Can I Install Linux Over Windows 10 and Keep My Programs?

Switching to Linux is definitely like moving to a different world, much like going to macOS. The way software is installed varies a lot. You'll want to look for native Linux versions of your favorite apps, but if they're not available, there are alternatives out there, such as LibreOffice instead of Microsoft Word. For those programs that have no Linux equivalent, you can try using Wine to run Windows applications, but compatibility can be hit or miss.

You're right; both Windows and Linux are entirely different operating systems with their own kernels. So, programs designed for Windows won't work on Linux. If you go ahead with a clean install of Linux, you'd need to redownload all your programs. If your programs are on a separate drive, there might be some ways to run them using Wine, but it's not guaranteed. Consider dual-booting if you want to keep using some Windows programs while exploring Linux!

You're spot on about needing to reinstall everything! Linux has a different filesystem entirely, so all those .exe installers from Windows won't work. Instead, Linux uses package managers which function a bit like app stores for easy installations. For any software that doesn’t have a Linux version, you might be able to find an alternative or use Wine to run Windows programs. It can be a hassle, so weigh your options carefully before making the leap!

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is more of a smooth upgrade, where your files and apps remain intact. However, switching to Linux is like starting fresh. You can't just carry over your Windows user directory to Linux, so yes, you'll need to reinstall all your apps as if you're getting a new system. The good news is that Linux can also upgrade within its own distributions without losing your files and apps, like moving from Ubuntu 25.04 to 25.08.