What’s the best way to start learning Linux as a longtime Windows user?

If gaming is your main reason for switching, Bazzite can be a convenient option because it is designed around a smooth gaming setup. Just remember that Linux compatibility depends on each game, launcher, anti-cheat system, and peripheral. Test your most important games before replacing Windows, and keep Windows available if you rely on software that doesn’t run well on Linux.

A virtual machine is a safe place to begin. Install VirtualBox or VMware Workstation Pro, create a few Linux virtual machines, and experiment without changing your main Windows installation. You can learn the desktop, terminal, updates, and software installation process, then decide whether you want to install Linux for real.

I’d avoid starting with an advanced rolling-release distribution unless you specifically want to learn system administration. Arch-based systems can require more troubleshooting, and frequent updates occasionally introduce problems. Begin with something stable and well-supported, then explore other distributions once you understand the basics.

Linux Mint is often an easy transition from Windows, and Fedora with KDE is another beginner-friendly choice. Fedora gets newer software while Debian-based systems tend to prioritize stability and may ship older versions. I’d start with Mint or Fedora in a virtual machine, then move to a full installation only after checking that your hardware and essential software work.

You can also use a browser-based Linux demo such as DistroSea to try different distributions and desktop environments without installing anything. Package managers do vary: Debian and Ubuntu commonly use apt, Fedora uses dnf, and Arch-based systems use pacman. You don’t need to memorize them immediately—the graphical software center handles many everyday installs.