The end of Windows 10: 5 Linux desktop environments for professionals

TL;DR

• Context: Windows 10 is no longer supported (14 Oct 2025). Instead of paying for extended support or buying new PCs for Windows 11, Linux lets you extend the life of existing machines without licenses and with lower hardware demands.
• Key benefit of Linux: you can choose the interface (desktop environment) best suited to your employees instead of being stuck with a single design.

The five environments in a sentence each:

• GNOME: modern, minimalist interface reminiscent of macOS. + Sleek, professional, search‑centric. – Less customisable, somewhat resource‑hungry.
• KDE Plasma: very close to Windows 10/11. + Ultra‑configurable, rich in features, ideal for ex‑Windows users. – Many options, sometimes a little complex.
• XFCE: Windows 7‑style, very lightweight. + Perfect for old PCs and non‑tech audiences. – Dated visuals, few modern ''gadgets''.
• Cinnamon: friendly ''Windows‑like'' environment (Linux Mint). + Almost seamless transition from Windows 7/10. – Less flexible than KDE, evolves cautiously.
• i3: tiling window manager for experts. + Keyboard‑centred productivity, ultra lightweight. – Unusable for the general public, requires configuration.

For a Quebec SME:

• Choose Cinnamon or KDE if most of your people come from Windows.
• Choose GNOME for a more modern image or if your audience is used to Mac/design.
• Choose XFCE to revive old hardware or for audiences very uncomfortable with computers.
• Keep i3 as an option only for a handful of power users.

Final idea:

The end of Windows 10 can be an opportunity: with the right Linux environment and a minimum of support (pilot projects, short training, assistance), you can keep your PCs longer, reduce costs and modernise responsibly.

Introduction

Windows 10 reached end of support on 14 October 2025, leaving many businesses and users facing a difficult choice: pay for expensive extended support, buy new hardware to move to Windows 11, or explore other options. Many still‑working PCs don''t meet Windows 11’s strict hardware requirements (recent CPU, TPM 2.0, etc.), which would prematurely consign them to the scrapyard. However, this isn’t inevitable: Linux offers a sustainable, economical and high‑performance alternative to extend the life of these machines and modernise your IT fleet without investing in new PCs.

For Quebec professionals and SMEs, migrating to Linux offers several concrete advantages. First, Linux systems and their updates are free, eliminating software licensing costs. Second, Linux is less resource‑hungry than modern Windows systems, so you can install a fast, secure system on older hardware. This can breathe new life into Windows 10 machines that were struggling or incompatible with Windows 11. Finally, Linux respects user privacy more: no built‑in ads in the start menu, no invasive telemetry by default, and total control over updates. All of these can improve the daily experience for you and your employees.

One common concern about Linux is the desktop environment—that is, the graphical interface and overall ergonomics of the system. On Windows or macOS, the environment is imposed (you get the Windows interface or the Mac interface, period). Linux, on the other hand, offers a rich variety of desktop environments and window managers, adapted to different preferences and needs. This diversity is Linux''s strength: you can choose the interface that will suit your users best, whether they’re accustomed to Windows, macOS or enthusiastic about customisation. This may seem daunting at first, but rest assured: whatever your profile or that of your employees, there is a Linux environment made for you.

In this article, we present five of the most popular Linux desktop environments or window managers: GNOME, KDE Plasma, XFCE, Cinnamon and i3. Each offers a different approach to ergonomics and user experience. For each environment, we’ll look at its characteristics, how familiar it feels compared with well‑known commercial interfaces (e.g. KDE Plasma vs Windows 11, GNOME vs macOS), and its strengths and limitations from a professional point of view. The aim is to help you choose a Linux interface suited to your business, based on the hardware available and your employees’ familiarity with modern interfaces. We conclude with practical advice for migrating to Linux in an SME so that the switch is smooth and educational.

Some preliminary definitions: a desktop environment is a coherent set comprising a complete graphical interface (taskbar, menus, windows, icons, etc.) and integrated tools. GNOME, KDE Plasma, XFCE and Cinnamon fall into this category. A window manager like i3, by contrast, is more minimalist: it handles only the placement and arrangement of windows on the screen, without necessarily providing a “ready‑made” desktop with preconfigured bars and menus. A pure window manager often requires more manual configuration but offers incomparable lightness and speed. Keep this in mind when reading the sections below: i3 represents a more radical approach, favoured by advanced users, whereas the other environments offer a complete interface ready to use from installation.

Without further ado, let’s take a tour of these Linux desktop environments, their respective ergonomics and how they compare to Windows or macOS.

1. GNOME – A streamlined, modern experience (reminiscent of macOS)

GNOME is one of the most widespread desktop environments in the Linux world. Chosen by default on major distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora or Debian, it enjoys strong community support and regular updates. GNOME stands out for its refined design and productivity‑oriented approach.

Ergonomics and user landmarks: For a user coming from Windows, GNOME’s ergonomics may require a little adjustment. You’re encouraged to use the keyboard and search more to open applications (similar to the way Spotlight works on macOS), rather than relying on a traditional start menu and taskbar.

Comparable to macOS? GNOME is often compared to macOS for its clean look and productivity orientation. Like macOS, GNOME favours a uniform design with few personalisation elements exposed to the end user—it is sometimes described as the “Mac of Linux”.

Strengths of GNOME:

• Clean and coherent interface: GNOME offers a clutter‑free visual experience, ideal for focusing on work, with a modern design that emphasises productivity.
• Ease of use: After the adaptation period, GNOME proves intuitive for daily tasks. Heavy use of search and shortcuts can even speed up your workflow (for example, typing a few letters is enough to launch a program).
• Rich ecosystem of applications: Many professional applications (LibreOffice suite, web browsers, email clients, etc.) integrate well with GNOME and follow its streamlined style. Most distributions provide a software store to install additional programs easily.
• Large community and support: Because GNOME is very popular, there are plenty of online resources, support forums and extensions to add features. Major Linux companies (Red Hat, Canonical, etc.) contribute to its development and provide professional support.
• Modular extensions: Although GNOME limits customisation by default, you can add GNOME Shell extensions (small modules) to reintroduce missing elements or adapt to your preferences (e.g. a traditional “Applications” menu, weather widget, window button tweaks, etc.).

Limitations of GNOME:

• Learning curve for “Windows people”: As mentioned, a long‑time Windows user may be confused at first. The absence of a traditional start menu, windows minimised in the taskbar, etc., forces them to change their habits and use the Activities overview or keyboard search.
• Limited default customisation: GNOME takes a fairly strict view of how its interface “should be”. Without installing extensions or the GNOME Tweaks tool, you cannot deeply alter the appearance or behaviour.
• Higher hardware requirements: GNOME is a modern environment with animations and a heavy software stack. It has a deserved reputation for being relatively demanding on RAM and graphics resources. Practically, this means GNOME is less suitable for very old hardware.
• Less familiar for expert Mac users: Paradoxically, although GNOME shares macOS’s spirit of simplicity, it lacks certain Mac‑specific features (e.g. the global menu bar at the top, advanced drag‑and‑drop handling). So it is more like a “Linux interpretation” of minimalism than a perfect Mac clone.

All in all, GNOME suits organisations ready to adopt a modern, streamlined interface with a Mac‑like ethos. It’s a wise choice if you value visual coherence, stability (GNOME is mature, over 20 years old) and productivity. However, plan a short learning period and slightly more powerful hardware to enjoy it fully.

2. KDE Plasma – Customisable and powerful (the desktop equivalent of Windows)

KDE Plasma is the other heavyweight of Linux environments, often presented as the counterpart to the Windows desktop in terms of appearance and features. If GNOME aims to be minimalist, KDE Plasma takes the opposite approach by offering a maximum of options and configurability.

User experience and ergonomics: By default, an employee used to Windows 10 or 11 won’t feel out of place with KDE Plasma. Opening the start menu (renamed Applications menu or Kickoff) displays the list of programs and a search bar, just like Windows.

Comparison with Windows 11: KDE Plasma is arguably the Linux environment closest to the Windows interface, to the point that the transition can be almost transparent for a user. Compared to Windows 11, we can highlight several improvements: more control over windows, a customisable file manager, separate panels, etc.

• Appearance and layout: By default KDE has a start menu at the bottom left, whereas Windows 11 has centred it—but you can also centre the KDE menu or keep it left‑aligned to taste. Windows 11 brought a new look (rounded corners, translucent effects); KDE can replicate or depart from this aesthetic thanks to themes.
• Customisation and settings: This is where KDE far outstrips Windows 11. Under Windows, many options are either absent, hidden in the registry or require third‑party utilities. KDE, on the other hand, provides a configuration panel where you can change almost anything: themes, fonts, colours, behaviour of windows, keyboard shortcuts, workspace layout, animations, etc.
• Productivity and built‑in features: Windows 11 introduced Snap Layouts (arranging windows easily into quarters of the screen, etc.), a welcome productivity feature. KDE goes even further, with built‑in tiling, virtual desktops, a command launcher (KRunner), integrated clipboard history and more.
• Performance: Users often mention that Windows 11 can feel heavy or slow on some PCs, whereas KDE Plasma has become remarkably light and fast despite its features. Recent versions of KDE have focused on optimisation and reduced resource usage.

Strengths of KDE Plasma:

• Interface familiar to Windows users: The transition from Windows is smooth thanks to a very similar layout (menu, bar, system tray). Your employees will quickly find their bearings.
• Ultra‑customisable: This is KDE’s strong point. You can adjust almost every detail of the desktop. Want a Windows 7 look or, conversely, a unique style for your company? Everything is possible: themes, icons, panel positions, widgets, window behaviour, etc.
• Feature‑rich: KDE abounds with integrated features that improve productivity: powerful search with KRunner, a very complete file manager (Dolphin), a multiplicity of desktop widgets, built‑in support for hi‑DPI screens, advanced multi‑monitor management, integrated SSH/FTP in the file manager, and many more.
• Active community and frequent updates: KDE has been in development for over 20 years and continues to evolve rapidly. Plasma releases come out every few months, bringing optimisations and new features. The community is vibrant, and there are official channels for professional support.
• Hardware adaptability: Plasma runs equally well on an ultrabook or a multi‑monitor workstation. It handles high‑resolution displays (4K, HiDPI) very well with good scaling support. This makes it a good choice for designers or people using large screens.

Limitations of KDE Plasma:

• Complexity of the settings interface: The flip side of all this customisation is that KDE’s configuration menus are very extensive. A novice user might be overwhelmed by the number of tabs and options. That''s why a bit of training or pre‑configured profiles can be useful in a business.
• Risk of minor bugs: Because KDE Plasma is very modular, it can occasionally suffer from small bugs or regressions in certain versions, more than GNOME which is very rigid. Historically, Plasma has had periods of instability, but recent versions have improved greatly.
• Too many options for some users: Not all employees need or want to customise their desktop. For those who just want “it to work” and never touch the settings, KDE may be overkill. Care must be taken not to confuse them with an avalanche of possibilities.
• Less “modern” image: This is subjective, but KDE’s classic appearance (start menu, icons on the desktop, etc.) may seem less innovative or “designed” compared to GNOME or macOS. For marketing or design‑oriented teams, GNOME might feel more contemporary.

In summary, KDE Plasma is an excellent choice for SMEs whose employees are mainly used to Windows, as it minimises ergonomic disruption while offering increased possibilities. It’s a safe bet if you want the familiarity of Windows combined with the power and freedom of Linux. Just be prepared to train users a bit and anticipate occasional glitches.

3. XFCE – Lightweight and fast (the classic Windows 7‑like interface)

XFCE is a long‑standing desktop environment in the Linux world, known for its lightness, speed and stability. If GNOME and KDE represent modernity, XFCE embodies old‑school simplicity.

Ergonomics and user feel: XFCE is for those who like efficiency without frills. From the very first use, a Windows user will feel on familiar ground: the whisker menu, a simple taskbar, a system tray and a classical desktop.

Performance and compatibility: One of XFCE’s great advantages is its low memory and CPU footprint. Where GNOME or KDE might use 1 GB of RAM or more at idle, XFCE often makes do with 500 MB or less. This means it runs smoothly on older or lower‑end computers. It’s also very stable and rarely crashes, making it a favourite in schools and public administrations.

Comparison with the classic Windows experience: You can think of XFCE as a “light” Windows 7. The interface is austere compared with 2025 standards, but efficient and familiar. A user can customise the taskbar and menus to their liking without being overwhelmed by options.

In daily use, XFCE offers great responsiveness: menus open instantly, windows appear without lag, which gives a feeling of speed. This lightness can contribute to reducing frustration and increasing productivity.

Strengths of XFCE:

• Lightweight and performant: This is its number one selling point. XFCE runs well on old or low‑power hardware. For an SME, this means you can deploy Linux on existing stations without having to replace equipment.
• Stable and reliable: XFCE has been battle‑tested for a long time. It evolves slowly (some jokes say XFCE hasn’t visually changed in 10 years), but that’s a guarantee of stability. It doesn’t introduce disruptive changes that would confuse users.
• Ease of use: The interface is very easy to grasp because it’s based on classic concepts. An employee will immediately know how to shut down the machine (menu → Quit), how to move a window or access settings.
• Basic customisation: Without going as far as KDE, XFCE allows you to customise the essentials: change colours, icons, panel layout, add applets (e.g. a system monitor). Enough to adapt the environment to your corporate colours or team preferences.
• Low memory and energy footprint: Beyond performance, consuming fewer resources also means putting less stress on the hardware, potentially extending its life and reducing energy consumption. This can be important from a sustainability perspective.

Limitations of XFCE:

• Dated visual appearance: It must be said, XFCE is not the most visually “sexy” environment. Its default look is functional but quite basic (grey or blue theme, generic icons). With some themes you can modernise it somewhat, but it will never match the polish of GNOME or KDE.
• Fewer built‑in features: XFCE follows the KISS philosophy (Keep It Simple, Stupid): it provides the minimum. For example, there is no ultra‑sophisticated file search engine built in (there is an optional search plugin), and fewer integrated productivity tools than in KDE.
• Less integrated application ecosystem: Unlike KDE or GNOME which have a whole suite of coherent apps, XFCE picks and mixes. The text editor is different from the archive manager, which is different from the terminal emulator… This lack of integration can sometimes be confusing.
• Missing modern features: You won’t find multi‑touch gestures support, a sophisticated notifications centre, integrated smartphone connectivity (such as KDE Connect), or advanced Wayland support like in GNOME. XFCE is deliberately basic.

In conclusion, XFCE is the rational choice for those looking for a stable, lightweight environment with no surprises. Many administrations and schools around the world have adopted it to bring older hardware back into service. It’s perfect for low‑tech staff or those who just want a reliable workstation.

4. Cinnamon – A friendly ‘Windows‑like’ desktop for the accustomed

Cinnamon is a desktop environment born in 2011, originally developed for the Linux Mint distribution. Its very existence is linked to the desire to provide Linux users with a traditional desktop with a start menu, panel and system tray, reminiscent of Windows.

User experience: If you decide to migrate Windows 10 machines to Linux Mint Cinnamon, your employees will immediately find their bearings. The Cinnamon menu (called the Mint Menu) is very similar to the Windows start menu, with categories, a search bar and pinned applications.

Comparison with Windows 10: You could almost call it a functional clone. To an untrained eye, a Cinnamon desktop configured with a Windows theme could pass for Windows 7. Linux Mint even includes certain details like corner resize handles and a familiar file manager layout.

Strengths of Cinnamon:

• Smooth transition from Windows: This is its number one strength. Cinnamon was designed “by users coming from Windows, for users coming from Windows”. It greatly reduces the cognitive cost of switching: everything is in the expected place.
• Modern yet familiar interface: Although inspired by Windows 7, Cinnamon has not remained frozen in 2009. It supports virtual desktops, discreet transitions and offers a polished aesthetic with support for dark mode, applets on the panel and desklets on the desktop.
• Stability and support from Linux Mint: Linux Mint, the distribution that carries Cinnamon, is very popular and has an active community. Cinnamon benefits from regular updates but without breaking changes, ensuring continuity. The Mint team also provides tools like the Update Manager and Backup Tool that integrate well.
• Useful built‑in features: Cinnamon includes a few utilities designed to improve comfort: for example a tool to back up personal files, a graphical updater, a welcome screen to discover features, and a simplified system settings interface.
• Good overall performance: Cinnamon positions itself as a compromise between XFCE and GNOME. It is light enough to run on medium configs and not saturate RAM, while offering modern features and polish. It is thus suitable for most office machines.

Limitations of Cinnamon:

• Less customisable than KDE: Although Cinnamon allows adjustments, it is relatively locked into its Windows‑like paradigm. You cannot, for example, completely change the panel layout or adopt a Mac‑style dock.
• Slow evolution: Cinnamon, although younger, evolves cautiously. Some major improvements take time to arrive. For example, the transition to GTK4 (a more modern interface technology) has been slower than GNOME’s adoption.
• Dependence on Linux Mint (to a large extent): Technically, you can install Cinnamon on any distribution, including Ubuntu, Fedora, etc. (there is even an Ubuntu Cinnamon flavour). However, the Cinnamon experience is most polished on Linux Mint. This ties you somewhat to that ecosystem for long‑term support.
• Less suitable for non‑Windows users: While Cinnamon is great for an ex‑Windows user, for someone coming from the Mac world or who is brand‑new to computing, the Windows‑like interface is not necessarily intuitive. In such cases GNOME may be a better fit.

In short, Cinnamon is arguably the ideal desktop environment for an SME whose staff are used to Windows 10/7 and are looking for continuity. It has that reassuring sense of déjà‑vu while freeing you from Windows licences and providing more control. Linux Mint with Cinnamon is often recommended for first‑time Linux adopters.

5. i3 – The tiling window manager for advanced users

In the Linux universe there are not only traditional interfaces with bars and icons: there are also radically different approaches designed to maximise productivity via the keyboard. The best known is i3, a tiling window manager.

How i3 works and feels: Let’s be clear from the outset, i3 is at the opposite end of the spectrum from Windows in terms of ergonomics. By default, when you start an i3 session, you are faced with a black screen with nothing visible. You use keyboard shortcuts to launch your terminals, open windows and organise them as tiles that never overlap.

What sets i3 apart from classic environments: above all, its minimalist, keyboard‑centred philosophy. There are no superfluous graphical elements: no desktop full of gadgets, no dock, no window buttons. Everything is done via a configuration file and keyboard shortcuts.

Is there a commercial equivalent? Neither Windows nor macOS offers anything this extreme by default. However, one can note that Windows 10/11 introduced tablet mode with tiled windows and split‑screen features, but they remain far behind the flexibility of i3. Some power users compare i3 to professional tools like tmux or tiling features in Visual Studio Code.

Strengths of i3:

• Maximum efficiency for experienced users: Once tamed, i3 lets you get things done at lightning speed. Doing everything via the keyboard avoids the back‑and‑forth between mouse and keyboard, and the layout of windows into non‑overlapping tiles maximises screen use.
• Extremely lightweight: i3 is unbeatable in lightness. It consumes barely a few megabytes of RAM and uses very little CPU, as it doesn’t draw any complex interface. On a machine with just 2 GB of RAM, you could run a web browser, code editor and email client without saturating the system.
• Total control and configuration via config: Because you edit the configuration by hand, you can adjust every behaviour. Want the PrintScreen key to launch a custom screenshot script? It’s possible. Want a specific key combination to resize windows? Also possible. Nothing is imposed; everything is scriptable.
• No distraction, optimised screen: The complete absence of a visible background (you rarely see the wallpaper because a window always occupies the entire screen) and of visual “gadgets” reduces distractions. Combined with the tiling system, this creates a very Zen workspace that some developers swear by.
• Technical and active community: i3 users are often passionate people who gladly share their configuration files, tips and scripts. There are many examples and ready‑made configs to get started, as well as wikis and forums full of advice.

Limitations of i3:

• Steep learning curve: By far the least intuitive environment for a beginner. Even an experienced Windows or Mac user will have to relearn quite a few things: remember the shortcuts to open apps, move between tiled windows, etc. At first, you may feel lost.
• No “ready‑to‑use” environment: With i3 alone, as soon as you want to do something basic (change the volume, connect to Wi‑Fi, mount a USB stick…) you realise that there is no graphical tool for it. You must either configure command‑line utilities or install additional small tools (e.g. i3status, network manager applet, etc.).
• Poorly suited to common office usage: If most of your work is browsing the web, editing office documents, participating in video conferences, etc., i3 brings no obvious benefits. Traditional desktops are more ergonomic for these tasks.
• Potential rejection by non‑tech users: In a team, if only a minority are power users, imposing i3 risks isolating them or creating misunderstanding. You don’t want an internal rift because of the desktop environment. It is wiser to offer i3 only as an optional choice for volunteers.

In conclusion, i3 is an extreme productivity tool, reserved for a specific public already comfortable with Linux and keyboard shortcuts. Its inclusion in our top 5 is justified by its popularity among developers and sysadmins, but it is not recommended for the general workforce in an SME.

Practical advice for migrating to Linux in a Quebec SME

Migrating a desktop infrastructure from Windows 10 to Linux is a large‑scale project that requires good human and technical preparation. Here are some concrete tips, based on the previous sections, to ensure a successful migration.

1. Choose the environment according to your user base: Analyse your employees’ profiles and their familiarity with computers.

• If your users are mostly long‑time Windows users and reluctant to change, Cinnamon or KDE Plasma are good choices. Cinnamon offers the interface most similar to Windows 7/10, with minimal surprises. KDE Plasma is close to Windows 11 but more customisable.
• If some employees use Macs or are very sensitive to a clean design, consider GNOME. Its modern approach may appeal to them and they won’t be tempted to look for a start menu that isn’t there.
• For staff who are very uncomfortable with computers in general (an accountant near retirement, etc.), a classic and simple environment like XFCE may be appropriate. There are practically no fancy features to distract them.
• i3 and specialised window managers should only be offered to tech‑savvy volunteers. It is better not to impose it at all, but perhaps make it available on request for developers or engineers who want to try it.

2. Test beforehand with a small pilot group: Don’t switch everyone at once. Select a few pilot users (if possible, representative of different departments or skill levels) to test the chosen Linux environment. Collect their feedback, identify blockers and adjust before general rollout.

3. Plan training and support: No matter how intuitive KDE or Cinnamon may be, there will always be small habits to change. Organise short training workshops or provide documentation to show how to handle everyday tasks (install software, connect to printers, update the system, etc.).

4. Capitalise on Linux’s strengths to motivate the team: Communicate internally about the benefits they will gain. For example: fewer virus problems (Linux is less targeted by malware), faster boot and shutdown times, ability to customise the workspace, access to free and open‑source software, etc.

5. Plan for management of business applications and equivalents: The interface is only the tip of the iceberg. Make sure your critical business applications work on Linux or find equivalents (for example, LibreOffice or OnlyOffice for office documents, Thunderbird for email, Inkscape/GIMP for graphics, etc.). You may also need to run Windows software under Wine or via remote desktop.

6. Take advantage of flexibility to adapt each workstation if necessary: Unlike Windows which provides a uniform interface for everyone, Linux lets you mix environments according to needs. For example, designers could use GNOME, accounting on XFCE and developers on KDE. But avoid fragmentation that would complicate support.

7. Anticipate support needs and internal documentation: It is recommended to have within the company at least one person or a team proficient in Linux to help others and manage updates. Document internal procedures (how to connect to the network drive, configure printers, etc.) and share them on an intranet or wiki.

8. Make use of the local community and external resources: The beauty of the Linux world is the richness of its community. In Quebec, there are Linux user groups (GULs), forums and meetings where you can get help and share experiences. Don’t hesitate to call on these networks. There are also professional integrators and consultants specialising in open‑source solutions.

9. Security and updates: Under Linux, security updates are regular but finely controllable. You should establish an update policy: either centralised (via a management server like Landscape, Spacewalk or Ansible) or delegated to users with guidelines. Make sure employees know how to apply updates and that you monitor the release of security patches.

10. Hardware considerations specific to Quebec: The Quebec climate sometimes imposes particular conditions (e.g. very cold in winter—which fortunately has no direct impact on an OS—or the prevalence of multilingual keyboards). Also consider accessibility features (French/English bilingual interfaces, accent support) when choosing a distribution and environment.

By following these recommendations, your transition to Linux will take place under the best conditions. Don’t forget that this is as much a cultural change as a technical one: be patient, listen and involve your employees in the process.

Conclusion

The move from Windows 10 (reaching end of life) to Linux is an opportunity to modernise your IT equipment, make savings and gain technological autonomy. As we have explained throughout this article, Linux has matured enormously and now offers professional‑grade desktop environments that meet the needs of SMEs.

Adopting Linux in a professional environment does not mean sacrificing ergonomics: on the contrary, today’s environments are user‑friendly, attractive and designed for productivity. They benefit from years of experience and contributions from global communities. You will also enjoy better control over your data and less dependency on proprietary vendors.

Whether you are a service SME, an architectural firm, a public body or a tech start‑up, Linux can bring you greater stability and mastery of your IT. You can breathe new life into existing machines, diversify interfaces according to departments and integrate open‑source tools tailored to your business.

Ultimately, the success of your migration is not just about technology but about human support. By choosing the right desktop environment and involving your teams, you can transform the end of Windows 10 into a meaningful change project, aligned with your values and the digital sovereignty of Quebec.

We hope that this overview of the main Linux environments and our advice has enlightened you and made you want to give it a try. Linux offers a palette of user experiences: it is up to you to pick the one that will allow your company to flourish.

Sources and bibliography

• Le Comptoir Open‑Source – “Les Meilleurs Environnements de Bureau Linux à Utiliser en Entreprise” (10 October 2024). A French article presenting Cinnamon, KDE, GNOME, XFCE and their advantages in a business context.
• French Wikipedia – Information pages on the environments and software mentioned, including “I3 (software)” for the i3 window manager.
• ComputerAdvice247.com – “macOS vs. Linux GNOME: Comprehensive Comparison” (blog, undated) for a point‑by‑point comparison between the macOS interface and GNOME.
• Reddit (r/kde) – “It blows my mind how much better Plasma is than Windows nowadays” (discussion, 2021) for user feedback on KDE Plasma features vs Windows 11 (e.g. resizable bar, KRunner, Dolphin split‑view) and performance improvements.
• XDA Developers – “4 features in KDE Plasma that Windows 11 users are sorely missing” (2021) – cited via WindowsForum for points on the resizable panel, KRunner, Dolphin split‑view and more.
• Medium.com (@michaelswengel) – “The End of Windows 10 Support Could be a GREAT Thing for Linux” (Nov. 2025) for context on Windows 10 end of support and the opportunity for Linux (business advantages, cost savings, sustainability).
• LinkedIn Pulse (Michael Wittek) – “Making the Switch from Windows 10 to Linux Mint Cinnamon: A Friendly Guide” (30 July 2025). A detailed guide in English on migrating to Linux Mint Cinnamon.
• Opensource.org (OSI) – “End of 10: The Open Source alternative to forced obsolescence” (28 May 2025). Announcement of the “End of Windows 10” campaign promoting Linux to avoid waste, with five reasons to switch.
• Opensource.com – “5 reasons the i3 window manager makes Linux better” (Ricardo Gerardi, 2018) to better understand the advantages of i3 in terms of minimalism, keyboard use and space saving.
• Official KDE documentation – “KDE for Gamers – Steam Deck runs KDE Plasma” (kde.org) confirming the use of KDE Plasma on Valve’s Steam Deck console.
• Windows 10 – English Wikipedia – information about the end of Windows 10 support on 14 October 2025.
• Ubuntu‑fr forum – Discussions by French‑speaking users comparing GNOME vs KDE, etc., for various practical opinions (e.g. customising KDE to imitate GNOME or Windows).
• Linux Mint & Ubuntu community sites – guides and forums on configuring Cinnamon, installing variants (Ubuntu Cinnamon Remix), etc., to validate the technical feasibility of certain customisations.

(Sources consulted in December 2025. Links and references available and verified as of that date.)