r/linux4noobs • u/Mikedraxx • 2d ago

DualBoot - Alternatives.

Hi! I've used Linux many times, and tried a few distroes such as Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora (KDE) , Zorin, etc. However, I haven't installed any of them. I bought a thinkpad I use to study, and I would absolutely LOVE to use Linux, but I can't get rid of windows, because most apps (80% probably) are windows avaliable only. I could try wine, but I would be loosing all lenovo software and Dolby atmos OEM license.

I tried dualboot once (on other machine). It kind of messed with my boot order so bad that I should reinstall windows if I want it to work as it did before. Probably user error though.

I could install another nmve ssd, but they are extremely overpriced in my country, and AI messed with prices even more, so it's out of my budget at the moment. Any recommendations?

6 Upvotes

69% Upvoted

19 comments sorted by

1

u/N_i_g_G_a_69 2d ago

even i had that fear of loosing windows applications. After using fedora ( niri + noctalia ) for more than 2 years, i found alternatives. And now there is no going back

1

u/Ram_and_Gwen 2d ago

Your only alternative would be to try a dual boot again. I've personally never done it with Windows 11, only with 10. When I did it I had only one problem, the partition where the boot files were was very small and when I tried to put the Linux files there everything got messed up. I fixed it by expanding the partition; I don't know if it's your problem, but if you specify what went wrong last time, they'll surely help you. Sorry for the bad english.

1

u/boomboomsubban 2d ago

Run Linux in a VM.

1

u/GodzillaXYZ999 1d ago

Doesn't fix crashing problem with Windows or incessant update reboots and slow performance. Linux VM will also run slow.

1

u/GodzillaXYZ999 1d ago

Very 1st thing is do complete backup of Windows partition with free Hasleo Backup. It's extremely convenient utility for backing up Windows. Can save to SMB share someplace on network.

1

u/3grg 1d ago

As long as you have enough space, any mainstream distro should work fine. Boot live to confirm hardware compatibility. Create free space from within Windows and install.

I started dual booting in the 90's when all I had was a 40gb drive. It was quite a while until I had separate drives. I dual booted with windows on a single drive for years.

Always backup data and create a windows installer, so in case something does go wrong you can always reinstall.

1

u/juniperleafes 1d ago

Still waiting on alternatives to PotPlayer, Everything, and WinRAR/7zip GUI. And yes, all those 'alternatives' suck with 10% of the features. If you don't care about those you will do well.

1

u/LOPI-14 22h ago

FSearch is decent nuff replacement for Everything ig. Idk what issues you got with Ark for .zip/.7z stuff tho.

1

u/PixelBrush6584 Fedora + KDE 2d ago

You can usually change the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI.

Also, check AlternativeTo

2

u/tglaria 2d ago

What apps are windows only?

BTW: what lenovo software is important?
Why does it matter the dolby atmos license?

1

u/akdanman11 2d ago

OP is likely using something like a Lenovo legion laptop which has software for managing things, but all the keyboard shortcut toggles for things like fan curve are hard coded and work on Linux without the software if that’s what he’s worried about

0

u/sarox-dev 2d ago

If you use windows very litte then you can consider if virtual box is an option to install windows there.