how to migrate from Windows 10 to Linux and keep your computer relevant.

Why many people are rejecting Windows 11 and choosing Linux instead

The unpopular shift to Windows 11

Since Microsoft released Windows 11, not everyone has embraced it. Many long-time Windows 10 users feel pushed rather than invited to upgrade. Windows 11 introduced stricter hardware requirements, changed key elements of the interface, and imposed update behaviours that feel intrusive to everyday users.

The result has been rising frustration among individuals and organisations who preferred the familiarity and stability of Windows 10. Instead of accepting the forced transition, an increasing number of people are exploring alternatives, with Linux emerging as the most compelling option.

For millions around the world, Windows 10 was dependable. It supported a wide range of hardware, it was familiar, and it offered a full feature set without dramatic behavioural shifts. When Microsoft said Windows 10 would be the “last version of Windows”, many assumed it would be supported for a long period.

In reality, mainstream support is end-of-life and extended support is heading toward expiry, prompting a wave of upgrades but also discontent. Instead of upgrading, some users are deciding to migrate to Linux and leave the Windows ecosystem behind permanently.

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What users dislike about Windows 11

Windows 11 brought a redesigned Start menu, centred taskbar icons, tighter integration with Microsoft accounts, and new security requirements such as Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM). For some this is progress, but for many it means older hardware cannot run Windows 11 without expensive upgrades.

People who invested in perfectly functional Windows 10 machines see them rendered obsolete by arbitrary standards. This has forced some consumers into hardware upgrades they did not want or need.

Another sticking point is how Microsoft handles updates. Windows 11 updates often occur at inconvenient times, restart computers automatically, and can introduce features users did not ask for.

Some users feel a loss of control over their own machines. Privacy concerns also arise from deeper telemetry and data collection defaults. For those who value control and transparency, these behaviours are significant negatives.

Stakeholder capitalism and Microsoft’s strategy

Microsoft’s move to influence user behaviour can be viewed through the lens of stakeholder capitalism, where the company aims to balance the needs of customers, employees, shareholders, and broader societal interests.

In theory, stakeholder capitalism should drive better outcomes for all. In practice, critics argue that Microsoft prioritises shareholder value and future-proofing its ecosystem, sometimes at the expense of user choice. For example, by pushing users toward newer hardware that supports Windows 11, the company drives sales for OEM partners and increases its market footprint in enterprise environments.

To many observers, this approach feels like coercion. Rather than offering a flexible upgrade path that respects existing hardware and user preferences, Microsoft tightened requirements and made the transition feel unavoidable. This perception has damaged trust among segments of the user base and prompted deeper consideration of alternatives.

Why Linux appeals to disillusioned Windows users

Linux offers a compelling alternative for users dissatisfied with Windows 11. It is free, open source, and highly customisable. Most Linux distributions can breathe new life into older computers that can no longer officially support Windows 11. For users who want performance without paying for newer hardware, Linux is often the sensible choice.

For everyday tasks such as browsing the internet, working with documents, streaming media, and managing files, Linux distributions like Linux Mint, Ubuntu, and Fedora can perform as well as or better than Windows. Security updates are frequent, and the system does not require the same level of forced restarts or data telemetry. Many distributions focus on user experience, with familiar menus and interfaces that make the transition from Windows easier than some expect.

Economic and environmental advantages

Adopting Linux on used or refurbished hardware also has economic and environmental benefits. Many organisations and individuals are turning to second-hand Windows 10 devices that are no longer needed by those upgrading to Windows 11. These machines can be purchased cheaply and repurposed with Linux, extending their useful life and reducing e-waste. For people in regions where purchasing new hardware is cost-prohibitive, this represents a practical computing solution.

Linux eliminates licensing costs entirely. Unlike Windows, where users or organisations must pay for each licence, Linux is free to download, use, and distribute. This is particularly useful for schools, community organisations, and small businesses with tight budgets. The open source community offers a vast library of free software that covers most common computing needs, from office suites to creative tools.

The migration trend is global

Interest in migrating from Windows 10 to Linux is not confined to one country or region. Around the world, users are searching for ways to reclaim control over their computers and avoid upgrade paths they did not choose. The global nature of the Linux community means support is available in many languages and forums, and documentation is abundant. For people who want an operating system that they can adapt to their needs, Linux delivers on that promise.

Search interest in terms such as “how to migrate from Windows 10 to Linux” has grown as users seek alternatives. They are looking for reliable, detailed guides on backing up data, choosing a distribution, creating bootable installation media, and completing the switch without losing important files or productivity.

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Leading into practical migration solutions

Given the dissatisfaction with Windows 11, and the clear advantages Linux offers, many Windows 10 users are concluding that migration makes sense. Rather than being forced into a Windows upgrade, they are opting for a path that respects their hardware choices, enhances system performance, and eliminates recurring costs.

Understanding why this trend is taking hold lays the groundwork for taking action. To help everyday users make the transition, it is essential to provide clear, step by step instructions on how to migrate from Windows 10 to Linux. This includes safely backing up data, choosing the right Linux distribution, preparing installation media, and completing the installation process without losing files or functionality.

In the next section, we will walk through that process, offering a detailed and accessible guide so that anyone can convert their Windows 10 PC to Linux with confidence and success.

Step 1: Understand what you are about to do

Converting a Windows 10 computer to Linux means replacing Windows with a different operating system. Linux is free, secure, fast on older machines, and widely used around the world. Once Linux is installed, Windows will no longer be available unless you reinstall it later. This guide assumes you want Linux as your main system, not alongside Windows.

Before starting, understand that this process involves restarting your computer, changing how it starts up, and installing new software. None of it is dangerous if done carefully, but skipping steps can cause frustration. Take your time.

Step 2: Back up everything important

This is the most important step. Installing Linux will erase Windows and all files on the computer unless you specifically choose otherwise.

Open Windows and copy all important files to a safe place. This includes documents, photos, videos, emails saved on the computer, browser bookmarks, and anything stored on the Desktop or Downloads folder. Use an external hard drive, a USB flash drive, or cloud storage such as Google Drive or OneDrive.

Do not proceed until you are absolutely sure your files are safely backed up and accessible on another device.

Step 3: Check that your computer is compatible

Most Windows 10 computers work well with Linux. To be safe, check a few basics.

Click the Start menu, type “System Information”, and open it. Make a note of whether your system type says 64-bit. Almost all modern computers are 64-bit and this guide assumes that.

If your computer is extremely old, has less than 4 GB of RAM, or uses unusual hardware, Linux will still work but you should choose a lighter version. This guide will recommend a beginner-friendly option that works on most machines.

Step 4: Choose a Linux version suitable for beginners

Linux comes in many versions called distributions. For everyday users coming from Windows, Linux Mint is one of the easiest and most familiar. It looks similar to Windows, works well out of the box, and has strong community support.

Open your web browser and search for “Linux Mint official website”. Make sure you are on the official Linux Mint site. Download the latest version of Linux Mint Cinnamon 64-bit. Save the file, which will be large and end with “.iso”, to your Downloads folder.

Step 5: Prepare a USB installation drive

You will need a USB flash drive that is at least 8 GB in size. Everything on this USB drive will be erased.

Insert the USB drive into your computer. Open your browser and search for “Rufus USB creator”. Go to the official Rufus website and download the standard version. Rufus is a small programme used to create bootable USB drives.

Once downloaded, open Rufus. You may be asked for permission to run it. Accept.

In Rufus, select your USB drive from the device list. Under “Boot selection”, choose the Linux Mint ISO file you downloaded earlier. Leave all other settings as they are unless instructed otherwise. Click “Start”. If asked about writing mode, choose the recommended option.

Wait until Rufus says the process is complete, then close the programme and safely eject the USB drive.

Step 6: Disable Fast Startup in Windows

Windows uses a feature called Fast Startup that can interfere with Linux installation.

Click the Start menu, type “Control Panel”, and open it. Go to Power Options, then choose “What the power buttons do”. Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable”. Uncheck the box that says “Turn on fast startup”. Click Save changes.

Shut down the computer completely. Do not restart yet.

Step 7: Boot the computer from the USB drive

Insert the Linux USB drive you created earlier.

Turn the computer on and immediately start pressing the boot menu key. This key varies by manufacturer and is often F12, F10, Esc, or F8. If unsure, search online for “boot menu key” followed by your computer’s brand.

When the boot menu appears, select the USB drive. If you see an option mentioning Linux Mint, choose it.

If done correctly, the computer will load into Linux Mint without installing it yet. This is called a live session and allows you to test everything first.

Step 8: Test Linux before installing

Once Linux Mint loads, you will see a desktop environment. Use the mouse and keyboard to make sure everything works. Test Wi-Fi, sound, and display brightness. Open a web browser to confirm internet access.

If something major does not work, do not install yet. Restart and seek help online for that specific issue. For most people, everything will work immediately.

Step 9: Start the installation process

On the desktop, double-click the icon that says “Install Linux Mint”.

Choose your language and keyboard layout carefully. When asked about multimedia codecs, allow installation so videos and music work properly.

When you reach the installation type screen, choose the option that says erase disk and install Linux Mint. This will remove Windows completely. Confirm this only if you are sure your files are backed up.

Select your time zone and create a user account. Choose a strong password and write it down somewhere safe.

Click Install and wait. This can take between 10 and 30 minutes.

Step 10: Restart and remove the USB drive

When installation finishes, you will be prompted to restart. Click Restart Now.

When told to remove installation media, remove the USB drive and press Enter.

Your computer should now boot directly into Linux Mint.

Step 11: Update the system

Once logged in, you may see a notification about system updates. Click it and allow updates to install. This keeps your system secure and stable.

Linux updates are safe and recommended. Restart if prompted.

Step 12: Learn the basics of daily use

Linux Mint is ready to use immediately. You can browse the web, check email, write documents, and watch videos. Software is installed using the Software Manager, which works like an app store.

If you ever need help, search for “Linux Mint beginner guide” online. The Linux community is large and helpful.

You have now successfully converted a Windows 10 computer to Linux. You did not break your computer, and you can always reinstall Windows in the future if you choose. Many people find Linux faster, calmer, and more reliable than Windows once they get used to it.

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Common issues

When most people move from Windows 10 to Linux, the installation itself usually goes smoothly. The problems tend to appear around hardware, habits carried over from Windows, or small setup steps that were missed. Knowing these issues in advance makes them far less stressful.

One of the most common problems is the computer not booting from the USB drive. This usually happens because the boot menu key was missed or pressed too late. Some systems also default to Secure Boot, which can prevent Linux from loading. If the USB is ignored, the fix is often to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings, disable Secure Boot, and try again. This sounds intimidating, but it normally involves finding a clearly labelled option and switching it off.

Wi-Fi not working immediately is another frequent complaint, especially on laptops. Some Wi-Fi chips, particularly Broadcom models, need additional drivers. Linux Mint handles this better than most distributions, but the driver may still need to be enabled manually through the Driver Manager. If the computer has no internet at all, temporarily connecting with an Ethernet cable often solves the problem so the correct driver can be installed.

Sound issues occasionally appear after installation. This can include no sound, sound coming from the wrong device, or volume controls not behaving as expected. In many cases, the system is using the wrong output device, such as headphones instead of speakers. Opening the sound settings and selecting the correct output fixes this. Less often, an audio driver needs to be reset, which is well documented online for most hardware.

Graphics problems can occur, particularly on systems with Nvidia graphics cards. Symptoms include a black screen on boot, low resolution, or screen flickering. Linux Mint usually installs a basic driver automatically, but performance improves once the recommended Nvidia driver is installed using the Driver Manager. Until that is done, the system may feel sluggish or look odd.

Some people struggle with software differences. Windows programmes such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, or certain accounting tools do not run natively on Linux. Alternatives exist, such as LibreOffice and GIMP, but they are not identical. This can be frustrating at first, especially for users who rely on a specific workflow. In some cases, web-based versions of software solve the problem. In others, tools like Wine allow certain Windows applications to run, though this is not always perfect.

File system confusion is another common issue. Linux organises files differently from Windows, and there is no C drive. New users sometimes do not know where their documents are saved or how to access external drives. Once the basic folder structure is explained, this stops being a problem, but the first few days can feel disorienting.

Printer and scanner setup can be hit or miss. Many printers work automatically, especially network printers, but older models may need manual configuration. Manufacturer support for Linux varies. When problems arise, they are usually solved by installing the correct driver package or using a generic driver. This is one area where patience may be required.

Updates causing anxiety is surprisingly common. Linux updates appear more frequently than Windows updates, and beginners sometimes worry that installing them will break the system. In reality, updates are routine and safe, but the unfamiliar process can cause hesitation. Skipping updates for long periods can lead to more problems than installing them.

Another issue is dual-boot confusion for users who choose to keep Windows alongside Linux. The system may boot into the wrong operating system by default, or Windows updates may interfere with the boot loader. These problems are manageable but add complexity. For beginners, replacing Windows entirely often results in fewer headaches.

Finally, mindset is a hidden obstacle. Linux does things differently, not worse, but differently. People who expect it to behave exactly like Windows tend to get frustrated quickly. Those who approach it as a new system to learn usually adapt within a week or two and then stop noticing the differences.

In short, most problems fall into three categories: hardware drivers, unfamiliar software, and learning a new way of doing things. None of these issues are permanent, and nearly all have clear solutions that are easy to find once you know what to search for. With a little patience during the first few days, Linux becomes a stable and dependable everyday system for most users.

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