I'm considering making the jump from Windows to Linux Mint because my laptop has been sluggish since day one due to Windows bloat. While I'm new to Linux, I've heard Mint is user-friendly and stable. I primarily use my laptop for DMing on Roll20, browsing the web, and working with Google Docs and Sheets. I mainly run Steam and Discord on it, with occasional gaming that includes MTG Arena and League of Legends—though I realize League won't function on Linux.
My laptop is a Lenovo touchscreen model that can convert to a tablet, and I frequently use the active stylus for taking notes and drawing during sessions. I'm worried about whether the stylus, touchscreen, and other features like the auto keyboard function will work with Mint.
Before I make the leap, I have some questions:
- How hard is it to revert back to Windows if I decide to? Do I need to keep track of my product code?
- How well does Steam operate on Mint? Is the installation process straightforward like on my Steam Deck?
- What's the installation process for Mint like? Is it similar to the way Windows installs are handled?
- Will the stylus, touchscreen, and keyboard features be functional on Mint? Is there a better distro suited for my laptop?
- Does the fingerprint scanner work on Mint for locking and unlocking my laptop?
3 Answers
Switching back to Windows is usually pretty simple! You shouldn't need a product code since Windows is tied to your motherboard. Just create a USB with the installer to get back to Windows if needed.
For Steam, it runs great on Mint! You can just install it directly from the Software Manager without any complicated steps—much like on your Steam Deck. Mint is pretty streamlined for that.
Installing Mint is quite similar to installing Windows. Just download the .iso file from the Mint website and create a bootable USB drive, which you can test first without installing anything. You can also dual boot if you'd like to keep Windows around!
Mint's installation guide on their site is super helpful if you need a visual aid. Plenty of video tutorials out there, too!
The touchscreen and stylus functions may work well on Mint. I've installed Mint on Lenovo laptops before, and the touchscreen feature has worked just fine. Just be sure to test it with a live USB. The fingerprint scanner can be hit or miss—some work while others don’t, so checking your specific model helps.
Just a heads-up: make sure to disable Secure Boot in your BIOS if you're using NVIDIA drivers! It helps avoid any potential driver issues.