Windows 11 feels increasingly restrictive and cluttered on my laptop, so I'm considering switching to Linux. Are there reliable beginner-friendly guides for making the change? I'd also like to know whether Lunar Client, Roblox, and Valorant work on Linux. If Valorant requires Windows, can I keep both operating systems on the same computer without significantly hurting performance?
4 Answers
Lunar Client generally works on Linux, and Roblox is possible through compatibility projects, although it may take some setup and can break after updates. Valorant is the major problem: its kernel-level anti-cheat does not currently support Linux, so there isn’t a distro that will run it reliably.
Linux isn’t a one-for-one replacement for Windows, so check the applications and games you rely on before committing. A good approach is to create a bootable USB, run the distribution in a live session, and test your Wi-Fi, graphics, sound, touchpad, and other hardware without installing anything. You can also try it in a virtual machine first. Beginner-friendly choices include Fedora, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Zorin, Bazzite, or CachyOS, depending on whether you want a general desktop or gaming-focused setup.
Before replacing Windows, make a list of the programs and games you use and check their Linux compatibility. Steam games can often work through Proton, but games using strict anti-cheat systems may not. Testing from a live USB is usually the best first step, and you can always keep Windows installed until you’re confident Linux covers your needs.
You can install Linux alongside Windows using a dual-boot setup. Linux won’t meaningfully reduce performance when you’re using Windows because only one operating system runs at a time; the main cost is storage space. Select the operating system from a boot menu when the computer starts. Back up important files and be careful with partitioning, especially if device encryption or Secure Boot is enabled.
That’s because Vanguard uses low-level Windows security features and blocks Linux. If Valorant is important, keeping Windows available is the safest option.