Top 10 Benefits of Using Ubuntu Over Windows 11/10 in 2025: Why Switch to Linux?

Ubuntu, a Debian-based Linux distribution launched in 2004 by Canonical Ltd. It is a leading open-source operating system, powering millions of desktops, servers, and cloud environments. With Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS “Noble Numbat” and 24.10 “Oracular Oriole”, it offers a modern GNOME 46 interface, Snap/Flatpak support, and robust developer tools. As Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, and Windows 11’s strict hardware requirements (e.g., TPM 2.0) exclude older PCs, many users are eyeing Ubuntu as a free, secure, and lightweight alternative. Here are the top 10 benefits of using Ubuntu over Windows 11/10 in 2025, highlighting Ubuntu vs Windows 11 why Ubuntu makes a compelling choice for home users, developers, and businesses.

Why Choose Ubuntu Over Windows 11/10 in 2025?

Ubuntu is known for its robust security features, lighter system requirements, and greater flexibility for users who want to fine-tune their operating system. Its developer tools, customization, and community support make it a versatile choice for students, professionals, and hobbyists. While Windows 11 excels in gaming and proprietary app support, Ubuntu’s open-source ethos and efficiency align with 2025’s demand for sustainable, user-centric computing.

Ubuntu is Completely Free with No Licensing Costs

Ubuntu is 100% free to download, install, and use, unlike Windows 11/10, which requires licenses (e.g., ~$139 for Windows 11 Home) or paid upgrades for advanced features. Most Ubuntu software, like LibreOffice and Firefox, is open-source and free, reducing costs for individuals, schools, and organizations. Install Ubuntu on unlimited devices without restrictions, making it ideal for budget-conscious users in 2025.

Enhanced Security and Privacy compared to Windows

Ubuntu’s Linux architecture is inherently more secure than Windows, with fewer malware threats and no need for third-party antivirus software. Its open-source nature ensures transparent code, reducing data collection risks compared to Windows 11’s telemetry, which users criticize for privacy concerns. Ubuntu’s built-in firewall and AppArmor protect against attacks, make sure that you’re protected in 2025.

Lightweight and Revives Old Hardware

Ubuntu runs efficiently on low-spec hardware, it requires only a 2 GHz dual-core processor, 4 GB RAM, and 25 GB storage for Ubuntu 24.04 Desktop, compared to Windows 11’s 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, and TPM 2.0. Variants like Xubuntu or Lubuntu support PCs over a decade old, extending the life of aging laptops post-Windows 10’s end-of-support. This makes Ubuntu a top choice for reviving sluggish systems in 2025.

Seamless Updates Without Reboots

Unlike Windows 11/10, which often forces reboots for updates, Ubuntu’s Software Updater applies system and app updates in the background without interruptions,. Long Term Support (LTS) releases like Ubuntu 24.04 LTS provide five years of updates (until 2029), ensuring stability without frequent major upgrades, unlike Windows’ disruptive feature updates.

Extensive Community and Support

By far, one of the best things about Ubuntu Linux is the community that surrounds it. Out of all the Linux distributions out there, it manages to have the best support for its users via AskUbuntu, Ubuntu Forums, Reddit (r/Ubuntu), IRC, and Canonical’s official support at ubuntu.com/support. With over 40 million users, help is readily available through tutorials, chatrooms, and wikis, unlike Windows’ reliance on Microsoft’s paid support or generic forums. This community-driven model empowers users in 2025.

Having a good support system is reason enough to use Ubuntu, considering Linux is less easy to use than something like Microsoft Windows or Apple’s macOS.

Vast Software Availability

Ubuntu’s App Center, Snap Store, and Flatpak repositories provide thousands of apps, from LibreOffice to VLC, many free and open-source. While Windows 11 supports more proprietary apps (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), Ubuntu offers alternatives like GIMP and Inkscape, plus native support for Chrome, Firefox, and Steam. Personal Package Archives (PPAs) deliver cutting-edge software, ensuring flexibility in 2025.

Unparalleled Customization

Ubuntu’s GNOME 46 desktop allows extensive customization, from themes and icon packs to Conky for system monitoring, far surpassing Windows 11’s limited options. Users can mimic Windows or macOS interfaces or create unique setups, appealing to tech enthusiasts and creatives in 2025. Extensions via the GNOME Shell enhance functionality, offering a tailored experience.

Developer-Friendly Environment

Ubuntu is a developer’s dream, with pre-installed tools like GCC, Python, and Docker, and easy access to VS Code, Git, and cloud SDKs. Its stability and Snap/Flatpak support ensure consistent environments, unlike Windows 11’s occasional update issues. In 2025, Ubuntu’s dominance in the cloud and server markets (42% web usage) makes it ideal for coding and DevOps.

User-Friendly Interface

Ubuntu 24.04’s GNOME 46 desktop is intuitive, with a streamlined dock, app grid, and workspace switcher, rivaling Windows 11’s user-friendliness. Canonical’s focus on “Linux for human beings” ensures easy setup, driver installation, and app management, debunking Linux’s complexity myth. New users in 2025 can transition seamlessly from Windows.

Stable Long Term Support (LTS) Releases

Ubuntu’s LTS releases, like 24.04.2 LTS, prioritize stability with five years of updates, ideal for businesses and cautious users. Unlike Windows 11’s frequent feature updates, which can break workflows, Ubuntu LTS minimizes disruptions, offering reliability for servers, workstations, and home PCs in 2025.

FAQs About Ubuntu vs Windows 11/10 in 2025

What are the benefits of Ubuntu over Windows 11 in 2025?
Ubuntu is free, secure, lightweight, and customizable, with strong community support and developer tools, unlike Windows 11’s licensing and privacy concerns.

Can Ubuntu run Windows apps in 2025?
Yes, use Wine or virtual machines (e.g., VMware) to run Windows apps, though alternatives like LibreOffice replace Microsoft Office.

Is Ubuntu better for old PCs than Windows 11?
Ubuntu’s low hardware requirements and variants like Xubuntu revive old PCs, unlike Windows 11’s TPM and CPU restrictions.

How does Ubuntu vs Windows 11 compare for privacy?
Ubuntu’s open-source nature minimizes data collection, while Windows 11’s telemetry raises privacy concerns.

Why is Ubuntu developer-friendly in 2025?
Ubuntu offers stable environments, pre-installed coding tools, and Snap/Flatpak for consistent app versions, ideal for developers.