I’m considering switching to linux but I’m not a computer savvy person, so I wanted to have the option to switch back to windows if unforeseen complications (I only have 1 pc). Is it just a download on usb and install? And what ways can I get the product key or “cleaner” debloated versions.

  • GrappleHat@lemmy.mlEnglish
    7·
    5 months ago

    If you’re nervous about the switch consider dual-booting. Then you’re not fully committed to the switch & you can have your old Windows system back whenever you want it.

    Main steps are:

    • Run a defrag on your Windows machine to physically consolidate all your Windows data to one area.
    • Break that partition into two (Linux will go one the new empty side)
    • Install Linux from a USB as normal, but don’t choose to wipe your drive completely. Choose a manual option instead where you specifically indicate your intended Linux partition from above.
    • Optional: Once installation is complete you can set up another partition to hold files which can be available to both OSs.
      • Boot into Linux & define the remaining unused space in the Linux partition as a new NTFS partition & give it a name which makes it obvious what it is (i.e. “sharedspace”)
      • Then boot into Windows and move the existing data you’d like to share between OSs here (work documents, movies, music, etc.)

    Some useful links:

    • KRAW@linux.communityEnglish
      7·
      5 months ago

      I would argue that it is better to have two separate drives for the installation. It simplifies things for non tech savvy people, and I believe Windows has less of an opportunity to mess with your linux install, such as messing with the efi partition.

      • NutWrench@lemmy.world
        3·
        5 months ago

        Same here. I installed Linux Mint on my internal D: drive and left my Windows C: drive completely untouched. Then, I changed my boot order in bios to boot from drive D: This lets you play with Linux without messing with the bootloader on your Windows drive, or fiddling with partitions.

        Once I decided to keep Linux, I modified the D: drive bootloader (“sudo update-grub”) so it would show both drives when I booted from D: Now I can boot into either OS without having to change the boot order in BIOS.

    • Possibly linux@lemmy.zipEnglish
      6·
      5 months ago

      Dual booting is more complex and should be avoided if possible. If someone doesn’t like Linux they can just go back to Windows. I dual booted for years and I can say it was totally useless.