Save Your Windows 10 Laptop from the Landfill — or the bottom of your closet.

According to Microsoft, my laptop and my desktop machine weren’t “qualified” to run Windows 11. According to me, they were plenty capable for what I do as a writer, developer, and data scientist. I wasn’t ready to turn those machines into doorstops. Can you relate? I thought, “Why not try Linux?”

I decided to try it first on my old Windows 7 machine that was gathering dust in our barn. The shop vac was standing by as I opened the chassis and found … a mouse nest! Nice!! I vacuumed everything out, connected a monitor, turned it on, and …

Windows 7 popped up like it was 2010 - slow, but working.

Time for a test drive. I inserted a Linux Mint Cinnamon¹ thumb drive and rebooted. The machine felt like new again. I was amazed - and ready to install Mint for real.

If my ancient, “mouse-friendly” PC can run Linux, do you think your current laptop or desktop can, too?

Why It Matters

Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on Oct. 14, 2025. You can easily spend north of $800 to replace your laptop, even though it still works well. Or, like me, you can install Linux. It’s free, secure, and easier than you think. In half a day, you can be searching the web, sending email, editing Word and Excel files, reading PDFs, and joining Zoom calls — all from a modern, familiar desktop that looks and acts like Windows.

If you use your laptop for yourself — to write, code, or connect with friends while you hang out at Starbucks — Linux might be right for you. And it’s a win for the environment, too.

What To Do

Here’s my workflow:

• Back up your data! Twice.
• Inventory your apps Start fresh. Ask yourself, “What do I actually use?”. For an example, see my inventory in the Appendix.
• Find Linux versions and/or alternatives. Many are already built into Linux Mint Cinnamon.
• Download Linux and create a bootable thumb drive. Or just buy one on Amazon.
• Take a test drive by booting from the thumb drive.
• Install Linux from the thumb drive.
• Install additional apps per your inventory.

Then, get to work and have some fun.

What Worked / What Didn’t

What Worked

Most of my core apps had Linux versions. I was concerned about printers, Wi-Fi, dual monitors, webcam, microphone, speakers, and external hard drives. But they all just plugged in and worked.

What Didn’t

Quickbooks. There’s no Linux version, so I’m still looking for another way to read my QB “company file”.

Booting from the thumb drive took some trial-and-error, but ChatGPT helped me there.

Why I’m not going back

I love the new environment. I love exploring it: trying new things, learning new ways to do old tasks. It gives me the same feeling of excitement and newness that I got with my very first personal computer (a 128K Mac).

I can write, code, analyze data, zoom — everything I did before the switch. Plus, I’m scripting (automating) like never before which helps me do more as a one-person shop.

I’m thankful for what Microsoft has done for personal computing. But I’m ready to move on and away from forced upgrades and annoying “copilots”.

Now, I’d rather donate to support the hard-working volunteers who have built and maintained Linux and the FOSS (free and open source software) apps I use now.

Last, I feel good about keeping capable, working machines out of the landfill. Maybe you want to do the same. Try it. You really have nothing to lose, and you might just get a lot more life out of your trusty computer. Reach out if you want any tips, scripts, or encouragement.

Appendix: My Inventory of Apps

Below is a list of applications I use regularly. About half came pre-installed with Linux Mint Cinnamon.