What’s the safest way to learn Linux without replacing Windows?

You can also make a bootable USB drive and start Linux in a live session without installing it. Use a tool such as balenaEtcher to write the ISO to a USB drive, then boot the laptop from that drive using the appropriate startup key for the HP. Be aware that creating the bootable drive erases the USB, but the live session should not alter Windows unless you deliberately choose the installation option.

If you eventually want Linux running at full speed, dual-booting is an option. Back up important files first, make sure you understand the partitioning screen, and avoid rushing through the installer. Windows and Linux can share one internal drive, although bootloader or device issues can occasionally require repair. Keeping a Linux installer USB available makes recovery easier. A separate drive is simpler, but not essential.

The safest place to start is a virtual machine. Install VirtualBox or use Hyper-V if your edition of Windows supports it, then download an Ubuntu or Linux Mint ISO and create a virtual machine from it. Linux will run in a window inside Windows, so you can experiment without changing your partitions or boot process. It will be slower than a full installation, but it’s ideal for learning the basics safely.

Linux Mint is probably the most comfortable beginner option, while Ubuntu is also a perfectly reasonable choice and has a huge amount of documentation. Download the ISO only from the distribution’s official website. You can try it in a virtual machine first, then consider installing it properly once you know you’ll use it regularly.

Whichever route you choose, make regular backups and don’t paste commands into a terminal unless you understand what they do. Start with everyday tasks—installing software, managing files, updating the system, and using the terminal—rather than trying to customize everything immediately. Once a virtual machine feels limiting, you’ll be in a much better position to decide whether to use a live USB or dual boot.