Windows 10 reaches end of support: 5 free OS options for Ukrainians instead of Microsoft.

Support for Windows 10 is ending — Microsoft has reminded users of this again. Due to strict requirements for Windows 11 and the cost of the license, many Ukrainians are considering free open-source alternatives.

Such alternatives are discussed by GSMinfo.

Zorin OS

The distribution is built on stable Ubuntu LTS and allows you to customize the Zorin Desktop shell to make panels and menus resemble Windows.

Zorin OS distribution. Photo: Zorin

The user-friendly installer reduces the number of 'dances with a tambourine', and the system works even on weaker PCs.

Linux Mint

The Cinnamon environment is stylistically close to Windows 7, so the adaptation is minimal.

Linux Mint distribution. Photo: Linux Mint

Wine is not installed 'out of the box', but after adding this component, the number of compatible programs increases significantly. The distribution is easily customizable, supports multimedia, although it has a slightly 'old-school' appearance.

Kubuntu

KDE Plasma offers very broad customization options, including themes that mimic Windows 10.

Kubuntu distribution. Photo: Kubuntu

At the same time, many settings may confuse newcomers, and the system is more demanding on hardware.

Deepin

Debian-based with an interface that resembles macOS: tidy appearance and smooth animations.

Deepin distribution. Photo: Deepin

You have to sacrifice performance for aesthetics — a more powerful PC is needed for comfortable work, but navigation is simple and intuitive.

ReactOS

A variant for those who do not want to switch to Linux: an open-source project that replicates the architecture of early versions of Windows and runs many programs without emulators.

ReactOS distribution. Photo: ReactOS Project

It is more suitable for experiments or old software: it works unstably with modern applications, but the interface in the style of Windows XP/7 evokes nostalgia.

The stereotype about the 'mandatory console' in Linux is partially outdated, as most current distributions have visual graphical menus where key settings are changed just as easily as in Windows.

Let's remind that Windows 11 is not just another update but a full-fledged platform with tools that enhance productivity and usability. A few simple tricks can help you complete everyday tasks faster and better organize your workspace.

We also wrote that the Windows 11 24H2 update has become, according to Microsoft, the most stable release of the system. In July 2025, the frequency of unexpected restarts dropped by 24% compared to Windows 10 22H2.