Windows 10 Is Dying, but Gaming (and working) on Linux Is Easy

by darren horrocks
windows-10 windows-11 linux linux-gaming ubuntu

Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10 in October 2025, and for millions of PC users, that sounds like bad news, because you may not have the right hardware for Windows 11, or you may not want all of your personal data vacuumed up by Microsoft. But here’s the twist: you don’t have to buy new hardware or upgrade to Windows 11 just to keep playing your favorite games.

Thanks to modern Linux distributions like Ubuntu, gaming on Linux is now shockingly simple. You can install it in under an hour, play your Steam and Epic Games library, and even do your everyday work… All without touching the command line.

Why Linux Is Perfect for Gaming and Work in 2025

Linux has come a long way. Thanks to tools like Steam’s Proton and Heroic Games Launcher, it can now run most popular PC games, including those from Windows only platforms (with exceptions for games that require kernel mode anti-cheat such as Fortnite and Apex Legends for now). You also get powerful office software, web browsers, and creative tools which are all free and easy to install.

Let’s go step by step through how to set up a complete Linux system that’s ready for both gaming and work.

Step 1: Install Ubuntu

If you’re new to Linux, start with Ubuntu. It’s one of the most beginner friendly versions, designed for everyday users and gamers alike.

How to install Ubuntu:

  1. Go to ubuntu.com.
  2. Download the latest LTS (Long Term Support) version as this gets updates for five years before you update to the new LTS.
  3. Use a tool like Rufus (on Windows) or balenaEtcher (on Mac/Linux) to create a USB installer.
  4. Boot your computer from the USB stick and select “Try or Install Ubuntu."
  5. Follow the simple on screen installation steps.

You can even try Ubuntu before installing it, just choose “Try Ubuntu” to see how it feels (other beginner friendly Linux distributions to look at are Linux Mint or ZorinOS Core, both of which have a much more Windows like appearance).

Step 2: Keep Ubuntu Updated (No Command Line Needed)

After installation, click the Software Updater icon in the app menu or dock. Ubuntu will automatically check for updates, just click Install Now when prompted.

Your system stays secure and up to date, no manual steps or terminal commands required.

Step 3: Install Steam on Linux for Gaming

Steam runs natively on Linux, and with Proton, you can play thousands of Windows only titles.

To install Steam:

  1. Open the App Center (orange shopping bag icon).
  2. Search for Steam.
  3. Click Install, then Open when it’s ready.
  4. Sign in to your Steam account.

Once inside Steam:

Now you can install and play your Steam library. Games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, No Man’s Sky, and Elden Ring work great on Linux.

Step 4: Use Heroic Games Launcher for Epic Games and GOG Titles

If you have games from Epic Games, GOG, or Amazon Prime Gaming, the Heroic Games Launcher makes them playable on Linux too.

To install Heroic:

  1. Visit heroicgameslauncher.com.
  2. Download the Ubuntu (.deb) file via github (amd64 deb version) or, download the latest version at the time of writing by clicking this link.
  3. Double click the file to open it in the App Center, then click Install.

Open Heroic from your applications menu, log into your Epic or GOG account, and download your games. Heroic handles the compatibility automatically, just click Play.

Step 5: Install Google Chrome on Ubuntu

Ubuntu includes Firefox by default, but if you prefer Google Chrome, it’s just as easy to install:

  1. Go to google.com/chrome using Firefox.
  2. Click Download Chrome.
  3. Choose the .deb for Ubuntu option.
  4. Once downloaded, double click and select Install.

Chrome will appear in your app menu and will update automatically through Ubuntu’s software updater.

Step 6: Use LibreOffice for Work (or Install It If Missing)

Ubuntu usually includes LibreOffice, a full featured office suite compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.

To check:

  1. Open the App Menu and look for LibreOffice Writer (for documents) or Calc (for spreadsheets).
  2. If it’s not there, open the App Center, search for LibreOffice, and click Install.

LibreOffice supports .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx formats and even exports to PDF. It’s fast, free, and ideal for daily work.

Step 7: Add Essential Apps for Everyday Use

Here are a few more great apps available directly from the App Center:

You can install everything with a few clicks, no need to search for downloads or type commands.

Step 8: Enjoy Your New Linux Setup

You’re done! You now have:

Linux today isn’t just for tech experts, it’s for anyone who wants speed, reliability, and freedom from Microsoft.

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