I recently got a Steam Machine running SteamOS and have really enjoyed using it. Since I'm interested in learning more about Linux, I'm considering replacing Windows on two laptops: one older machine that barely ran Windows 10 and another few-years-old primary laptop currently running Windows 11. I've installed operating systems before, but I'm still new to Linux. How difficult is a typical Linux installation compared with installing Windows? Which distribution would be a good starting point? Ubuntu was my first thought, but I like SteamOS's KDE-style desktop and gaming-focused approach. I also have a 128GB SSD and a 1TB hard drive in the primary laptop. If I do a fresh installation, will the installer let me choose how to use each drive, and do I need to format them beforehand?
4 Answers
For a SteamOS-like experience, Bazzite is worth looking at, especially if the main laptop has an Nvidia GPU. It follows the same general immutable, gaming-oriented approach while offering broader hardware support and a more conventional installer. If you want something less locked down and better suited to learning how Linux works, Fedora, Linux Mint, Kubuntu, or another standard distribution may be a better fit.
Linux drivers are generally supplied through the kernel and distribution repositories, and most ordinary laptop hardware should work automatically during or after installation. Older, well-supported hardware is usually easier than brand-new components. Graphics hardware can be the main exception, particularly Nvidia, so check the distribution’s hardware guidance and install the recommended proprietary driver if needed. For applications, use the distribution’s package manager or software center rather than downloading random installers from websites. Gaming through Steam is well supported, but Linux uses different workflows and settings than Windows, so expect a little adjustment while learning.
Before wiping the Windows 11 laptop, try a few distributions on the older machine or run them from a live USB. Use the one that feels comfortable for a couple of weeks. KDE Plasma will feel familiar if you like SteamOS, so Kubuntu or Fedora KDE are reasonable choices. Bazzite is also a good gaming option, while Mint is a friendly traditional desktop. Keep the newer Windows installation intact until you’re confident your hardware and software work properly.
The installation itself is usually straightforward: download the distribution’s ISO, write it to a USB drive with a tool such as Rufus, Balena Etcher, Ventoy, or Fedora Media Writer, boot from the USB, and follow the prompts. In many cases it’s easier than Windows because there are fewer account and privacy-related steps. The main place to be careful is disk partitioning. If you choose to erase the target drive, everything on it will be deleted, so make a verified backup first. You generally do not need to pre-format the drives; the installer can create the appropriate Linux partitions and filesystems. You can install the system on the SSD and use the larger hard drive for files, but check the manual partitioning screen carefully so you select the intended devices.
I’m planning a fresh install and already use a 2TB external drive for backups. I’ll make sure everything important is copied there and pay close attention to which drive is being erased.
Bazzite sounds particularly useful for the primary laptop since it has Nvidia graphics. I’ll compare it with a more traditional distribution before deciding.