Hey everyone! I've recently decided to optimize my MSI GF63 Thin 11-SC laptop, which I've had for nearly two years. I've been using it for college, freelance work, coding, gaming on Steam, and digital art with Clip Studio Paint. Unfortunately, I'm really fed up with Windows—it's cluttered, hard to navigate, and I keep losing files in the process of trying to back things up. I've heard a lot of positive feedback about Linux being customizable and efficient. However, since I've never switched operating systems before, I'm quite anxious about losing important files. I'm particularly interested in using Linux Mint if I go for it. Could anyone share their thoughts on how easy and safe it is to make the switch? What should I prepare for to avoid losing anything important? Any personal experiences would be super helpful!
5 Answers
If you're on Windows 11, a good starting point is to use a debloat script like CTT—it's a PowerShell script that reduces unnecessary junk and can help streamline your transition when you're ready to switch to Linux.
Make sure you take regular backups and maybe try things out in a virtual machine (VM) first. That said, you should keep your Windows install until you're completely confident with Linux, especially if you rely on certain programs or games. Linux isn't just a free version of Windows; it’s a totally different system, so take some time to understand it before diving in completely.
Everything's manageable if you keep an open mind. Learning the ropes of a new OS can be challenging, but there are tons of tutorials on YouTube and friendly forums that can help. I found it pretty straightforward, especially with a desktop environment. The more you explore, the more comfortable you'll get with it!
If you want to switch, the first step is definitely to back up all your data. That way, you’ve got a safety net just in case something goes wrong. As for tools, you’ll need a USB installer for Mint, a boot-repair ISO, and GParted Live ISO. It's a bit of work, but setting these up on separate USBs is a smart way to go. If you don’t have many USBs, you might try Ventoy as an alternative. Just keep in mind that it might not work perfectly, so having them separated is better.
A solid approach is to set up a dual boot. Get an external SSD, and install one OS on each disk. That way, you won’t be stuck with an unfamiliar OS only. Also, definitely fire up VirtualBox to practice installing Linux virtually. It's a great way to familiarize yourself with how things work before you go live. Just be ready for the learning curve, and you'll do great!
Totally agree! Testing things out in a VM can really reduce the stress of switching.