Windows 10 Support Ends: Charente Residents Weigh Options as Deadline Looms
Angoulême, France – As microsoft prepares to end support for Windows 10 on October 14th, residents and businesses in the Charente region of France are assessing their next steps, with some considering a shift to Linux while others opt for upgrades to Windows 11 or plan for the anticipated release of Windows 12 in 2026. The impending end-of-life for the widely-used operating system is prompting a wave of hardware and software updates, straining local IT services and raising questions about digital sovereignty.
The transition impacts a broad spectrum of users, from individuals relying on their computers for basic tasks to large organizations managing extensive IT infrastructure. While the media has highlighted Linux as a potential alternative,the reality on the ground suggests a more measured response,particularly in rural areas where users frequently enough lack a extensive digital strategy. The situation underscores the challenges of planned obsolescence and the dependence on a single software vendor, prompting calls for greater state intervention.
In Villefagnan, Sébastien Nicolas, president of the local computer club, observed a lack of urgency among workshop attendees. “The crowd does not hurry” with system changes, he noted, adding that many rural users primarily utilize their computers for office applications and email. Nicolas generally recommends replacing machines older than eight years.
The end of Windows 10 support is also creating logistical hurdles for public sector entities. François Élie, the digital lead for the city of Angoulême, expressed frustration with Microsoft’s approach, stating, “It is a foreign company that puts the knife under our throat and I find it quite a shame that the state does not move.” The city is working to update approximately 1,000 workstations and a significant number of servers.
For businesses, the impact is somewhat mitigated by regular hardware refresh cycles. Anthony dupont of Cid Charente noted that computer fleets are typically replaced every five years. Stéphane Traumat, associate manager of Angoulême-based software manufacturer Scub, added that professionals generally anticipate the need for software updates.
Despite the challenges, local IT professionals anticipate a smooth, if busy, transition. Jonathan Dumont of Dsit Puymoyen, who charges €75 for Windows 10 to 11 upgrades, predicts, “It is not because we announce the end of the world that it will be the end of the world.” The expectation of Windows 12’s release in 2026 further tempers the sense of urgency for some, offering a longer-term alternative to immediate upgrades.
