Windows 10 Is Reaching Its End of Life. Keep Your Computer Working With Zorin OS.

Why purchase a new computer for Windows 11 when you can unlock the potential of your current one with Zorin OS?

A laptop running Zorin OS with the labels 'Your old computer' and 'Fresh new software'

On 14 October 2025, Microsoft will end support for Windows 10. Due to Windows 11’s strict hardware requirements, an estimated 240 million computers1 will be left behind, either as security risks or heavily polluting e-waste. Your computer may be one of them.

But what if you could make your current computer fast and secure again so you can continue to use it?

Zorin OS is built to be the ideal replacement for Windows 10. It gives your computer a new lease on life with a fast, user-friendly, and secure experience. Best of all, you can upgrade your computer to Zorin OS for free and keep it running with updates for years to come.

Why spend hundreds or thousands on a new computer to get Windows 11 when you can unlock the potential of your current one with Zorin OS?

Download Zorin OS

Learn more about Zorin OS ›

Why can’t I migrate my current computer to Windows 11?

Continuing to run Windows 10 after 14 October could leave you vulnerable to data breaches and malware attacks. Using out-of-date software is a serious security risk, so it’s recommended to upgrade to a supported operating system.

However, if you purchased your computer more than 3 years ago, there’s a high chance it won’t meet the system requirements for Windows 11. There are several technical reasons for this, but one of the most questionable is that many devices are being rejected despite having a modern security module. Because of this, millions of computers that work perfectly well today will soon be subjected to planned obsolescence.

It appears that Microsoft really wants Windows 10 users to buy new hardware. The company has recently pushed full-screen notifications onto users' screens encouraging them to do just that — even on computers that can upgrade to Windows 11.

This could result in the manufacturing and transporting of hundreds of millions of new devices unnecessarily. Producing a laptop can account for between 60% - 90% of its greenhouse gas emissions throughout its lifecycle2, having a disproportionate carbon footprint.

All this is at great expense to the planet and your wallet, but it could be avoided entirely.

5 reasons to switch to Zorin OS

1. Save money on hardware and software

A new laptop can cost a lot of money, but you can get Zorin OS Core on your existing computer for free forever.

You can also upgrade to Zorin OS Pro, which comes bundled with alternatives to thousands of dollars worth of professional software at a fraction of the price and without any subscriptions.

Two old computers running Zorin OS

2. It’s good for the environment

There’s no need to throw working devices into landfill just because they don’t support the vendor’s latest software. The cheapest and most environmentally-friendly computer is the one you already own.

Zorin OS works fast on computers as old as 15 years and keeps them running for years to come. Its low system requirements allow you to extend your PC’s lifespan and reduce the impact of e-waste.

By choosing Zorin OS, you’re not just upgrading your system — you’re making a responsible and eco-friendly choice.

“Because of the lower hardware requirements [of Zorin OS] alone, we’re expecting to extend the life of the city’s PCs by 30-40%.”

– Municipality of the city of Vicenza, Italy

3. Designed to be easy

Zorin OS comes with a familiar Windows-like user interface, so you don’t need to learn anything to get started.

It’s also compatible with your documents, music, photos, and videos out of the box. That means you can immediately start working, creating, playing, or doing anything else you normally use your computer for.

Zorin OS 17 desktop

4. Enhance your security and privacy

Windows comes with lots of ads & spyware and is more vulnerable to viruses.

Thanks to the advanced security features of its Linux foundation, Zorin OS is resistant to malware. It doesn’t collect personal data, so advertisers and governments can’t spy on your activity. The software is Open Source, so anyone can audit its source code to verify its security and privacy.

Zorin OS finally gives you back control of your digital life from Big Tech.

5. Use your favorite software

You can install a huge library of apps in Zorin OS from the built-in Software store, including many popular apps you know and love.

Software store in Zorin OS

You can even run many Windows-only apps in Zorin OS by simply double-clicking on their .exe or .msi installer file.

Thousands of popular AAA games run seamlessly on Zorin OS and – in many cases – performance is as good or even better than on Windows.

How do I upgrade my computer to Zorin OS?

If your laptop or desktop PC was bought since 2010 (or even before then), chances are it should work with Zorin OS. Before making the switch, you can even run Zorin OS from a USB drive to test-drive it without touching your computer’s internal drive to make sure it works well for you.

Install Zorin OS yourself

You can follow our simple step-by-step guide to install Zorin OS on your computer, either alongside Windows or instead of it. All you need is:

  • A computer capable of running Zorin OS. View system requirements ›
  • One USB flash drive with a capacity of at least 8 GB.
  • An external drive or cloud storage to back up your important files. (optional)

It usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes to install Zorin OS on your computer; just enough time to have a coffee!

Download Zorin OS

View how to install Zorin OS ›

Get help from experts near you

Installing an operating system may sound difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. There may be people in your area ready to help you in person!

Thanks to the End of 10 campaign, you can find independent shops, repair cafés, organizations, groups, and collectives where you can get help regularly with Linux-based operating systems like Zorin OS.

Find someone to help you with Zorin OS ›

You can also attend an upcoming event to meet experienced Linux users and other people interested in making the switch, just like you.

Attend an upcoming install event ›

Know someone with an older computer?

Spread the word! Send this article to help them discover Zorin OS and all of its benefits.

Want to help others in your area switch from Windows 10 to Zorin OS? You can sign up as a local repair collective with the End of 10 campaign3.

Sign up as a repair collective ›


  1. Canalys (2023), “The end of Windows 10 support could turn 240 million PCs into e-waste” ↩︎

  2. Öko-Institut Consult GmbH (2015), “Background report for the development of an EMAS Sectoral Reference Document on Best Environmental Management Practice for the Electrical and Electronic Equipment manufacturing sector” ↩︎

  3. This article is based on content from the End of 10 campaign, of which Zorin is a supporting organisation. ↩︎

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