Windows 12 could be the tipping point that finally pushes you to Linux – here’s why
Windows 12 could be the tipping point that finally pushes you to Linux – here’s why
https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-12-rumors-linux-migration/
Publish Date: 2026-03-10 11:40:00
Source Domain: www.zdnet.com
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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Windows 12 rumors are just that … rumors.
- Even with rumors everywhere, the writing is on the wall.
- What could cause even more Windows users to migrate to Linux?
Every so often, I have to prognosticate about what I believe could happen in the coming year. When I do, I tend to focus on what the future holds for Linux. Well, I firmly believe that the future is about to take a turn for the open-source.
Why? Windows 12.
OK, I know what you’re thinking: Don’t you say that every time Microsoft is about to release a new version of Windows? Not like this.
Also: After 30 years with Linux, I switched it for Windows 11 – and found 9 serious problems
You see, Microsoft is about to frustrate a lot of users, many of whom will not want to upgrade from 11 (including those who didn’t want — or couldn’t — upgrade from 10). It’s starting to be a pattern: Microsoft makes big plans for Windows, users hear about those plans, and users decide they don’t like said plans.
It happened with Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11. Now, it’s going to happen to version 12.
But what is it about Windows 12 that users don’t like or want?
Before I get into this, I want people to understand that a lot of the rumors regarding Windows 12 are just that. First off, the rumor about a 2026 release for Windows 12 is not true. Someone translated a German article about Windows 12 releasing in 2026, and it proved to be untrue (and was later retracted). Second, there are a lot of other “speculations” as to what Windows 12 will be like.
Those are all rumors, and no one knows what will come to fruition and what won’t.
That being said, Microsoft has established a pattern for Windows that is undeniable, and unless it breaks that pattern with its next OS, it’s going to be disastrous for Windows, in the form of user migration to Linux.
Yeah, I said it … to Linux.
