 one way or another. If you opted for the Microsoft account, you already sprung the Microsoft trap; you are now on the path to an eventual forced upgrade to Windows 11. If your computer does not qualify for the upgrade to Windows 11, then Microsoft’s solution will eventually force you into buying a new system.
Upgrade to a new system?
I guess if you could afford it, you likely would have already done this, or you at least are still on the fence about this. Besides spending money on another system when your system is still doing its tasks like it did before the end of Windows 10 support. Buying a new system means that now you will have to decide what to do with your current system. Recycling/disposing just adds to the e-waste problem and deprives people that really could of used that system. You could donate it, however, if that route becomes overwhelmed, your system may wind up in the e-waste anyway. Selling it is an option (if the market isn’t already saturated). If you are going to buy a new system, perhaps keeping your old system around for the next option would be a good idea. You can try Linux on the old system and still have Microsoft available on the new system. Honestly, after trying Linux on the old system for awhile, you just might consider installing Linux on the new hardware as well.
Change the OS (Operating System)?
If you could upgrade to Windows 11 (or not) and you just had enough of the Microsoft’s shenanigans. Then this is the option for you.
Watch: I’ve Had Enough of Windows – Switching to Linux
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOYA-yOt1yA
By the way; before proceeding with installing a new OS – BACK UP YOUR FILES! I could not stress this enough. Get an external SSD, USB stick, and/or cloud storage (not Microsoft’s) big enough for your files and copy your files to it. Really, you should be doing this already.
What do I replace Windows with?
The next step is deciding which Linux Distro (Distribution) to use. I believe that Linux Mint Cinnamon addition is the best option for people migrating from Microsoft to Linux for the first time. However, you might have other preferences or requirements and maybe feel that you are more confidant around a computer system than the average newbie.
Watch: How to Choose the Right Linux Distro for You (Beginner to Advanced Guide)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbYwbJusud4
Now that you know why there’s various distros and what they’re for, here’s another video why I also recommend starting with Linux Mint.
Watch: Why Everyone Recommends Linux Mint
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1jT9leP8sE
Now you are thinking; OMG – I can’t do this! I say YES YOU CAN. It’s easier than you think and this next video does an excellent job of guiding you on doing this. Why it is titled “Should You Switch to Linux in 2025”, I don’t really know, however, at least they have what this video is really about in parentheses.
Watch: Should You Switch to Linux in 2025? (Install Linux Mint 22.2 Guide)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZL0UTCV3690
OK, you watched the video. Before you start the install, I have one more video for you; watch at least the first outlined mistake. It is unlikely you will encounter this one. However, if your new Linux install is not booting up, this could be the reason why.
This video will outline 10 mistakes users do when dealing with Linux. It starts with the rare (advanced user) mistakes first, then works its way to the most common (regular user) mistakes. Of course the rare mistakes are going to likely be over your head, especially if you are new to this stuff. However, still watch the whole thing. You may not understand all of it right now, but as you use Linux you will recognize them when you encounter them and know what to do (or not to do). Also, you can always return here and watch it again.
Watch: So You Switched to Linux? Avoid These 10 Big Mistakes!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW2YTJ3T9vs
Well hopefully I set you on the right path to computer freedom, security, and also saved you money. To sum it all up, switch to Linux Mint on your current computer, even if you are getting a new system. Break free of Microsoft’s spyware ad ridden OS and their control of YOUR computer.