Should I switch from Windows 10 to Linux after upgrading my PC?

Linux Mint is especially beginner-friendly and has a familiar desktop layout. Steam’s Proton compatibility layer supports a large number of games, but competitive titles that require kernel-level anti-cheat may not work. Games such as Call of Duty or League of Legends can be problematic, so check your must-play titles on a compatibility database first. For studying, Linux should be fine if you mainly use a browser and PDF tools, but university-specific applications may still require Windows. Mint’s installer is straightforward for a clean installation, while dual-booting requires more care with partitions and backups.

If you want the simplest Linux hardware experience, AMD graphics are generally easier because of their strong built-in driver support. NVIDIA can work, especially with newer distributions and proprietary drivers, but it may involve more setup and occasional troubleshooting.

The biggest question is whether you rely on any software that only runs on Windows. Browsers, PDFs, Steam, and many everyday applications work well on Linux, but specialized study software or services without Linux support can be a dealbreaker unless you use a virtual machine or keep a Windows installation available. Linux Mint is a comfortable starting point for new users. Before committing, create a live USB—possibly with Ventoy and several distribution images—and test your hardware, websites, and essential applications without installing anything.