So you’ve been using Windows for a long time.
Maybe the newest Windows update really chafed you and you’re seriously considering a change.
Below are some of the best reasons Windows users switch to Linux.
Image credit: Wavebreakmedia/Depositphotos
If they don’t convince you, then maybe nothing will.
Indeed, these updates are often meant to keep you secure.
What use, though, is a secure PC that’s unusable for extended periods?
And what about when an update causes major issues for you?
That can be catastrophic if you depend on your PC for your job.
Linux Is Free
Most Linux distributions are available to users free of cost.
Of course, most Linux developers will appreciate your donations to keep the project going.
They’re sacrificing hours and hours of their spare time to make Linux great.
Ultimately, you have the agency to determine the project’s value to you.
Image credit: Wavebreakmedia/Depositphotos
This includes web browsing, email, streaming, and more.
Linux Is More Secure
No operating system is totally immune to security threats, and Linuxis no exception.
However, actual cases for Linux desktop users remain rare because most malware target Linux servers instead of desktops.
This combined with other advanced security features makes Linux a formidable opponent to bad actors.
The feature requires you to opt out, so it will operate by default until you choose otherwise.
With Linux, you get much more respect for your privacy.
Linux doesn’t record your usage data and ship it to some data warehouse.
There’s no voice command feature registering your speech patterns to create a vocal fingerprint.
Again, it’s up to you if and how you want to help the project.
No Built-In Advertising
Tired of Windows pushing Microsoft products on you inside your desktop?
Remember when Microsoft Edge had a bug that waspestering people beyond reasonto make Bing their default search engine?
Microsoft also famously inserted ad banners in its classic, beloved Windows games like Minesweeper and Solitaire.
Linux never pulls that slimy stuff on you.
Linux Is Open-Source
The Linux kernel and most software that comes with it is open source.
With Linux, you know what you’re getting.
Gaming on Linux Is Better Than Ever
Linux has long carried a bad reputation in the gaming world.
In terms of capabilities, however, Linux has grown increasinglycomparable to Windows.
Other projects, likeLutris, are taking the pain out of configuring Wine and other compatibility tools.
Before long, your hardware is sure to grow too old for Windows' resource-hungry processes.
Breathing life back into old PCsis one of Linux’s most practical uses.
The Linux kernel typically manages RAM and other resources more efficiently than Windows.
Plus, Linux never forces bloatware on you.
Switching to Linux instead of upgrading reduces waste and makes use of “outdated” hardware.
SpaceX also uses Linux tocontrol its space-bound rockets.
The French National Gendarmerie uses a custom Linux distro called GendBuntu.
They fully migrated to the Ubuntu derivative in 2014 when Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP.
Similarly, Google employees use a Debian-based distro on their workstations called gLinux.
Such organizations typically cite cost efficiency and independence from private companies as their motivating factors for switching to Linux.
Linux Is Highly Customizable
While you cancustomize Windows' appearanceto a certain extent, your creative liberties remain limited.
With Linux, the only limits tocustomizationare often your own skill and creativity.
Most members will be eager to help people with issues.
Worried about looking like a “noob” for not being a Linux expert?
The Best Reasons to Switch to Linux
So what’s holding you back?
You’re getting more privacy, security, and speed at no monetary cost.
You no longer have to put up with forced updates, obnoxious ads, and limited customization.
You’ll find that getting started with Linux is easy.
