How to switch from Windows 10 to Linux: A technical guide

There are light migration methods that may delay the transfer away from Windows 10, which Microsoft will stop supporting in October 2025. Technically (and perhaps even psychologically), the simplest step is the laborious one: do away with Windows 10 and set up a lovely, sustainable Linux desktop system as an alternative!

1. Preliminary issues: Hardware and software program

Linux locations no particular calls for on {hardware}, so there are usually no limitations when selecting a Linux system. Even extra feature-rich desktop distributions like Ubuntu with the Gnome desktop, Kubuntu with KDE, or Linux Mint will run easily on any {hardware} that beforehand ran Windows 10. You solely want to contemplate lighter distributions if the {hardware} was already noticeably battling Windows 10.

Tip: For older notebooks with a mechanical 2.5-inch laborious drive, the swap to Linux is a superb alternative to interchange the outdated drive with an SSD.

That method, you might have a whole bodily backup of your outdated Windows system on the mechanical laborious drive, so that you don’t want to fret about making a separate backup (see level two). To use this backup, you need to use SATA-to-USB adapters, hard drive docking stations, or just join it to an inner SATA port in a spare PC (if obtainable).

Linux can exchange Windows, however not in all places. Switching is right and even improves safety in the event you don’t have to run present or future software program like Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, AutoCAD, or numerous Windows-only video games. For all different duties like web searching, chat, streaming, e mail, audio and video playback, pictures, and Office file codecs, Linux software program works excellently.

2. Backup earlier than putting in Linux

If you resolve to interchange Windows, make completely certain you save all essential information. Missing something means it will possibly’t be recovered later.

Backing up solely the Windows house folder (“%userprofile%”) or a folder like “C:Office” isn’t sufficient. Even copying key file sorts with instructions like:

xcopy /sc c:*.xls? e:Backup

or together with “doc?”, “jpg”, and “txt” recordsdata is useful however nonetheless doesn’t assure a whole backup.

For Windows: The greatest methodology is to make use of the Disk2VHD tool. It creates VHD photographs you could simply mount in Windows Explorer by way of Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc) by selecting “Action—Attach virtual hard drive.”

For Linux: We suggest Rescuezilla, which creates IMG format photographs. You can mount these with instruments like Gnome Disks (“Drives”) utilizing “Attach Drive,” or generally even your file supervisor will work. Rescuezilla should be booted as a stay exterior system, not like Disk2VHD.

3. Deactivate license (retail variations)

Before changing Windows 10, be certain to deactivate your license. This normally frees up the product key, so you need to use it on one other PC later—or purchase a less expensive PC with out an OS. Most licenses, nonetheless, are OEM and tied to the present {hardware}. Only retail licenses might be activated on completely different machines.

To deactivate, open a command immediate or PowerShell as an administrator and run:

slmgr /upk

This removes the activation. You can discover your product key in your retail software program packaging or within the affirmation e mail in the event you purchased from the Microsoft Store.

Tools like ShowKeyPlus (from the Microsoft Store) or this command can present your 25-digit key:

wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

If no key seems, it’s most likely not transferable. This additionally applies to keys on pocket book stickers, that are normally OEM licenses.

4. Try out the Linux distribution in a stay system

Download the ISO file of the Linux distribution you need and replica it to a USB stick utilizing a device like Etcher or USB Imager.

You can then boot your Windows laptop from this USB by urgent F2, F8, F12, or Esc early on to entry the BIOS boot menu (this varies by producer, so simply strive the keys). In the boot menu, search for your USB stick listed underneath a reputation like “Intenso” or “Sandisk.”

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Note: For the type of set up that overwrites Windows, the boot mode (BIOS/MBR or UEFI/GPT) doesn’t matter. You can boot the USB with or with out the “UEFI” label.

Unlike Windows installers, most Linux ISO photographs (Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Zorin, Endeavour, and many others) serve two functions: they embrace an installer but additionally a full stay system you possibly can check out.

Before selecting between “Try” and “Install,” we strongly suggest making an attempt it first. This permits you to discover the interface and, while you’re prepared, beginning the installer is only a click on away.

Even extra essential, this allows you to verify that key {hardware} like graphics, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, audio, printers, and Bluetooth work correctly earlier than making any adjustments.

5. Install Linux

On the desktop of the stay system, nearly all Linux distributions present a shortcut to start out the set up—for instance, “Install Kubuntu 24.04 LTS.” The Ubuntu household makes use of two completely different installers: principally Ubiquity, however some use Calamares.

After deciding on the language and keyboard, the installer will present a dialogue referred to as “Installation Type” or “Partitions” (in Calamares). If it detects Windows on the first laborious drive, it is going to supply “Install Ubuntu alongside […]” or “Install in parallel” (Calamares) as the highest, highlighted possibility.

To set up Linux as the one system, select the “Erase hard drive” possibility. This will format the drive with the Linux Ext4 file system, fully delete Windows and its information, and set up the chosen Linux distribution.

Clicking “Install now” or “Next” (Calamares) begins the set up, which then solely asks for particulars to arrange the primary person account.