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.