I've been using Linux Mint for a while now, but I need Windows 11 for some specific software required in my class, and it doesn't have a Linux version. I'm currently on a bare install of Ubuntu Studio but plan to switch back to Mint. I don't like Windows much, and I won't need it for long—only about 8 months. I'm considering three options: dual booting, using a portable SSD for Windows, or running a VM. Can anyone suggest the best way to go about this?
5 Answers
It really depends on what software you need. If it's something straightforward, consider using Bottles, which might allow it to run smoothly without the need for a full Windows setup.
Opting for a VM with Windows means you'll need a separate license. If your Lenovo came with Windows 11, you might be able to use the OEM key, but that might complicate things if you ever need to reinstall Windows directly. Keep in mind that while you can run Linux as a VM on Windows using Hyper-V, you won't easily access the GPU, and everything will be software-rendered.
Ah, that's something I didn’t think about! Since my laptop has Windows 11 pre-installed, would it be better to reinstall Windows on bare metal and then prepare a dual boot with Mint?
Creating a dual boot with a separate partition for your school data is a solid plan. This way, you can access your files from both Linux and Windows. Linux can read NTFS, and you can set it to mount automatically for easy access. Make sure to install Linux after creating this extra partition to avoid boot selection issues.
Dual booting? Imagine Windows and Linux having a fencing duel! "En garde!" Windows swings, gets a blue screen, and Linux stands ready with a comeback!
If the software you're using isn't too demanding, going with a VM could be a good choice. If you need a bit more performance, dual booting is the way to go. If you decide to go external, having Windows on an external drive is feasible too, though an internal partition of around 120GB should suffice for basic needs. I have to keep Windows myself for some testing software, so I totally understand!
Just a heads up, I've heard dual booting can sometimes mess with Windows updates and boot partitions, so be careful with that.
The software I have is a Windows-specific emulator for a microcontroller, so that might complicate things!