I'm almost ready to move to Linux and have chosen Linux Mint Cinnamon. I've already prepared a USB drive, but I'm unsure whether I should dual-boot it alongside Windows or replace Windows entirely. As far as I can tell, everything I currently do should work on Linux, and I'm comfortable learning a new operating system. My biggest concern is going through the effort of setting up dual boot and then barely ever using Windows. I also have one game that only officially supports Windows, although I've heard Wine might work for it. What setup would you recommend, and what are the safest steps for installing Mint alongside Windows?
4 Answers
A clean Linux installation with Windows in a virtual machine is another option, but it’s usually less convenient for games and may require enough RAM and CPU capacity. For a first migration, dual boot is simpler and gives you better native performance in both systems. If you eventually stop using Windows, you can remove its partitions later and expand the Linux installation.
Before committing, try Mint from the USB in live mode. Test your Wi-Fi, sound, graphics, printers, multiple monitors, and any important applications. Also check the game’s compatibility separately, since Wine support varies by game and anti-cheat systems can be a major limitation. Once you’re satisfied, install Mint, keep a Windows recovery option available, and avoid deleting the Windows partitions until you’re certain you no longer need them.
If you have two drives, installing Mint on its own drive is usually the least stressful option. It keeps the operating systems separated and reduces the chance of a Windows update interfering with the Linux bootloader. During installation, select the correct drive carefully and back up anything important first. If you only had one drive, shrinking the Windows partition and using the resulting free space for Mint would also work.
Dual boot is a useful safety net when you’re new to Linux. You may find that you almost never use Windows, but keeping it available helps with that one game or any software that turns out not to work properly. Before installing, back up your files, disable Windows Fast Startup, create the Mint USB, and check that the installer is booting in the same UEFI mode as Windows. After installation, the boot menu should let you choose either system at startup.
That seems like the best compromise. I can use Mint normally and still have Windows available while I test whether Wine or another compatibility tool handles the game.
I do have two hard drives, so installing Mint on the separate one sounds like a good approach. I’ll make sure to back everything up and verify which drive I’m selecting.