With Windows 10 support dwindling and Windows 11 still feeling like a work in progress four years after launch, switching to Linux is one of the best ways of ensuring Microsoft doesn’t kill your computer. However, the transition isn’t as simple as installing another OS on your system and calling it a day.
As easy as using Linux has become, switching from Windows will still have a few road bumps in the way. When I made the switch to Linux, some surprises caught me off guard. Thankfully, a little awareness and some research will make your switch much easier.
5
Start with the right distro
Not all Linux distros are easy to use
The most important aspect to keep in mind when switching to Linux is picking the right distribution. Now there are dozens of options that you can try as a Linux newcomer, but there are some distros you should stay away from.
One of the best Linux distros to start with is Linux Mint. It offers significantly better performance and battery life, the interface is quite similar to Windows, and it supports just about every Linux application under the sun. Mint is one of the safest and most intuitive Linux distros that wouldn’t break even if you tried.
You should be able to run Mint on most old PCs. In case you run into performance issues, there are lightweight Linux distros that’ll make your slow PC fast. These also happen to be more user-friendly, so you’re good to go.
AnduinOS is also a great alternative. In fact, it resembles Windows 11 even more than Linux Mint. It’s a clean and simple OS to use that’ll make your transition seamless. And if you’re into gaming, AnduinOS supports Steam out of the box, which will quickly make you realize that Linux is actually the better OS for gaming.
The Linux distro you choose for the switch can make or break the transition. It’s much better to start with an easy-to-understand distro and get to grips with the basics of Linux because it’s a completely different OS from Windows.
4
Research Linux alternatives for your programs
Not every Windows program is available on Linux
Switching to Linux only to realize there’s no Linux equivalent of the Windows programs you use can be a headache. Instead of learning this the hard way and spending hours, if not days, juggling OSes, it’s best if you plan and ensure all programs you use either have Linux versions or alternatives.
The Linux ecosystem has matured quite a lot, and you will find alternatives for just about everything. This is more a matter of finding worthy, and often free, alternatives that you never knew existed. Some of these alternatives can even be better than the programs you were using on Windows. GIMP, for example, can outperform Photoshop in several key areas.
Regular programs like web browsers and document editing suites will work without any hiccups. Most browsers have a Linux version, and Google Docs or Libre Office are excellent alternatives to Microsoft Office. That said, if you’re a creative professional who uses Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, or DaVinci Resolve, alternatives can feel underpowered.
The entire Adobe suite isn’t supported on Linux. You can use programs like GIMP instead of Photoshop and RawTherapee instead of Lightroom, but you’ll have to learn them from scratch and rebuild entire workflows. You can technically run DaVinci Resolve on Linux, but the user experience isn’t great.
If you’re a fan of your RGB peripherals, say goodbye to customizable profiles and custom RGB lighting as well. Most manufacturers don’t have a Linux equivalent for their proprietary software. My Stream Deck Neo turned into a brick when I first switched to Linux, requiring all sorts of different hacks and third-party programs to get it running again.
Additionally, if you use a particularly niche program, there’s a chance it might not be available for Linux. If this is something you absolutely need for work or study, a Linux switch is out of the picture. And trust me, it’s way better to figure this out before you’ve spent hours installing and setting up Linux.
3
Dual booting is the way to go
Leaving Windows doesn’t close all doors
You don’t have to ditch Windows entirely to start using Linux. Dual-booting Linux is easier than you think and keeps your Windows installation intact in case you need to go back.
Dual-booting is also the best way to ensure you’re getting the best possible performance for both OSes. You could instead use a virtual machine to run Linux, but you’ll have to face configuration and compatibility issues with programs from time to time. It’s an incredibly easy way to deal with situations where a specific program or game keeps you tied to Windows, but you use Linux for everything else.
Depending on how much data you want to store in each OS, you will perhaps need an extra storage drive. However, in my experience, it’s enough to carve out a 1TB storage drive in three partitions—one for Linux, one for Windows, and one for common storage.
The installation process doesn’t vary either. If you’re using Linux Mint, the installer even asks you whether you want to erase the disk and install Mint or keep it alongside your Windows installation, making the process easy to follow.
2
Master the terminal early
Those commands are there for a reason
There’s a good chance you’ve never used or heard of a terminal before if you’re a Windows or macOS user coming to Linux. Once you switch, you still don’t have to touch it, depending on the distro. However, I recommend getting comfortable with the Linux terminal as soon as possible.
Linux’s true power lies in the terminal. Package management, system configuration, file operations, and most of all, troubleshooting become far more efficient. You’ll also find most Linux guides using the terminal. That’s because a terminal command will function identically on every Linux installation, as compared to GUIs, which can vary from distro to distro.
The learning curve can be steep, and basic commands like ls, cd, cp, mv, grep, and many others will feel useless in the beginning. But once you get comfortable with it and start working with terminal tools, you’ll almost never want to go back to a GUI-based one. Tools like cron, combined with the ability to write bash scripts, will let you set up system automations with ease and are well worth the effort.
Those forums are information gold mines
Last but not least, participate in the Linux community. There’s no shortage of Linux forums, subreddits, and online communities on social media platforms that are gold mines of information.
Most of my Linux knowledge comes from playing around with different tools and distros and reading forum posts and subreddits. If you’re starting with Linux Mint, I’ll recommend joining the official Linux Mint forums, the Linux Mint subreddit, and the community Discord server.
You don’t need to start posting every day to get value out of these communities—just scrolling through them can help. Besides, in case you get stuck doing something or need help fixing a problem, these communities can be a great resource.
Switching from Windows to Linux isn’t just about changing OSes. It also involves learning an entirely new OS, using new programs, and venturing into the unknown.
You might not like it at first, but if you stick with it, you’ll end up with a much better understanding of your computer, all while breaking free from invasive OSes and expensive subscriptions. Take it one step at a time, be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Before you know it, you’ll wonder why you waited this long to switch.
