Windows 10 Retires: Tiny11 and LinuxFX Offer New Life for Old Devices
On October 14, 2025, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10, marking the end of an era for this decade-long operating system. While enterprise users can still access Extended Security Updates (ESU), most regular users are now left with the choice to either upgrade to Windows 11 or stick with the unsupported Windows 10. However, many older devices struggle to meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, leading to a growing interest in third-party solutions.
Enter Tiny11 25H2, a streamlined version of Windows 11 that was released on October 14. Based on the latest Windows 11 25H2, Tiny11 eliminates the mandatory Microsoft account setup and trims down the system's bloatware, resulting in a more lightweight and smoother performance. The developers emphasize that Tiny11 is built entirely from official Microsoft components, and users can even create their own images using the Tiny11 Builder to ensure security. Additionally, Tiny11 offers a "Core" version that is half the size of the original, though it does not support Windows Update. This version is ideal for virtual machines, offline computers, or testing environments, providing a viable alternative for users with less powerful hardware who still want to experience Windows 11.
For those who prefer not to upgrade or remain on the unsupported Windows 10, there is another option: LinuxFX 11.25.10. This system, based on Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS and featuring the KDE 5 desktop environment, closely mimics the appearance of Windows 11. It supports Linux and Android apps, can run some .exe programs, and even includes popular gaming platforms like Steam and Epic Games. LinuxFX aims to provide a "cross-ecosystem" desktop experience, blending the best of multiple operating systems.
As Windows 10 retires, Microsoft moves into the "post-Win10 era." Meanwhile, alternatives like Tiny11 and LinuxFX offer users the chance to continue enjoying a familiar experience on their older devices, breathing new life into them.
