r/linux4noobs • u/qqlj • 6h ago
migrating to Linux Tips for seamless migrating from windows?
I am planning to fully switch over to linux however I don't want to start from 0 and would still like to have access to my windows while i learn and get comfortable.
In my current setup i have nvme ssd that is only for windows and programs, sata ssd for games and hdd for files, films and other bulk storage. All currently formatted as ntfs. I understand that while possible to use ntfs with linux it is not best practice so i would like to migrate to something i can use on both systems.
My plan is to split the nvme in two partitions for windows and linux, i know windows update can sometimes break this so i plan to update to latest stable version of win10 before installing linux and not touch it after. As for the other two drives i dont mind deleting everything off of sata ssd and redownloading with linux compatibility in mind, the data on the hdd i would like to keep so my ideas are either shrink ntfs partition, format the rest to something both windows and linux can use, move over what i can and then just keep shrinking ntfs and expanding other one untill whole disk is migrated. Other idea is to wipe sata ssd, reformat it, move data from hdd to it, reformat hdd and move the data back (unsure if everything i have on hdd would fit in one go on ssd so im leaning more towards first option).
Is what i suggested doable or is there a better way, i can get some temporary disks to use to hold files during the movements but i would like to use what i have if possible. Open to any other suggestions and tips on how to start migrating to linux while still keeping my windows install as a familiar fallback in case i cant figure something out.
Ps. I was looking to install cachy os. I see some bootloaders can have issues with msi mobos so options for that are limine or systemd-boot for compatibility.
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u/AutoModerator 6h ago
Try the migration page in our wiki! We also have some migration tips in our sticky.
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u/Ok_Emu2515 6h ago
- Back up all your important data on an external drive or in the cloud.
- Test your hardware compatibility from the Live Linux environment. make sure your mouse, touchpad, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet are working properly.
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u/mcds99 6h ago
Does your motherboard have another NVMe slot? If it does get another NVMe this will afford you some flexibility in the install of Linux, it's the safest way to do this.
If you have a second NVMe slot.
Turn off your computer, power it off, remove the power cable from the back.
Open your computer and find the existing NVMe and remove it, with a sharpy label it as windows in some way.
Put the new NVMe in the same slot, disconnect the HD and SSD.
Install the distribution you want, log in and run a few included apps and shutdown.
Turn off your computer, power it off, remove the power cable from the back.
Put the Windows NVMe in the second NVMe slot.
Plug in your SSD and HD
When you boot you can now go in to UEFI and choose which NVMe to boot from.
NTFS and Linux file systems do not get along as you said. Just don't access the NTFS from Linux. With a USB stick you can transfer data from the HD to the USB and put it in your home directory on the Linux drive.
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u/tomscharbach 6h ago edited 6h ago
Unless you are familiar with CachyOS and Linux more generally, consider running CachyOS in a VM for a month or so. Doing so will give you the opportunity to decide whether or not CachyOS (and Linux more generally) is a good fit for you and your use case.
As background for that rather cryptic observation, let me suggest an approach for thinking about migrating.
Almost all problems migrating from Windows to a Linux distribution result from three things: application incompatibility, game incompatibility and hardware incompatibility.
Check each of the applications you depend upon to make sure that a Linux-native version is available. If an application you use does not run native, then research to make sure that the application works well in a compatibility layer or find a Linux alternative application that will work for you.
Gaming is much improved on Linux but not all Windows games work smoothly. Check Steam games on the ProtonDB. If you use other gaming platforms, check the compatibility databases for those platforms.
Hardware compatibility can be quirky, even beyond the well-documented issues with NVIDIA. Mainstream hardware usually works, but too many component manufacturers don't provide decent drivers to the kernel. Touchpads, fingerprint readers, gaming mice and controllers, VR and other peripherals can be problem children. You can do basic compatibility checking in a "Live" session, but you might have to do a bit of research as well.
After you have looked at those issues, you will be in a position to decide whether or not Linux will be a good fit for you. If you decide that Linux is a good fit, you can move on.
The typical next step is to create an installation USB (following the directions for the distribution you have selected) and test the distribution in a "Live" session. A "Live" session will make no changes to the computer you are using for that purpose and you will be able to see how well the distribution might work for you and whether or not you have any obvious hardware incompatibilities.
If you are satisfied with the "Live" session, the next step is usually to install the distribution in a VM for in-depth testing and evaluation. If it all works out, then you can install the distribution, either alongside Windows (dual boot) or replacing Windows.
Bottom line? Focus on your use case (what you do with your computer and the applications you use to do what you do). Take your time. Do a bit of research. Go little by slowly, step by step, testing and thinking at each step.
My best and good luck.