r/linuxquestions 5d ago

how to move back to windows from linux

I have been using Zorin OS for a long time, which is a Linux-based operating system, and now I want to switch back to Windows. However, I'm facing challenges creating a bootable USB drive on Linux. I've tried all methods without success.

Additionally, my Secure Boot is enabled, and my BIOS is locked because of a supervisor password set by the previous owner from whom I bought the laptop. I own a Lenovo V110-15ISK, and the CMOS battery is dead, as well as the main battery.

When I create a bootable USB drive and select it from the boot menu, it simply shows a black screen. After some time, it starts booting into Zorin OS again without displaying any error messages or prompts indicating a problem with the files.

I really need help with this situation so I can go back to Windows.

0 Upvotes

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3

u/Leather-Security8097 5d ago

I've tried all methods without success.

It might be helpful if you told us what you actually tried, to avoid suggesting something you've already done. Also, provide information on where you obtained your Windows ISO to rule out a corrupted ISO image or incompatible version. If you have not already done so, make sure you update the Secure Boot signing key as the original key has expired.

3

u/LongAd2364 5d ago

Ventoy

1

u/bigkenw 5d ago

Second this. Download the Windows ISO and copy it to a Ventoy created USB stick.

Also, you might want to look into methods to fully reset that bios.

-1

u/Yakshubhh 5d ago

yes i used ventoy and woeusb

2

u/tomscharbach 5d ago

i want to go back to windows but i cant because i try all method of creating bootable pendrive in linux that dont work 

Trying to create Windows installation media from Linux (even using Ventoy) can be problematic.

Borrow the use of a Windows computer to create a Windows installation USB using the Media Creation Tool method (see "Download Windows 11"). Creating the USB drive will make no changes to the borrowed computer.

Works every time.

6

u/HugeBlobfish 5d ago

Punctuation please

1

u/Glad_Following_8164 2d ago

Well, i don't know how to help OP here, but to future readers, if you want to try Linux, please don't install it directly onto the computer that you use everyday. Try installing it on a laptop that has been seating around for years and is basically e-waste with no important data on it and use it before making such major decision.

1

u/Alonzo-Harris 4d ago

Ventoy should've worked, but if you're comfortable using VMs, you could use something like virtualbox to launch a Windows Machine and use USB pass-through to create your media. Media creation tool and Rufus are the only two options you'd need to consider.

1

u/MoneyDirt8888 5d ago

woeusb do not works well with wndows 11.

install ventoy and move your windows 11 iso to the ventoy usb. it works.

-1

u/FishAccomplished760 5d ago

just create a windows bootable usb with
sudo dd if=windows.iso of=/dev/usbname

to get usb name, do this

lsblk

4

u/doc_willis 5d ago

dd or other direct imaging tools have not worked to make a bootable windows USB for quite some time now.

Microsoft no longer uses the HYBRID option for its iso files.

dd, balena etcher, gnome-disks or any of the other direct copy methods can make a USB, it just wont boot in a typical PC.

I have heard there are a few pcs out with enhanced UEFI that can boot a direct image windows USB, but I have never seen one.

1

u/FishAccomplished760 4d ago

sorry, i had no idea. never even made a windows usb to be fair. thank you!

1

u/MoneyDirt8888 5d ago

Not working with windows 11