Press release, Septembre 30th, 2025
Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Microsoft was to stop the free of charge support of Windows 10. Under public pressure, the deadline was prolonged by a year – with new constraints. To break free from the rule of this American Big Tech and its proprietary operating system, April – the main French advocacy association devoted to promoting and protecting Free/Libre Software – launched a nation wide campaign : "So long Windows, Hello Free Software!" ("Adieu Windows, bonjour le libre !" in french).
They are many French local associations all around France – and other french speaking countries –, who are ready to answer questions and help those who wish to install a free system1.
Magali Garnero, April's president, tells Windows users :
"By granting you a year's delay, Microsoft is only putting off the inevitable. Take advantage of this time to move over to a free operating system, the free software community is here to help. Your computer will be able to work many more years, preserving your freedoms, your wallet and the planet"
Through a specific website, the "So long Windows, Hello Free Software!" campaign aims to list events where to find help to install a free system and to learn how to use it. Therefore prolonging your computer lifespan.
This website uses our Agenda du libre [4], a dedicated website listing french speaking events and French local associations related to software freedom. The campaign also lists other existing initiatives.
The campaign will last a full year, and will therefore be regularly updated.
The "So long Windows, Hello Free Software!" campaign is only possible because of the efforts of people and organizations who submitted events. April warmly thanks them.
- 1. Free software means software that respects users' freedom