I want to install Linux Mint on a computer currently running Windows 11, but I'm specifically curious about doing it without booting from a USB stick. I already have a USB drive, so this is mainly for learning. I'm interested in replacing Windows rather than merely running Mint as an application, though alternatives such as virtual machines are also worth explaining.
3 Answers
If you want Linux Mint to replace Windows, the normal approach is to boot the Mint installer from a USB drive. Without USB, you could use a bootable CD or DVD if the computer has an optical drive, or possibly network booting, but those options are less convenient and more complicated. Make a complete, verified backup first because replacing Windows can erase the drive.
The practical answer is to use the USB stick you already have. It’s the cheapest, simplest, and most reliable route. If avoiding USB is the point of the experiment, a DVD is the straightforward alternative, assuming the computer can read and boot from one.
If you only want to try Mint without changing the Windows installation, install it in VirtualBox or Hyper-V and boot the Mint ISO inside a virtual machine. That’s the safest option for experimenting, but it won’t give you the same performance or hardware access as a normal installation.
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