KDE Plasma turns your old Windows 10 machine into a modern Linux desktop

Avoid the cost of new hardware when Windows 10 sunsets, KDE Plasma helps extend your PC’s life.

October 14, 2025 marks the official end of support for Windows 10. If you’re using a reliable computer that still meets your needs, you might be wondering whether an upgrade has to mean buying new hardware. Thanks to KDE Plasma, the answer is no. You can switch to a modern Linux desktop environment that keeps your current device working and your budget intact.

The KDE Community makes this transition easy with helpful resources and a desktop experience that feels familiar. KDE Plasma is designed for everyday users and offers a full-featured, polished interface. You can keep your existing computer and move into a world of open source tools and control, all without spending a dime on new software or licensing. Simply start your journey at KDE for Windows 10 Exiles.

Plasma is a strong choice for many reasons, starting with how easy it is to use. The layout will feel familiar to Windows 10 users, with a launch menu in the bottom-left corner and a flexible setup that lets you tailor your workflow. Whether you are working on a single monitor or juggling multiple desktops, Plasma gives you the freedom to organize your space your way.

Read more: My top 5 must-have apps on Fedora 41 KDE Plasma

Switching is simpler than you might think. Back up your files to a USB-compatible external drive, and once Plasma is installed, it can easily access that data. Most hardware, including WiFi, Bluetooth, and external peripherals should work right away. For documents, LibreOffice (included in many Linux distributions) reads Microsoft Office files without issue.

By moving to Linux and KDE Plasma, you also reduce long-term maintenance costs. You gain control over your updates, avoid subscription fees, and improve your system’s privacy and security. With fewer background processes and no built-in telemetry, Linux can keep older machines running smoothly for years to come, and avoid costly hardware updates.

As someone who has used Linux for many years, I recently switched to KDE Plasma on Fedora 42 and found it refreshingly simple and powerful. If the Plasma desktop is not your style, there are plenty of other open source desktop environments to try, including Gnome, XFCE, MATE, Cinnamon, and LXQT.

You don’t have to retire your Windows 10 PC when support ends. KDE Plasma offers a cost-effective and modern upgrade path—one that helps you get the most out of the hardware you already have.

More from We Love Open Source

• My top 5 must-have apps on Fedora 41 KDE Plasma
• Exploring Fedora KDE on a new Lenovo laptop
• 10 essential networking commands for sysadmins
• 10 open source tools you can start using today
• What is OpenTelemetry?

This article is adapted from “How KDE Plasma can save your PC from obsolescence” by Don Watkins, and is republished with permission from the author.