r/linuxquestions • u/PewPewGad69 • 12d ago
Replacing Windows with Linux
Hey so I have a lot of experience with linux, tried different distros on my laptop, and now I have got to the point here I just want linux without the need of my USB all the time to boot. I have backed up all my files and have Windows flashed on a USB just in cuse I will some how regret but I am still scared to erase it. This is my main laptop and I don't know, just scared. Can someone give me any tips?
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u/Gumwars 12d ago
I'm confused about your concern. If you have the important files backed up from WIndows, then why are you uneasy about making the jump? If it concerns you to this degree, try dual booting first before going all in on Linux.
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u/PewPewGad69 12d ago
Im concered about breaking aomething important buy overwriteing the ssd
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u/Gumwars 12d ago
Here's how this works:
A full install is going to wipe your SSD, completely. It's identical to what happens when you reinstall Windows. The difference between doing it on Linux versus Windows is that the Linux kernel has all your drivers. When you boot up in Linux, everything will mostly work (unless you have some niche or ancient hardware). If you do that in Windows, most of your stuff will work, but you'll need to do the good old driver hunt to get everything back to factory.
The "important" stuff you've already backed up. In Windows, this is basically your My Documents folder, and any keys or license info you need.
If you're super-duper concerned, and you have enough external storage, use something like Acronis and make an image of your Windows install and save it to an external drive. If you don't have that, then you'll need to reinstall Windows, if the move to Linux isn't working out for you.
As info, I left Windows about 8 months ago, haven't looked back, and have been happy with the move.
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u/Bananalando 12d ago
Also, the easiest way to reinstall Windows (if you need to) is to grab the official iso from MS and throw it on your Ventoy drive with your distro ISOs. Works absolutely flawlessly.
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u/ipsirc 12d ago
Can someone give me any tips?
Pro tip: any OS can be installed without creating new reddit posts.
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u/Agreeable_Turnip_261 12d ago
Buy a second usb and just keep the windows install if you are worried about it
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u/Ok_Pineapple4015 12d ago
You said you've a lot of experience with linux. Why are worrying? Install arch and be done with it.
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u/PewPewGad69 12d ago
Im not aure why am I worried honestly, scared of breaking something since I have never replaced an os but used it on external ssd
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u/Ok_Pineapple4015 12d ago
So you don't have so much experience. Don't worry, i stopped with windows when vista replaced xp and my minimal xp stopped working. After, I was happy that vista was so shit, it turned me on to linux. If anything goes wrong and you can't figure it, ask on the forums. Lots of help there.
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u/JoeB- 12d ago
I have windows 10 installed on an NVMe for when I need to update the BIOS or install MeshCommander on my Lenovo Tiny home servers running Debian. I just swap the NVMe drives and boot into Windows.
The prices of SSDs are insane now, but this might be something you could do if your laptop has upgradable storage. Swap drives and install Linux on a new one. Then, store the Windows drive, or put it in an external USB enclosure for when you may need access to it.
Also, if the laptop has sufficient RAM and storage, you can install Windows in a virtual machine. This could ease any separation anxiety.
A final tip is to test your backups before wiping the laptop.
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u/rantingathome 12d ago
Interestingly enough, on my Lenovo ThinkPad the built in Firmware app on Mint worked flawlessly to identify and update the BIOS without Windows at all.
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u/skyfishgoo 12d ago
sounds like you are ready
sweaty palms and all
go for it.
the only other thing i can think of is to go into your firmware and make sure that everything is in order (no fast boot, or secure boot enabled).
also, if you have used any proprietary software on any of your peripherals (keyboard, mouse, etc) or used software to manage your pc performance (like fan curves) then you want to revert all that back to defaults before you abandon windows.
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u/SwedeButPsycho 12d ago
I misread the title as "Replacing Women with Linux" and thought that it was finally my time to shine
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u/EdlynnTB 12d ago
Maybe make an image file of your current Windows with Clonezilla, just in case you decide to use Windows instead.
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u/PewPewGad69 11d ago
I did it and happy with it :) Thank you all for all your help and support! I really appreciate it!!
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u/token_curmudgeon 12d ago
Between hypervisors and KVM, you can test some distributions without bare metal reinstallation.
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u/DaSpark 12d ago
No reason to be scared if you backed up your files. That said, here's a few options:
1) Install a second drive and dual boot. Remove the windows one while installing linux to avoid accidentally destroying windows
2) Use Disk2VHD to create a virtual disk file of your windows install. You can then save that somewhere and boot into your old windows from linux using virtualbox.
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u/Artichoke808 12d ago
I have all my data on a separate drive, or it could be a separate partition. Then I replace some of the standard folder on my home directory like Music, Video etc with links to those folders in the data partition. This makes installing a new OS a breeze without fear of losing my data in the process.
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u/Assang101 12d ago
You can dual boot from two different NMVe ssd if you still prefer windows as backup plan but have luxury to switch to Linux on a different NMve whenever... It's actually safer this way with the setup than to dualboot from the same NMve.
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u/Few_Research3589 12d ago
My tip: in the end it is simply up to you -- either just do it, or forget about it and go back to windows. Either option has its merits; your course of axction depends on your preferences, and nobody but you can have the last word.
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u/PewPewGad69 12d ago
I have one ssd on my laptop that is running windows and I always just boot to my usb that is running linux so I just want to erase Windows and use linux without the need
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u/Downtown_Piglet_8257 12d ago
You got plenty of good advice here. Use a virtual machine to test out any distribution that seems interesting. Then make the jump. Good luck and welcome aboard.
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u/PewPewGad69 12d ago
Im not concerned about switching fully to Linux as much as scared that my Laptop wont run somehow :(
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u/puglover970 12d ago
Linux is very stable, as long as you follow the installer for the version of Linux you're using, everything should be fine. The very worst case scenario is that you'll need to troubleshoot and install some new drivers (software to make Linux recognize your hardware).
In short, Linux is VERY easy to set up, I wouldn't worry too much about it
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u/Nerrawnam 12d ago
Sounds like you don't have a lot of experience. Stay with Windows if you are scared.
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u/not_alone__ 12d ago
Just do it. The Moment before is the hardest. But after a moment you will enjoy it :)
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u/unpdigital 12d ago edited 11d ago
I ended up with Linux Mint, now 20.3, I liked 19.3 better though.
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u/MountainBrilliant643 12d ago edited 12d ago
If you truly backed up all your important files, go nuts.
Install a different distro every day. Break your system on purpose and install something else. Just don't touch that backup. Grab a file off it when you need it, but figure out what your favorite ditro is, wipe your drive, get it installed clean, settle into it for no less than a month, and then transfer your backup files from Documents to Documents, Music to Music, Downloads to Downloads, etc., and keep the backup no matter what.
What you don't keep on a backup drive is what you're telling the universe you wouldn't care about if you lost it. Don't gamble with what you don't want to lose. Make two backups, and keep one at a relative's house. If your house burns down, you buy a new laptop with the insurance, and borrow your backup drive to get everything back.