I have a Dell Inspiron 15 7000 Gaming laptop from around 2018. It has a 7th-generation Intel Core i5 and still handles my usual tasks well, including emulators, lighter games, streaming to my TV with Steam Link, and work. Windows 11 says the laptop does not meet the upgrade requirements, and my additional Windows 10 support is nearly over, so I'm considering switching to Linux. I'm completely new to Linux and would mainly use it for gaming. Which beginner-friendly distribution would be a good fit?
4 Answers
Before deciding, check the exact laptop hardware—especially the graphics chip, Wi-Fi adapter, and whether it uses switchable graphics. A 2018 laptop would often support Secure Boot, so it may be worth checking the precise model and firmware settings too. You can test a distribution from a USB drive before installing, and keep a backup of your files either way.
Bazzite is probably worth trying. It’s designed around gaming, comes with much of the setup you need, and its immutable design makes it difficult to accidentally break the system. Keep in mind that some games—particularly multiplayer titles using restrictive anti-cheat software—may not work properly on Linux.
Linux Mint would be a sensible starting point for a first-time user: it’s stable, familiar, and has plenty of documentation. If you want newer software, Fedora could be a good alternative. Solus is another polished desktop option, though its software repositories are smaller, so check that the applications you need are available through its packages or Flatpak.
For the smoothest transition from Windows, Zorin OS is a friendly option. Its desktop feels familiar, hardware support is generally straightforward, and you can do most everyday tasks without touching the terminal. Linux Mint, Fedora, and Ubuntu are also common beginner choices if you prefer something with a larger user base and more guides.
That shouldn’t affect me too much since I mostly avoid newer multiplayer games, especially on this older laptop. I may give Bazzite a try.