I've been a Windows user for as long as I can remember, but my older laptop isn't compatible with the recent Windows 11 update, so I'm considering switching to Linux. I'm thinking about setting up a partition to keep my Windows files accessible while I transition. I'm quite new to tech stuff, so I could really use some advice on how to make this switch and which Linux version would be best for me. I mainly use my laptop for gaming (mostly Roblox and indie games) and as an artist. I'm hoping to migrate everything I use on Windows, but I'm not sure how to do that properly.
5 Answers
Honestly, if you're looking to keep things simple, back up your files online or on a USB and switch to full Linux instead of dual booting. Dual booting can get tricky, especially with the complications of Windows and other OSs on the same drive. For gaming, Steam works perfectly on Linux, and the Proton compatibility layers have improved a ton! I haven’t faced issues running games on Linux myself.
Just remember, Linux isn’t Windows, so not all your software will work the same. You can try running some programs through Wine, but be prepared for some quirks. For gaming, some titles may work and others might not. Check out ProtonDB for details on game compatibility with Linux—it can help guide you on what to expect!
Make sure you heed the AutoModerator’s advice! There's a lot of good tips to help you through this transition.
If you're new to Linux, I suggest going with Ubuntu or Mint and learn to use the terminal a bit. There’s a lot you can personalize, plus learning Python can be super useful! If you want to dive deeper into coding, you could explore Rust as well. It's a great skill to have on Linux!
First things first, **BACK UP YOUR FILES**. Get a USB drive, and then download Rufus to create a bootable USB for Linux. Choose a Linux distro like Linux Mint Cinnamon, which is pretty user-friendly. Once you have the bootable USB, reboot your laptop and enter the boot menu to boot from the USB. Click the install icon when Mint loads to install it fully. Just a heads up—this process will erase everything, so make sure you save what you need first! It's really straightforward once you get the hang of it!
Thanks for the reminder on backups! Once I switch to Linux, will I still be able to access my old Windows files?
Got it, I'll definitely check ProtonDB. I think Steam has a Linux version, but not sure about Roblox. Hopefully, my favorite games will run!