What Linux distribution should I choose for learning on a low-end laptop?

Create a bootable USB and use the distribution’s live session before installing. Test Wi-Fi, sound, the microphone, Bluetooth, display brightness, touchpad gestures, sleep and resume, external monitors, and video playback. If those work in the live environment, the installed system will usually be fine too. Back up your files, save your Windows recovery information and product details, and keep another computer or phone available in case you need to look up instructions.

I wouldn’t start with Arch unless you specifically want troubleshooting and installation itself to be part of the challenge. Arch can teach you a lot, but you don’t need it to learn Linux, and a small configuration mistake can leave you with more work than expected. Start with Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora, or Debian, then try Arch later in a virtual machine, a second installation, or a separate computer.

You can keep Windows temporarily instead of making the change irreversible. Dual-booting is one option, although it can require extra care with partitions, Windows updates, and boot settings. A safer learning setup is installing Linux on another drive or using a virtual machine. Once you’ve confirmed that your software and hardware work well, you can remove Windows later. Separate home storage can make reinstalling another distribution easier, but it is not a substitute for backups.

Linux Mint is probably the easiest starting point, especially with the Xfce desktop if you want to keep resource usage low. It gives you a familiar, stable desktop without preventing you from learning the terminal, package management, and system administration. Ubuntu, Fedora, or Debian would also work, but Mint is a comfortable first choice.

Before wiping Windows, check both your hardware and your everyday software. Search for your exact laptop model along with Linux and look for reports about Wi-Fi, audio, fingerprint readers, suspend, brightness controls, and battery life. Also make sure the applications you depend on have Linux versions or acceptable alternatives. Many programs can be tested on Windows first, and some Windows-only software may work through compatibility tools, but you should verify this before committing.