What Linux distribution and installation steps are best for a ThinkPad T14 Gen 2?

If you still need Windows-only programs, keeping Windows in a separate partition can be more practical than trying to make every application work through compatibility layers. A dual-boot setup lets you use Linux day to day while retaining Windows for tools such as specialized business or engineering software. Make sure you have a complete backup and understand the partitioning options before installing.

Linux Mint is a solid starting point because it’s straightforward and generally works well on common laptop hardware. Before installing, check the official installation documentation, back up your important files, create a bootable USB drive, and test the live environment first. From there, the installer will guide you through either replacing Windows or installing Linux alongside it.

The biggest thing to check before switching is software compatibility. Adobe applications and the full desktop version of Microsoft Office can be difficult to run reliably on Linux. LibreOffice and other open-source programs can handle many documents, and web versions of office software may be enough for basic work, but complex formatting, macros, and real-time collaboration may not transfer perfectly.

A Ventoy USB drive is useful if you want to try several distributions. Install Ventoy on a flash drive, copy the Linux ISO files onto it, boot the ThinkPad from the drive, and choose which one to test. Try the live versions of Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora, or openSUSE and see which desktop and workflow feel most comfortable. You may occasionally need to adjust Secure Boot or Fast Boot settings in the firmware, depending on the distribution.