I have a friend with a sluggish Windows 11 laptop that they're thinking of ditching, possibly due to some hardware issues. However, I'm interested in whether it's possible to replace Windows 11 with a Linux distribution—specifically, the one JaystwoCents featured (I think it's a bootloader term?). I'd love to know how to go about installing Linux, and any other recommendations would be appreciated, especially if it could potentially improve performance by cutting out Windows bloatware. I don't know the laptop's specs since it lags too much to investigate, but it has an Intel Core i5 and Intel Iris Xe graphics. I'm looking for a smoother experience, like not waiting an hour to print a photo. I understand it might be a hardware issue, but I'm curious if the right software could help out.
4 Answers
Just a heads up: a bootloader is different from a Linux distro. It helps boot the OS but isn't an OS itself. If there’s no unusual reason, installing Linux on your laptop that's running modern Windows should be feasible! Look for beginner-friendly options like ZorinOS, Linux Mint, or Ubuntu—all great for first-timers. Just ensure you choose a one that fits your needs; there are lots of choices out there.
I'd recommend trying Linux Mint as a beginner-friendly option; it really just works! Tons of guides are available on their website and on YouTube, which makes it easier to set up. Just keep in mind it might have some quirks with mixed display setups due to its reliance on X11. If you want something even more similar to Windows, you might also try Zorin OS, which is very user-friendly for new Linux users.
What kind of hardware are you dealing with here?
If you're doing single display on the laptop, Mint should perform well!
If you're considering lightweight options, Lubuntu is great for older laptops and should work nicely. Just make sure to create a bootable USB on another machine to test it out. Remember that running it from USB will be slower than an actual installation, so if the laptop has an HDD, switching to an SSD could massively improve speed and performance.
The Intel Iris Xe is a solid mid-range GPU from 2020, so as long as everything's functioning correctly, Linux should run smoothly on that laptop. Installing Linux isn't too complicated; here’s a quick rundown:
1. First off, disable fast startup in Windows to prevent problems.
2. Pick a Linux distribution (distro). Considering your hardware, I suggest Linux Mint for a Cinnamon desktop, Ubuntu for GNOME, or Kubuntu for KDE Plasma, depending on your preference.
3. Download the ISO file and verify it, just to be safe.
4. Create a bootable USB with either Etcher or Rufus (this will erase any existing data on the USB).
5. Boot from the USB. You’ll usually need to press a certain key while starting up to access the boot menu.
6. Test the distro—check if everything works well and if WiFi is connecting before you commit to installation.
7. Follow the installer instructions, but remember it will wipe everything, so back up anything important!
I think I'll go for something more user-friendly this first time around.