I've got an ASUS TUF A15 laptop with an NVIDIA GTX 1650 and a Ryzen 5 4600H processor. I'm considering making the switch from Windows 11 to Linux mainly for privacy reasons, and I've heard it can be fun (though I'm a little worried about potentially bricking my laptop!). I also find Linux is open-source and less demanding on RAM and storage. I have a 16GB pen drive I could use to try out Linux, but I'm unsure if switching completely from Windows is a good idea. I previously asked about dual-booting, but there were mixed opinions. Now I'm leaning toward fully switching, yet I still feel anxious about what could happen. Any suggestions or experiences to share?
2 Answers
Before making any big changes, make sure your data is backed up—altering BIOS or disk setups can lead to data loss. A great step would be to explore the FAQs or guides available to get informed. Also, consider running Linux in a virtual machine (VM) initially to test it out without fully committing, so you can see if it fits your needs!
You might want to try dual-booting as a first step. Just keep in mind that sometimes Windows updates can mess with the boot loader setup. However, if you're planning on switching entirely, check if your games and coding tools run well on Linux. It really depends on your personal needs—everyone's use cases are different! Also, since 16GB isn't huge for a full install, consider using the pen drive to create a live Linux environment to test it out before making the leap.
I mainly use my laptop for coding and web browsing, and I've been having RAM issues with Windows, so I thought Linux might help. I also use VSCode and MySQL for school and dabble in Blender sometimes. Rarely, I play games, but I don't depend on it for gaming. Just looking for a smoother experience!