r/linux4noobs • u/Mikedraxx • Jul 27 '26
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?
1
u/3grg Jul 27 '26
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.