Users are ditching Windows for Linux. Here’s why
Users are ditching Windows for Linux. Here’s why
https://www.tbsnews.net/tech/users-are-ditching-windows-linux-heres-why-1367026
Publish Date: 2026-02-20 09:45:00
Source Domain: www.tbsnews.net
For years, Linux, an alternative to regular operating systems like Windows or macOS, was something only a handful of super tech enthusiasts knew about. It belonged to programmers, hobbyists, and system administrators. But that distinction is now beginning to blur.
For the last year or so, many not-so-techie computer users have been considering installing Linux on their personal computers as a serious alternative to Windows.
The numbers and behaviour tell a clear story. Google Trends data as of February 2026 reveals that interest in the keyword “How to install Linux” has reached an all-time high, with global search volume surging roughly five times over the past few months.
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This kind of surge — also replicated in markets like Bangladesh — clearly indicates that people are not just curious. Many are actively looking for a way to switch.
Why Windows users are fed up
One reason is growing dissatisfaction with the direction Windows is taking.
Microsoft has increasingly positioned Windows as part of a broader ecosystem built around cloud services and artificial intelligence. Features such as Copilot, the company’s AI assistant, are being integrated deeply into the operating system.
Not everyone is pleased with this — and criticisms have been sharp. One Reddit user summed up the sentiment in blunt terms, saying Copilot had become the single biggest advertisement ever for Linux.
Beyond AI, there is another practical concern. The end of software support for Windows 10 means millions of users are being forced to upgrade to Windows 11 or risk losing security updates.
On the other hand, many functioning computers cannot install Windows 11 due to hardware requirements.
These machines are not necessarily obsolete. Many still function well for everyday tasks. But Windows 11 refuses to run on them. This has left users with an uncomfortable…
