Why I Switched from Windows to Linux and LibreOffice

I moved from Windows and Microsoft Office to Linux and LibreOffice because my old desktop still works, and Windows 11 won’t let me use it.

Microsoft says support for Windows 10 ends in October 2025. My PC can’t run Windows 11, and I won’t pay for extended updates or replace working parts. Instead of spending money, I switched to Linux and LibreOffice. Both are free. Both work.

Things I Had to Admit First

1. Windows users don’t choose the OS, they inherit it.
   They just want a computer that works. No tweaking. No setup. Just open it and get things done.
2. Workflows are invisible muscle memory.
   Switching isn’t about software/features. It’s about how fast someone can do their task with as little thinking as possible. Every switch is a friction point.
3. Linux fans often underestimate the learning cost.
   To someone who’s used Linux for years, setting up email filters or printer drivers is nothing. But for a Windows user, it’s 3 hours of confusion and a broken workflow.
4. The switch has to be better in the right ways, not just different.
   “Secure,” “lightweight,” or “open-source” doesn’t mean anything unless it makes the user’s job easier, not yours.

Which makes what I did next kind of ironic: I installed Linux. Voluntarily.

What happens when Windows 10 support ends?

1. Support ends on 14 October 2025. After that, no free updates, no patches, no protection.
2. Older PCs can’t upgrade to Windows 11. My i7-3930K isn’t even on the supported list.
3. Security risks grow fast. Unpatched systems are prime targets for ransomware.
4. The fix? Buy new hardware, or pay for extended updates. Both cost money.

That’s when I asked myself:

• What if my hardware isn’t the problem?
• What if the real issue is the operating system?

Why I didn’t buy a new PC

I looked at the numbers.
Windows still runs on about 70% of desktops. Linux? Just 4%.
But millions of PCs, just like mine, can’t pass the Windows 11 upgrade test.

So I wasn’t alone.

And I wasn’t ready to spend hundreds just to keep getting updates.
My machine still boots fast. Still runs cool.
It just needed something more modern under the hood without replacing the hood.

Can LibreOffice replace Microsoft Office?

Yes. It can. I’ve used both and I’m still using LibreOffice today.

1. Word docs? LibreOffice Writer opens .docx files with all comments and formatting intact.
2. Excel sheets? Calc handles my formulas and pivot tables without issue.
3. PowerPoint? Impress isn’t flashy, but it builds slides and exports clean PDFs.

I had one spreadsheet with macros that didn’t carry over.
For that, I run a lightweight Windows 10 virtual machine. Just for that file.
But day-to-day, LibreOffice does the job. Without a subscription.

What didn’t work and how I fixed it

Not everything went smoothly. But nothing broke me.

1. Graphics stuttered. I added the official Nvidia 470 driver. Fixed.
2. Outlook rules didn’t carry over. I moved to Thunderbird and rebuilt filters in minutes.
3. DVDs wouldn’t play. I installed a package called “DVD support.” Done.

No major breakdowns. No long support calls. Just small tweaks.

What most Linux users forget

1. Switching isn’t just about installing Linux.
   It’s about replacing years of habits.
2. Windows users don’t choose Windows.
   They choose the apps and workflows that let them get things done fast.
3. Muscle memory matters.
   Clicking through Outlook rules or Excel macros is automatic, until it’s not.
4. Linux users (me included) often forget this.
   We assume everyone can just swap tools and move on. It’s not that simple.
5. Relearning takes time.
   Finding replacements, figuring out new steps, and rebuilding routines isn’t free, it costs effort.
6. The switch has to make your work easier, not just different.
   That’s the real test.

I didn’t try to copy every Windows habit. I just focused on what mattered:

• A stable OS
• Fast startup
• Office tools that open my files
• And no license keys or popups in the middle of work

Once I had that, the rest followed.

What did I save? 

Cost	Windows 10 → 11 path	My Linux path
OS license	€139 for Windows 11 Pro	€0
Office	€69/year Microsoft 365 Personal	€0
Hardware	New motherboard, CPU, RAM	Old hardware lives on

Upfront savings: €750–1,100. By not upgrading the motherboard, CPU, GPU, and RAM.
Annual savings: €69. No Microsoft 365 subscription.
Bonus: One more tower stays out of the landfill.

Should you move next? Five quick checks

You don’t need to guess. Test your own setup:

1. Run the PC Health Check tool. If it fails, you’ll face the same Windows 11 issue.
2.  Open your biggest Word file in LibreOffice. See if it loads clean.
3.  List what you do in Outlook. Replace it with Thunderbird or another mail app.
4.  Try Linux from a USB stick. You don’t even have to install it, just boot and explore.
5. Block one weekend. That’s all the time you need to make the switch.

If all of that checks out, you’re ready.

What about the learning curve?

It wasn’t hard. I Googled pretty much everything; chat GPT was a huge plus using openAI in any browser on Linux.

The desktop looks familiar. The taskbar’s still there.
Alt-Tab still works.
Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V. No change.

If you’ve ever changed settings in Windows, you can use Linux.
And if you haven’t? The welcome screen in Kubuntu walks you through the basics.

Conclusion

I didn’t switch because I hate Windows.
I switched because my PC still works and Linux lets me keep using it.

I’m not pretending Linux replaces every tool. It doesn’t.
When I need Photoshop or 3ds Max with V-Ray, I jump into Windows.

That’s why I still dual-boot so I can work on scenes like realistic rugs in 3ds Max or refine UVs using the UVW Unwrap modifier.

For writing, planning, browsing, and everyday work, Linux handles it all.
But I know Windows 10 is on borrowed time, support ends in 2025.
So I keep it as a backup, not a daily driver.

FAQs

Can I really use Linux if I’ve only used Windows?

Yes. If you can navigate Windows, you’ll be fine. KDE looks and feels familiar. Most tasks like browsing, printing, and file access work the same.

Will LibreOffice mess up my Word and Excel files?

Not anymore. LibreOffice 24+ handles most Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files with full formatting. Try your biggest doc first to be sure.

Do I need to erase Windows to switch to Linux?

You can keep Windows and install Linux on a second drive or partition. At startup, you choose which one to use.

What if something doesn’t work after switching?

Most fixes are one-click installs. For example, I added a display driver and DVD support in minutes, no coding. Forums and guides are everywhere.

Is it worth switching just to avoid buying a new PC?

If your hardware still runs well, Linux extends its life. You save money, avoid e-waste, and get full control back.