I'm considering making the switch from Windows to Linux Mint but I need some advice. My laptop, a Lenovo Flex 7i, isn't performing well due to Windows bloat, and I'm exploring if Mint could be a better option. I mostly use my laptop for DMing on Roll20, web surfing, Google Docs, and I also have Steam and Discord installed. While I do my gaming mainly on my Steam Deck, I play a couple of games like MTG Arena and League of Legends on my laptop.
One of my main concerns is whether Mint will support my touchscreen functionalities and active stylus, as I rely on these features heavily. I'm also curious about the installation process, compatibility with Steam, and my ability to switch back to Windows if needed. Can anyone who has experience with Mint or Linux shed some light on this?
5 Answers
I've installed Mint on a Lenovo Flex myself, and the touchscreen and stylus worked perfectly. You might need to tweak some settings, but overall, it should be smooth sailing. Just keep in mind that not all fingerprint scanners work on Linux. It's worth Googling your model to see if there are specific drivers or support for it.
Honestly, I don't think anyone should have to 'convince' you to switch. It's a personal choice, and you might find benefits or drawbacks depending on your needs. Just try Mint out; if it doesn't feel right, you can always switch back or try another distro. And remember, backing up your data before making any big changes is super important!
Yes, installing Mint is similar to Windows. You download the Mint .iso file, make a bootable USB, and then install from there. You can even test how Mint runs using a live USB before committing to the full installation. As for your touchscreen and stylus, they generally work well on Mint, though you might want to check compatibility specifics based on your model.
Don't stress about switching back to Windows; your Windows license is tied to the motherboard, so you won't need a product key. You can just create an installer USB to reinstall Windows if necessary. Installing Steam on Mint is straightforward; just download it from the Software Manager and it should work like on your Deck. Make sure to disable Secure Boot in BIOS if you have NVIDIA drivers since they'll work better without it.
Switching to Mint is a great choice for most users. For Discord, consider using Vesktop as it tends to have better support on Linux for screen sharing.
Vesktop has its perks but it doesn't support global keybinds, which can be tough for gaming if you're using push-to-talk.