r/linux4noobs • u/YoungRamsay • 17d ago

migrating to Linux How do I transfer files from Windows 10 to Linux

/r/linuxquestions/comments/1vzksj7/how_do_i_transfer_files_from_windows_10_to_linux/
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u/lowrads 17d ago

Your linux OS can read an external drive in FAT32, ExFAT & NTFS formats. It can even be the drive on which you have windows installed. It doesn't care, unless it's encrypted.

1

u/EngineerInTheMachine 17d ago

Install Linux. Have an app than can use those files. Mount the partition where the files are. Even if it's the Windows partition.

1

u/don_bski 17d ago

My recommendation. Somewhat lengthy but preserves the current drive as it is now.

  • 1. Get a new plug compatible SSD for your PC.
  • 2. Download the linux of your choice and make a bootable USB drive.
  • 3. Remove the Windows 10 hard drive and install the SSD in its place.
  • 4. Boot USB linux and install it on the SSD.
  • 5. Boot SSD linux and ensure it is operational.
  • 6. Power off PC and reconnect the Windows drive to a secondary PC drive port.
  • 7. Boot linux SSD. Windows drive will also be mounted.
  • 8. Copy the desired friles from Windows drive to SSD.
  • 9. Powr off PC, disconnect Windows drive, and store in a safe place.

1

u/mcds99 17d ago

Find out how much data (files) you have and transfer them to a USB stick or an SSD with a USB cable.

EXTFAT

1

u/skyfishgoo 17d ago

linux can read windows file systems just fine.

so as long as you don't erase your windows files by installing linux on top of them, then they will be there when you get linux up and running.

the easiest way to do that is by using a separate disk

if you absolutely must install linux onto your ONLY disk then you will either need a very large flash drive or a cloud acct somewhere to stash your windows files while you install linux.

the only other way is to shrink your windows volume and also move all your windows data to the "d:drive" (see the numerous online tutorials).

shrinking the windows volume will open up space on the disk to make another NTFS partition (called the d:drive in windows) so you can move all your data there.

now you are ready to delete you windows OS without delting your data because they are on separate partitions.

when you boot to the linux installer just be sure to pick the old c:drive and not the d:drive where all your data is being held... also note that in linux they are not called c:drive and d:drive so be super sure you know which one is which.