I'm considering leaving Windows 11 because I'm uncomfortable with its bundled software, data collection, resource usage, and some recent update problems. My computer use is pretty simple: browsing the web, watching movies and YouTube, and playing games.
The main concern is multiplayer compatibility. I regularly play Battlefield 1 and 4, The Finals, ARC Raiders, Fortnite, Wobbly Life, Fall Guys, Marvel Rivals, and Titanfall 2. I understand that many Steam games work through Proton, but some games may be blocked by anti-cheat systems. I don't want to lose access to several games I've already invested time in.
Would Linux be worth trying for this kind of use, or would Windows 10 be a better temporary alternative? I'm also considering dual-booting so I can test Linux before fully switching.
3 Answers
Check each game individually before switching. Steam games often work well through Proton, but multiplayer games using certain anti-cheat systems can be unavailable or unreliable on Linux. Fortnite, the Battlefield games, Titanfall 2, and Fall Guys may be deal-breakers depending on their current anti-cheat support. A compatibility database such as ProtonDB can help, but user reports can change after game updates.
The practical answer is to dual-boot. Keep Windows available for games that require it, and use Linux for browsing, media, and compatible games. You can install Linux on a second SSD or test it from a USB drive first. That lets you learn the system without immediately giving up anything, and you can gradually decide whether Windows is still necessary.
I hadn’t considered dual-booting seriously at first, but after researching it more, that seems like the safest way to try Linux. I’ll use Linux as much as possible and keep Windows only for games that need it.
Don’t downgrade to Windows 10 as your long-term solution. It has reached the end of its normal security-support period, so using it online leaves you with an increasingly outdated and vulnerable system. Linux Mint, Fedora KDE, Bazzite, or another beginner-friendly distribution would be safer choices, though each may require a little adjustment.
That makes sense. I was initially thinking Windows 10 would be a safer compromise, but the lack of continued security updates makes Linux seem like the better direction.
That’s the part I’m trying to weigh up. If Fortnite is the only game I permanently lose, I can probably live with that, but losing several of my regular multiplayer games would be harder to justify.