As the world moves forward, the debate between Linux and Windows remains as relevant as ever. For many years, I’ve navigated the landscape of both operating systems, weighing their strengths and weaknesses. Recently, with Windows 10’s end of support looming, many in the Linux community are excited, thinking this will be the tipping point for a mass exodus from Windows to Linux. However, I believe this excitement is misplaced. The truth about Linux and Windows is more nuanced than the passionate debates you often see online. For anyone considering switching, it’s important to tell it like it is.
The Short-Lived Linux Adoption Surge
There’s no doubt that some people will turn to Linux after the end of support for Windows 10, but I believe this spike in downloads will be short-lived. Sure, a few tech enthusiasts will jump into the Linux world, excited to try something new. But what many Linux advocates fail to realize is that Linux is not ready to handle a massive influx of new users. If I were a new user exploring Linux today, my experience would likely be discouraging.
The most obvious problem is that Linux simply isn’t as user-friendly as many would like to believe. I’ve spent countless hours tweaking settings, troubleshooting, and scouring forums for solutions to problems that just didn’t exist in Windows. Many new users, looking for a plug-and-play experience, won’t have the patience to dive into the command line or mess with configuration files just to get basic functionality like Wi-Fi or sound working.
Linux lacks a unified, seamless experience. It’s fragmented—there are so many different distributions, desktop environments, package managers, and communities. This can be overwhelming for someone coming from Windows, where everything works in a more unified way. When new users inevitably run into problems, the experience on the forums is often anything but welcoming. The communities can be judgmental, elitist, and sometimes downright hostile to newcomers who are just trying to learn.
If I were a potential Linux convert, researching if the OS is suitable for me, I’d probably walk away frustrated after reading the endless debates on forums. Many people criticize Windows—and while it has its flaws, the vitriol directed at it doesn’t help anyone. It only pushes people away from Linux, further cementing the idea that Linux is for the technically-minded and not the average user who just needs to get work done.
The “Linux Is Better” Mentality Doesn’t Win Users
A lot of the online conversation about Linux seems to boil down to ideology: “Linux is free and open-source, therefore it’s better,” or “Windows is a privacy nightmare, and Linux is the only answer.” While these points have validity, they don’t resonate with most regular users. Most people aren’t looking for an ideological battle—they just want something that works. If the goal is to win over mainstream users, Linux needs to focus less on telling people what’s wrong with Windows and more on solving real-world problems. For example, driver support, hardware compatibility, and ease of use should be a priority.
Linux needs to be accessible, and right now, it’s not. It’s great for those who are willing to learn, but it’s not a beginner-friendly system in most cases. The simplicity and reliability of Windows often win out, especially for people who just want their computer to work without having to fiddle with it. It’s this pragmatic approach that draws people to Windows—and why, despite all the hype about Linux, it continues to dominate the desktop space.
The Keyboard Sound Obsession: A Distraction from Practicality
There’s a whole subculture around custom mechanical keyboards and the debate about the sound and feel of each key press. While I understand the appeal for enthusiasts, it feels like a complete distraction from what a computer is actually supposed to be for: getting work done. As a developer or a regular user, you don’t need to spend hours debating key sounds or whether a keyboard should feel more “clicky” or “thocky.” It’s almost comical how much time people dedicate to keyboard sound samples and the way their keys “feel.” To me, it’s a perfect example of the obsessive nature of some online communities that prioritize personal preferences over the practicality of using a computer as a tool for productivity.
This focus on personal tweaks—whether it’s about key sound or the perfect desktop environment—is a reflection of how Linux communities can sometimes lose sight of their main purpose: making a computer work as efficiently as possible. Linux should focus on making the experience simpler and more reliable for users, not getting caught up in the weeds of personalization and niche preferences that don’t matter to most people.
The Reality: Returning to Windows
After years of using Linux in various forms—first on Manjaro, then on CachyOS, and finally Ubuntu—I’ve come to realize that Windows is just more practical for my needs. Yes, Linux is flexible and powerful, but for my hardware, it’s often easier to work with Windows. As someone who works with NVIDIA GPUs, I’ve found that Windows offers far better driver support and overall hardware compatibility than Linux. It just works better, especially when I’m running demanding software like Blender.
One of the best things about Windows 11 is how well it runs on my older machine. Thanks to some optimizations, I’ve managed to reduce the number of background processes, and now my PC is running faster than it has in years. The ease with which I can wake up from sleep, the fact that my Bluetooth keyboard is always remembered, and the overall stability of Windows 11 make it the obvious choice for this specific setup.
I’ve also made the decision to shift my development environment to VirtualBox, running Ubuntu Server as a virtual machine for PHP development and multiple WordPress sites. This has allowed me to use Windows for everyday tasks while still having a solid Linux environment for my development work. The bridged networking setup in VirtualBox is a huge bonus—it’s simple, reliable, and just works without the headaches I’ve had with other virtualization tools like VirtManager.
Conclusion: It’s About What Works for You
The truth is, Linux and Windows both have their merits and shortcomings. For people who need a system that’s ready to go out of the box, Windows is still the go-to choice, offering reliability, hardware compatibility, and ease of use. On the other hand, Linux offers incredible flexibility and power but at the cost of a steep learning curve and the need for constant troubleshooting and configuration.
I’ve come to realize that it’s not about winning or losing between the two—it’s about what works best for you. For many, Windows provides the stability and performance they need to get their work done. And for others, Linux offers the customization and control they crave. In the end, the best system is the one that allows you to be productive without constant frustration.
I’m sharing this because, as someone who’s navigated both worlds, I want to tell the truth about the state of Linux and Windows. Both have their place, but Linux isn’t the perfect alternative for everyone. There’s no shame in choosing the system that works best for you—whether that’s Windows or Linux. The goal should always be to find a solution that lets you get the job done efficiently and effectively.