Linux is better than ever, but I am not leaving Windows just yet

Published Aug 6, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT With over five years of experience in the tech industry, Kazim excels at simplifying complex topics, making them accessible to tech enthusiasts and general readers alike. He has extensively covered the Windows ecosystem, from Windows 7 to Windows 11. When he’s not writing, you’ll find Kazim planning weekend getaways or diving into tech verticals beyond his expertise. For the longest time, Windows had a clear edge over Linux, with the latter touted as a niche OS. But in the past few years, Linux has emerged as a viable alternative to Windows. I, too, recently gave Linux a shot, and there were things I genuinely loved about the operating system. As a long-time Windows user, I had kind of gotten used to Microsoft's way of doing things, but Linux showed me that you can have greater control over the PC and customize parts Windows would never let you, without worrying about data collection or the unnecessary AI push. However, I moved back to Windows, the latest iteration to be precise. It wasn't because Linux didn't meet my expectations. But switching operating systems is frankly a major change, especially for someone who spends 8–9 hours a day in front of a computer. A fair share of this time is spent using apps that don't yet work on Linux. And Windows still aligns exceptionally well with my workflow. If I were to switch, I would need a more compelling reason than more controls/customizations and the absence of bloatware. Because most of this can be fixed on Windows in no time. Windows still gets the job done That's all I want from an OS Windows isn't perfect, but it gets the job done. And it does that better than Linux does, at least in my workflow. Frankly, I am inclined toward a less privacy-invasive, more customizable operating system, but not at the cost of convenience. And Linux still doesn't match Windows in terms of user experience. For an average user, the Windows interface feels more comfortable. Even if you don't know the shortcuts, the GUI route to things isn't that complicated. And you will find yourself much more familiar with Windows in a few hours than with Linux in a few days. There's so much to learn about Linux that an average user will almost always prioritize Windows. This is also one of the reasons Linux hasn't yet seen widespread adoption. That's why the recent improvements to Linux aren't enough to convince me to switch. I agree gaming has improved, but that's not a core part of my daily routine. And more transparency doesn't necessarily translate into a better experience. All I need from an OS is that it gets the job done, and Windows undoubtedly does it better than others, at least for now. Windows has wider app support Some of my favorite apps don't work on Linux App compatibility is another area where Linux still suffers. Although I must acknowledge the improvements made in recent years. Perhaps, as more users switch to Linux, or at least give it consideration, manufacturers will be forced to release a native Linux version of their app. But for now, three of the apps I rely on extensively don't work well, if at all, on Linux, and that's a major reason I can't switch. As for the apps, they are DaVinci Resolve, Affinity, and ShareX. Each of the three is critical to my daily workflow. Again, I could try a Linux alternative to these apps, as most users who switch do, but that's not feasible. It takes time to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of any app, especially a photo or video editor, which makes switching to an alternative challenging. If I have to keep thinking about compatibility, look for workarounds, or risk losing features and functionality, I would frankly prefer to stay on Windows. Windows is designed for convenience Linux can be a hassle One of the best things about Windows is that it's designed for the average user, which makes it more convenient to use than Linux or macOS. I have a MacBook, but I still find myself going back to my Windows laptop whenever I need to do anything critical. Because it's just easier, right from the initial setup to actually using it. And the best part is that, despite being designed for average users, Windows offers no dearth of advanced features and customization options. Of course, not everything is available built-in. For some things, you will need Microsoft PowerToys or a third-party tool. But the OS in itself is not rigid. With Linux, there are a couple of major downsides, starting with picking a distribution. If you want a Windows-like Linux distro, you can go with AnduinOS, Zorin OS, or Linux Mint. But again, unless you have tried each, you never know which will align perfectly with your workflow. More often than not, you will end up aligning your workflow with Linux rather than the other way around. While Linux's open-source nature offers a wide array of benefits, its distributions can be confusing. Windows also has different editions, but that's an entirely different concept. Besides, every edition has the exact same UI. The difference essentially comes down to what each edition is capable of. It hasn't yet reached a point of frustration Old habits die hard Honestly, I wouldn't rule out switching in the future. It may not happen in a couple of months, but perhaps a year or two down the line. The only thing holding me back is that Windows hasn't yet become frustrating enough for the effort of starting over to make sense. There are issues with it: updates have broken key features in the past, and I often have to rely on additional tools for functionalities that should ideally be built in. But when you use a particular product, or in this case an operating system, for far too long, change feels daunting. I have gotten so used to how Windows operates that learning another OS from scratch will only feel viable when there's a good enough reason. Perhaps if Windows ever adopts a subscription model or continues its AI push, I might consider Linux again. But it hasn't reached that point for me yet. Switching to Linux isn't a bad idea, but it's just not for me As I have repeatedly said, Linux has improved by leaps and bounds over the years, whether it's gaming or app compatibility. Many manufacturers are now focusing on Linux just as much as they are on Windows and macOS. And it's a good thing. Users should always have options, and besides, the competition may force Microsoft to improve Windows. I would probably even call Linux a better operating system between the two for many people, but when it comes to making the switch, I have my reservations. And it isn't about Windows or Linux; it's just how our minds operate, naturally averse to change.