Leipzig Pirates Launch “Linux to Go” Campaign to Counter Windows 10 End-of-Support
Leipzig, Germany – October 18, 2023 - Facing the impending end of Microsoft support for Windows 10, the Leipzig chapter of the Pirate Party, with support from members of the Leipzig Linux User Group, launched a “Linux to Go” campaign today on Leipzig’s market square. The initiative aims to offer a viable option to users facing pressure to upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase new hardware.
As previously reported by Leipziger Zeitung, Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10, potentially rendering many computers obsolete. The Pirate Party argues this creates needless electronic waste.
“The background, as some may have already noticed, is that microsoft is discontinuing support for Windows 10, which means that many computers are unnecessarily becoming electronic waste,” explained Anne Giermann, 2nd chairwoman of the Leipzig Pirate Party, in an interview with Leipziger Zeitung. “If you have a Windows 10 computer, you may have received this warning that support is being discontinued, that you should upgrade to windows 11 and if that doesn’t work, buy a new laptop.”
Giermann emphasized that Linux offers a readily available and user-kind solution. “This is fully unnecessary. There is a good alternative with Linux. We want to promote this alternative a bit here because many people are afraid of Linux. It used to be very intricate, but now Linux is child’s play.” The campaign offered attendees the opportunity to test Linux and receive assistance with installation from volunteers.
The campaign’s core message, “Free software for free people,” highlights the benefits of open-source software, including independence, customization, and security. “You can’t easily sneak in any back doors,” Giermann stated.
Addressing Microsoft’s offer of continued security updates for a fee, Giermann pointed out the requirement for users to register with a Microsoft account. “Exactly, and you have to register. So if, like me, you previously had a local Microsoft account and used Microsoft without any accounts, you are now forced to log in and reveal your data again. This is not the case with Linux. You simply download it, set it up and you don’t have to register anywhere, you don’t have to give your data to any company. Especially not to any company in the USA, where the situation is currently very politically unstable.”
For those unable to attend the event, Giermann encouraged contacting the Leipzig Pirate Party or the Leipzig Linux User Group for further details. The group plans to host additional events in the future.
The campaign drew a crowd, with attendees seeking advice, engaging in discussions, and even receiving on-site Linux installations.
(Video of the event is available here: https://www.l-iz.de/bildung/medien/2025/10/about:blank)
note: The author of this article is a member of the Pirate Party.
