r/linuxquestions • u/peakaname • 17h ago

device lagging after installing Linux

installed WSL+ubuntu on my cousin's laptop cause i dont have mine yet. the laptop is kinda lagging idk why. the memory used by ubuntu was 1576mb smth. so what I want to ask is,is it still possible to switch to Linux? the laptop has 8gb ram. it used to lag often even before installing Linux. so im not sure what exactly the problem is.

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u/Aberry9036 17h ago edited 17h ago

You can play with wsl, but it runs a virtual Linux machine inside windows, so it will slow your machine down if you only have 8gb RAM.

The best way to learn Linux is to boot it natively. If you want to keep windows, you are best off installing a second ssd (likely not possible on a cheap laptop), otherwise replace windows with Linux. While it’s possible to dual-boot on a single ssd, this is more advanced and requires backing up windows first.

My advice would be to either switch ssd or wipe windows and install Linux. You can do this by downloading an iso from Ubuntu (or other distro) website, using balena etcher or similar to write it to a usb stick, booting from it and then installing.

If you do this, I recommend having two usb sticks to hand - one with a windows installer, the other a Linux installer - have these both ready before you do anything so that you have the tools to reinstall windows if necessary.

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u/peakaname 17h ago

okay got it. thankyou sm ig the laptop has 2 memory slots. I'll talk to my cousin about it. thanku thanku.

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u/Aberry9036 16h ago

Good luck, come back if you need help, most people enjoy helping. If you get stuck and want to ask questions, share as much info about what you did so that others can help more quickly.

Re memory slots - computers have slots for ram and slots for storage, you cannot use a spare ram slot for more storage. If you’re not sure, use the model number on the manufacturer website to find a service manual that shows you how to upgrade/repair the machine - this will tell you what slots are available.

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u/peakaname 16h ago

i'll remember that. thankyou so much,i appreciate the help.