The Slaithwaite Repair Cafe is based at The Civic Hall [Image: Google Maps]

By KLTV Newsdesk –

Volunteers aim to help locals avoid costly upgrades and cut e-waste as Microsoft ends support for its most popular system

Local repair cafés are preparing to help residents keep their ageing computers running smoothly after Microsoft pulls the plug on Windows 10 support in October 2025; a move that could leave millions of machines open to cyber threats or destined for the scrap heap.

From October this year, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates for Windows 10, a change being dubbed the “End of 10”.

Without action, users will face increased risk from viruses, malware and hacking, or feel forced to buy a new computer, even if their current one still works perfectly well.

Switching from Windows to Linux, for free

Rather than see working machines thrown away, volunteers at Huddersfield and Slaithwaite Repair Cafés are exploring the idea of hosting a dedicated ‘Linux Repair Café Day’.

Here, tech-savvy helpers would guide locals through switching from Windows to Linux – a free, secure and efficient operating system known for breathing new life into older hardware.

The idea is part of a growing global movement. Repair groups from the UK to the Philippines, and India to Uganda, are planning similar events in the run-up to 14 October, a date that also happens to be International E-Waste Day.

Spanner Spencer, one of the fixers at Huddersfield and Slawit repair cafes, said: “Once Windows 10 goes off support, millions of PCs will become sitting ducks for malware.

“If you’re running Windows 10, 8 or even 7, you need to do something before October. You can upgrade to Windows 11 — if your machine can take it.

“But if your PC didn’t come with it in the first place, running Windows 11 is going to feel like riding a pig up a hill.

“You can pay Microsoft for extended updates to Windows 10, use additional Microsoft services or you can throw away a working computer and buy a new one – don’t worry, Microsoft can bravely help you with this!

“Or, you can drop by your local repair cafe and we’ll help you switch to Linux. Our motivation is purely to keep working electronics out of the landfill.

“A nice side-effect is that it’s free, fast, and keeps you safe online. You’ll save money, help the planet, and give your computer a proper lease of life.”

Microsoft is ending support for the Windows 10 operating system this October

What is Linux?

First launched in 1991, Linux is used by around 30 million people worldwide and powers every one of the world’s top 500 supercomputers.

For home users, it offers everything you’d expect, from web browsing and document editing to media playback and email, without the cost of software licences.

While familiar Windows programs like Office or Outlook may not be available, free alternatives such as LibreOffice, GIMP and Thunderbird can handle most tasks and open existing files without issue.

How a Linux Day would work

At the event, participants could bring in their Windows 10, 8 or 7 machines. Volunteers would run a test using a “live USB” version of Linux to check compatibility without changing anything on the system. If the owner is happy, the machine’s Windows installation would be replaced with Linux.

An introductory session would then help participants learn the basics, with extra support resources provided to ease the transition.

Why it matters

For many, upgrading to Windows 11 is not an option, the newer system often struggles on older hardware.

Installing Linux avoids the need for expensive new computers, helping families save money while reducing e-waste.

The ethos aligns perfectly with the repair cafés’ mission: prolonging the life of everyday items, cutting landfill waste, and sharing practical skills within the community.

Have your say

Huddersfield and Slaithwaite Repair Café organisers have launched a survey to measure local interest. They’re asking how many people own Windows 10 machines, what they know about Linux, and whether they would attend such an event.

The survey is available at SlawitRepairCafe.com. If there’s enough demand, organisers hope to run one or two free sessions in the coming months, complete with hands-on installation help, guidance, and a fresh start for older computers.

For anyone still using Windows 10, the cafés promise a simple message: you don’t have to throw it away – you can make it better.