I've been considering making the switch to Linux and I have some experience with it, particularly installing Mint on refurbished PCs. However, I'm an avid gamer and I've heard that gaming on Linux has improved, but it still lags behind Windows in terms of stability and modern features like ray tracing.
I've set up dual-boot machines before, and I loved customizing the boot menu to visually represent the choices. I'm looking for something modern that can do this too.
While I know virtual machines (VMs) can let you run Windows and Linux simultaneously, I'd prefer to avoid that additional layer. Ideally, I want to boot into Windows 11 from my Linux desktop and back to Linux from Windows 11 without going through a full boot sequence. Is there a way to achieve this these days?
5 Answers
Unfortunately, the only way to seamlessly switch between Windows and Linux without going through a boot sequence is to use a virtual machine. Your PC can boot into only one operating system at a time. But if you're just gaming occasionally, the restart may not be that disruptive.
Also, VMs might have performance hits for gaming, depending on how resource-intensive the games are. So, if gaming is your main concern, sticking to dual booting might be the way to go.
While it's true that dual-booting might come with some hassles, it's not unmanageable. You can also use a one-time boot menu to access the other OS without interrupting your workflow too much. It really depends on how often you need to switch back and forth!
Just keep in mind that gaming on Linux has its limits, especially with games that have anti-cheat measures.
Honestly, if you're mostly using Linux and just need Windows for a few games, the restart won't take too long on an SSD. But if you're seriously gaming, consider sticking with a dedicated Windows setup for those specific tasks. It can save a lot of hassle!
You've hit the nail on the head regarding gaming. Even though Linux gaming is improving, many titles require Windows. If you do decide to test Linux out, consider putting Windows on a separate SSD so you can easily boot into it when needed. It would also save you from potential issues with corrupted boot files that I've experienced before.
Switching between Windows and Linux without a full reboot isn't really possible these days. However, you might find convenience in running separate machines for each OS, as this allows both to be powered on simultaneously. If that's feasible for you, it might be worth the investment!
If you spend most of your time on Linux and just game occasionally on Windows, a quick reboot could be manageable.
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