Hey everyone! I'm currently using Windows 11 and I'm really interested in trying out Linux, mainly for its customization options that Windows lacks. I have a decent setup with a Ryzen 5 5600X, RX 570 (8GB), 16GB RAM, and a B-550f ROG motherboard.
I'm particularly keen on a specific theme I found on GitHub. I believe it runs on Arch Linux, but I'm not well-versed on how different distros work. For what I do, gaming and music production, I want to know if Linux can handle my gaming needs, especially for titles like Cyberpunk 2077, GTA 5, Dead by Daylight, and Roblox, all via Steam or the EA Launcher. I also rely on Ableton Live for music production, which I know doesn't work natively on Linux, and that's partly why I want to dual boot.
I'm curious about how to set up a dual boot with Linux on my 1TB D: drive while keeping Windows on my 500GB C: drive. Can I access files between the two operating systems? Will I need to reinstall my GPU drivers? And can I choose which OS loads by default? I know this is a lot, but I'm eager to get started and appreciate any help!
4 Answers
Honestly, you might hit a few roadblocks with what you want to do on Linux. For things like Ableton Live and some of the games you mentioned, expect some compatibility issues. Dual booting is probably your best bet if you want to keep using Windows for those tasks.
I recommend looking for a detailed guide on dual booting, especially for Arch, since it's not super beginner-friendly. The Arch wiki is a good resource, although it can be complex. For the theme you're interested in, you’ll want a minimal Arch install and programs like yay and git. If all of that feels overwhelming, consider starting with a Linux distro that’s easier to set up, then you can try Arch later. Most of your hardware should work fine, and you probably won’t need to reinstall GPU drivers!
Think about whether you’re ready to dive into learning a lot of new stuff. If you think you can handle it, then go for it! If not, no worries – sticking with Windows is totally fine.
If you're considering Arch, just be aware that it involves a steep learning curve compared to other distros. The theme you liked can actually run on any popular Linux distro with the right window manager, so maybe you don’t need to lock yourself into Arch right away. Just keep in mind that Xbox Game Pass won’t play nicely with Linux, as it requires Microsoft’s ecosystem to function correctly.
Definitely do a full backup of your Windows system before you even think about dual booting. For CachyOS, there's plenty of YouTube tutorials on how to set it up alongside Windows 11, and the default install settings work really well if you’re a beginner. Once it’s set up, you can customize it later!
I’d just like to add that Roblox does work on a client called Sober on Arch, so that’s one game you can still enjoy!