I'm new to Linux and considering installing Linux Mint on my new PC because I'd like an alternative to Windows. I'm not very technical, so I'm looking for a beginner-friendly installation guide and the official download location. I currently use Clipchamp and DaVinci Resolve for video editing, and I play games through Steam, Battle.net, Epic Games, and other launchers. How well would those work on Linux Mint? I also need to use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams. Would I still be able to access or edit those files? Finally, if Linux doesn't work out, can I reinstall Windows later, or would installing Linux permanently lock me out?
5 Answers
Linux Mint can be downloaded from the official Linux Mint website. For installation, download the ISO, use a tool such as Rufus or balenaEtcher to write it to an 8GB-or-larger USB drive, boot the PC from that USB, and follow the installer. The exact boot-menu key varies by motherboard, but it’s commonly F2, F8, F12, Delete, or Escape. Before installing, back up important files and check whether your hardware—especially Wi-Fi and graphics—has Linux support. You can also test Mint from the USB before making changes to the drive.
Installing Linux does not permanently lock the computer to Linux. You can reinstall Windows later using a Windows installation USB. You can also keep Windows and Linux together with a dual-boot setup, although that is more complicated and requires careful partitioning. For a first attempt, backing up your data and testing Mint from a live USB is the safest approach.
Microsoft Office desktop applications don’t have official Linux versions, but you can use Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams through their web versions. LibreOffice is included or easily installed and can open common Office files, while OnlyOffice often preserves Word and PowerPoint formatting more closely. Clipchamp is a Microsoft web app and won’t have a native Linux desktop version, so Kdenlive or Blender are possible alternatives. DaVinci Resolve can run on Linux, although setup and hardware compatibility may require some extra work.
Gaming is mixed. Many Steam games work well through Proton, but check each title’s rating and reports on ProtonDB before switching. Single-player games are often straightforward, while multiplayer games with restrictive anti-cheat systems may not work at all. For Epic and some other stores, Heroic Games Launcher is a useful option because the official launchers may not support Linux. Battle.net compatibility also varies by game and may require additional setup, so check the specific titles rather than assuming the whole platform will work.
After checking my preferred games, I found that several online titles don’t work because of anti-cheat restrictions. That’s probably the biggest issue for gamers considering Linux.
If your work depends heavily on the full desktop versions of Microsoft Office, Clipchamp, or particular multiplayer games, dual-booting may be more practical than replacing Windows completely. Linux Mint is beginner-friendly, but compatibility is very application-specific, so make a list of the programs and games you use most and check each one before installing.
I’m mainly looking at Mint because it feels more familiar than other Linux versions. I’ll spend more time researching compatibility and testing it first rather than installing immediately.