Should I switch my Dell Inspiron 15 3525 from Windows 11 to Linux?

Try Linux alongside Windows first with a dual-boot setup rather than replacing Windows immediately. Valorant is the major problem because its kernel-level anti-cheat does not work on Linux, so you’ll need Windows for that. Minecraft Java, Stardew Valley, and many other games generally work well, while compatibility for competitive multiplayer games can vary. Back up your academic files, game saves, and other important data to a separate drive before changing partitions.

Most of your school and teaching work should be fine in a browser, and LibreOffice can handle many ordinary documents and presentations. The things to verify before switching are school-specific requirements such as lockdown browsers, special network authentication, Microsoft Office compatibility, or other Windows-only software. Linux can work very well, but sometimes you have to accept alternatives or reduced functionality.

Linux may feel lighter and more responsive, but it won’t turn the 5500U into a faster processor. Check Windows for overheating, excessive startup programs, storage problems, and faulty drivers first. With 16 GB of RAM, the laptop should be adequate for browser work and lighter games, but integrated graphics and CPU limits can still affect gaming and multitasking.

For a beginner, choose a stable, mainstream option such as Linux Mint, Ubuntu LTS, Fedora Workstation, or Fedora KDE. KDE Plasma may feel more familiar if you are coming from Windows, while GNOME has a different, simpler layout. The monitor should work normally with any of these distributions. You can also test the system from a live USB before installing it.

Don’t wipe Windows until you’ve tested everything you need. Boot a live Linux USB, check Wi-Fi, sound, sleep mode, graphics, the external monitor, and your usual applications. Then keep a full backup and use dual boot for a while. That gives you a reliable fallback if a class, game, or work task requires Windows.