ValinuxOS: complete guide to migrate from Windows to Linux

If you've been considering migrating from Windows to Linux for a while and don't know where to start , you're not alone. The end of support for Windows 10, the exorbitant requirements of Windows 11, and frustration with failed updates have put many people in the same situation: the PC works fine, but Microsoft is practically forcing you to either upgrade or play along.

The good news is that Linux has become a realistic, modern, and easy-to-use alternative, even for users who aren't tech-savvy. Today, you can install a distribution designed for Windows users, keep your data, continue using your computer for years, and forget about licenses, bloatware, and ad-filled screens. Let's see, step by step, how to do it wisely so that the switch is a success and not a headache.

Why you should seriously consider migrating from Windows to Linux

Time is running out: Windows 10 will stop receiving security updates on October 14, 2025. From then on, your system will become increasingly insecure and less compatible with new programs, even if your PC continues to perform well. Yes, paid extended support exists, but it's not a solution designed for home users, nor is it sustainable in the medium term.

Meanwhile, Windows 11 requires hardware that excludes hundreds of millions of computers . Many computers purchased after 2010 work perfectly, but they lack compatibility due to issues with the TPM, CPU, or BIOS. Microsoft's official solution is usually clear: buy a new PC with Windows 11 pre-installed and continue fueling the cycle of forced upgrades.

If that strategy doesn't convince you, Linux emerges as a free, powerful, and user-friendly alternative . It's free software, doesn't charge licensing fees, doesn't include desktop advertising, and isn't obsessed with collecting data or pushing you to use specific services. And, although it might not seem like it, it dominates the world in almost everything except the home PC: it powers the top 500 supercomputers, data centers, servers, embedded systems, and, with Android, most mobile phones.

On personal computers, its market share is lower, mainly because manufacturers almost always sell PCs with Windows pre-installed , and many hardware and software vendors still view it with skepticism. This affects the support of some drivers and applications, but for the daily use of the average user, with a good choice of distribution, the system is more than adequate and convenient.

Furthermore, there are increasingly more initiatives encouraging people to extend the lifespan of Linux-based computers instead of discarding them. If you bought your computer after 2010, chances are that with a good Linux distribution you can continue using it for many more years without spending a penny and with smooth performance.

Choosing the right distribution to upgrade from Windows

Unlike Windows or macOS, Linux doesn't have a single operating system; instead, it has dozens of distributions (distros) built on the same foundation . They share the kernel and much of the underlying technology, but differ in their desktop environment, default tools, software manager, and overall approach.

To make the switch from Windows, the smartest approach is to choose a Linux distribution designed for regular users , with a familiar desktop environment, clear menus, and good hardware and software support. Some of the most recommended for this scenario are:

• Linux Mint (Cinnamon)Perhaps the most user-friendly option for those coming from Windows. The Cinnamon desktop is quite reminiscent of the classic Windows desktop (Start menu, taskbar, system tray) and is very well-designed. It's based on Ubuntu, so it inherits its compatibility and repositories.
• Zorin OS: highly geared towards migrating from Windows, with a remarkably similar visual appearance, clear wizards, and tools to improve compatibility with Windows programs and games.
• UbuntuOne of the leading Linux distributions, it's simple and boasts a huge community. Its default environment differs from Windows, but it remains easy to use and has extensive documentation.
• KubuntuIt uses Ubuntu as its base, but with the KDE Plasma desktop, which is highly configurable and very familiar to Windows users. It's often recommended for those who want something modern, but without going overboard.

Beyond these, there are professional distributions like Red Hat or SUSE designed for businesses and servers, which can also be used on the desktop if you already have experience, although they tend to be less "plug and play" for a newcomer.

If your PC is somewhat old or very basic, you might want to opt for lightweight versions (for example, Ubuntu flavors with XFCE or MATE desktops, or "Lite" editions of some distros) that reduce RAM and CPU consumption and make the computer seem new.

First key step: changing your applications in Windows

One of the most important tricks, and one that almost no one mentions, is that the migration shouldn't start with the operating system, but with the applications . Most users use their computers "through" their programs: browser, office suite, photo editor, work tools, games... If you change all of that at once while installing a new system, the shock can be enormous.

To avoid overloading your system, the wisest approach is to start changing your programs while you're still on Windows . The idea is to gradually replace applications that are only available for Windows with alternatives that also have a Linux version, so that when you install Linux, you'll already be familiar with them.

Some very typical examples of substitution would be:

• Microsoft Office → LibreOffice or ONLYOFFICE for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Adobe Photoshop → GIMP or Krita in image editing and digital drawing.
• Proprietary video editors → Kdenlive, Shotcut or DaVinci Resolvewhich have good versions on Linux.
• Web navigatorFirefox, Chrome, Edge, Brave… almost all the big ones have a Linux version, so you can use the same one on both systems.
• Multimedia and streaming applications: VLC, Audacity, OBS Studio, Spotify, Telegram, etc., which already work similarly on both systems.

Ideally, this replacement should be as radical as possible: uninstall anything from Windows that isn't available for Linux and keep only the programs you can continue using when you switch systems. If you keep the old tools "just in case," you'll easily end up depending on them, and when the time comes to switch, you'll be faced with the daunting task of having to learn everything at once.

Once you're comfortable with your new set of cross-platform applications on Windows, switching systems will be much less traumatic . Your workflows will be virtually the same; only the ground beneath your feet will change.

Save your data and prepare for migration

Before doing anything serious, it's essential to take a good backup of all your important data . Although Linux installers are generally safe and allow you to preserve partitions, the slightest mistake or a wrong click can end up formatting something you shouldn't.

This backup includes documents, photos, videos, projects, passwords, browser bookmarks, and any other files you don't want to lose . You can use an external hard drive, a USB flash drive, or a cloud storage service. If you prefer something more organized, there are dedicated backup tools for both Windows and Linux that can help you automate the process, but manual backups are also fine if you're careful.

It's also a good idea to check some basic technical aspects of your computer: whether your hardware is reasonably compatible with Linux . Most PCs running Windows 10 are, but there may be issues with very old or unusual components: certain older graphics cards, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth cards, some webcams, printers, scanners, graphics tablets, or rare peripherals.

If you suspect you might have a sensitive device, you can consult databases like the Linux Hardware Database or use tools like Hardware Probe to check for a working driver in Linux. The more information you have before you start, the fewer surprises you'll encounter later.

Finally, make sure you have a USB drive of at least 8 GB and a stable internet connection, as you will be downloading the ISO of the distribution and then you will want to update the system once it is installed.

Try Linux without installing it and boot options

A huge advantage of most modern Linux distributions is that you can try them without touching your Windows installation . To do this, you'll need to download the official ISO, create a bootable USB drive, and select that device as the boot device when you turn on your PC.

On Windows, one of the simplest tools for creating this USB drive is balenaEtcher . The typical process consists of:

• Download the ISO of your chosen distribution from its website (for example, Linux Mint Cinnamon, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Kubuntu, Zorin OS…).
• Install and open balenaEtcher, select the ISO with “Flash from file”, choose the USB in “Select target” and press “Flash!”.
• Wait a few minutes for the copying to finish; the previous contents of the USB drive will be erased.

Next, you'll need to access your computer's Boot Menu or BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing keys like F11, F12, Esc, or Delete during startup, depending on the manufacturer) and select the USB drive as the first boot device. This will cause the system to boot from the USB drive instead of the hard drive.

Almost all Linux distributions offer a "Try or Install" option . If you choose "Try," you'll boot into "live" mode: the system runs from the USB drive, allowing you to browse the web, open programs, check hardware recognition, and get a feel for the environment, all without modifying your current Windows installation.

If the experience convinces you, you have three main paths:

• Use virtual machinesInstalling Linux within Windows (or vice versa) using programs like VirtualBox is useful for testing, but it's not ideal as a primary environment because performance suffers.
• Dual-bootInstalling Linux alongside Windows allows you to choose which system to use when you turn on your computer. This is convenient for using both systems for a while, but it carries the risk that, out of sheer inertia, you'll end up always using Windows and never fully adapt to Linux.
• Clean installation of Linux as the only systemYou format the disk and keep only Linux. You gain speed, simplicity, and space, although you obviously lose Windows (hence the importance of the backup).

The experience of many users confirms that, if you really want to establish Linux in your daily life , the best way is to use it as your main system, without dual-booting or with a residual Windows only for very specific tasks.

Installing Linux step by step on your PC

The installation process for modern Linux distributions has been greatly simplified; it's no more complicated than installing Windows from scratch . The typical sequence, using Ubuntu or Linux Mint for example, would be something like this:

When you boot from the USB drive and select "Install," the wizard will guide you. First, you choose your language and keyboard layout , then your network connection (WiFi or wired), and finally the installation type: there's usually a "normal installation" and a "minimal installation." The normal installation is recommended for most users, along with checking the boxes for:

• Download updates while installing (that way it comes out more up-to-date).
• Install third-party software for graphics, WiFi, and multimedia formats (codecs, proprietary drivers, etc.).

Next, you'll reach the crucial point: disk partitioning . Here, you'll usually see several options: use the entire disk, install alongside Windows, or manually select partitions. If you've already decided that Linux will be your only operating system, choose something like "erase disk and install" with the distribution you're using. The installer will create the necessary partitions for you, without any further effort.

In distributions like Linux Mint or Kubuntu, the ISO can boot in either BIOS or EFI mode . You don't need to worry about it: the installer detects the situation and configures the boot manager (GRUB) accordingly.

The next steps are more routine: time zone, computer name, username, and password . From there, the installer will copy all the files, configure the system, and in a few minutes (especially if you're using an SSD and USB 3.x), your new Linux will be ready to boot.

Upon restarting, you will remove the USB drive when prompted and enter your new desktop for the first time, with a welcome wizard in many distributions helping you with the basic first steps.

First steps after installation: drivers, software and workflow

The first time you log into your new system, you'll find a desktop with a taskbar, application menu, system tray, and shortcuts —something quite familiar if you're coming from Windows 10. Many distributions display a welcome window where they recommend initial tasks.

In Linux Mint, for example, you'll find a "Getting Started" section that guides you through choosing your desktop design, installing multimedia codecs, and checking your hardware drivers. It's important to spend a few minutes on this to ensure your system is running smoothly from the start.

The Start menu usually has a "Driver Manager" or similar section . From there, you can check if there are any recommended proprietary drivers for your graphics card, Wi-Fi adapter, or other devices. Simply check the corresponding boxes, apply the changes, and restart if necessary.

Application management is one of the biggest differences with Windows, but in a positive way: in Linux, it's rare to have to go page by page downloading .exe installers. Instead, each distribution has its official repositories, which function like an app store . From a graphical manager (Software Manager, Discover, Ubuntu Software Center, etc.), you can search for programs, install them, and update them centrally.

There you'll find well-known tools like LibreOffice, Firefox, GIMP, VLC, Telegram, Steam, Audacity, OBS Studio , and many more. There are also games of all kinds and specialized applications for almost any need. If you prefer the terminal, a few commands (apt, dnf, pacman, depending on your distribution) are all it takes to do the same thing without a graphical interface.

In terms of security, another advantage is that you don't need a resident antivirus like the one in Windows . The permissions model, the way software is installed, and how applications are distributed significantly reduce the risk, provided you use official repositories and don't run scripts from dubious sources.

Special cases: professional use, games, and migration tools

Not everything is perfect, and it's important to be honest: there are scenarios where continuing to need Windows is reasonable . Users who work professionally with Photoshop, AutoCAD, or other highly specialized applications will find that Linux doesn't offer comparable alternatives, or that compatibility through Wine isn't always sufficient.

In such cases, the most practical solution is usually to maintain a small Windows partition for those specific tasks and use Linux for everything else. The idea is to boot Windows only when you actually need to use that software, do the work, and switch back to Linux as soon as you're finished. This minimizes dependency, and with modern hardware, boot times are quite reasonable.

In the gaming world, Linux has improved immensely thanks to Steam and Proton , but there are still online titles with anti-cheat systems that block them from running on Linux (such as Fortnite, Valorant, or, depending on the season, League of Legends). Again, you'll likely need Windows if those games are essential for you.

Beyond this, migration tools are emerging that aim to automate the transition . One example is Operase , a project that scans your Windows user profile, copies personal files, browser profiles, and Kubuntu-equivalent configurations, and installs Linux alternatives for programs that lack a native version.

These utilities handle data migration, import configurations (such as Wi-Fi, accessibility, and wallpapers), and suggest software replacements . They can even create Wine-like environments to run certain Windows programs or games on Linux. However, when they are in beta, it's best to test them first in virtual machines or with test data, as they may still contain bugs.

Whatever tool you use, never blindly trust it to do everything on its own: always make your own backup beforehand and double-check afterward that all your data, programs, and critical settings are where they should be. And, of course, after the change, it's a good idea to update the system using standard commands (for example, “sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade” on Debian/Ubuntu-based distributions).

The role of hardware and the importance of attitude

One of the biggest obstacles to a well-planned migration is hardware support in Linux . Although it has improved significantly over the years, it still doesn't reach the level of Windows, where virtually all manufacturers release official drivers.

In the Linux world, there are still devices whose drivers depend on reverse engineering or community work, such as some console controllers, certain Wi-Fi cards, or specialized peripherals. Companies like Corsair, for example, don't always provide official support for all their product lines (keyboards, mice, Elgato capture cards, etc.), which can complicate things for those who use that hardware frequently.

If you encounter a component that doesn't work the first time, don't assume it's unsolvable . Often, simply searching the distro's documentation, forums, or reference websites will reveal specific steps: adding a repository, installing a specific package, or downloading an alternative driver.

Migrating from Windows to Linux, even in the early 2020s, isn't a walk in the park for everyone, but it's not Mount Everest either . It requires some determination, a willingness to learn, and a bit of patience to overcome the minor obstacles along the way. If you lack any of those three things, you're more likely to end up going back to Windows at the first sign of trouble.

However, when the process is done calmly—first changing the applications, testing in live mode, making backups, and understanding the limitations— the reward is usually great : a computer that regains agility, a system without advertising or impositions, more control over your data, and the feeling of not depending so much on the decisions of a single company to be able to use your own hardware.

Looking at the whole process as a whole, switching from Windows to Linux is above all a change of mindset: leaving behind the idea that there is only one possible system , taking advantage of distros designed to make the jump smooth, relying on the community and accepting that, for a few days, there will be new things to learn; in return, your PC will have much more life ahead without your wallet or your patience suffering.