There are many ways to install Linux on your PC. Choosing one or another will depend on how you intend to use Linux and whether you want it to coexist with Windows or only need a few apps. Let’s look at the available options.
Linux is enjoying a golden age for many reasons. First, the success of Steam and its consoles is giving this operating system a good reputation. As a result, many are switching to Linux to play Windows games thanks to SteamOS and its Proton component . Second, Microsoft’s obsession with Copilot is turning Windows into a system riddled with bugs and errors. And third, in the current geopolitical climate, Europe is once again advocating for the use of Linux as an alternative to US-made software . And there are many more reasons to want to install Linux on your PC .
Millions of people use Windows because they haven’t known any other option. But Microsoft seems determined to push them toward alternatives like Linux . Every new Windows 11 update brings bugs and new features that worsen usability and, sometimes, the performance of older computers . It’s no wonder Apple’s MacBook Neo has been so successful, and that many are considering abandoning Windows after years or even decades of loyalty . Furthermore, Linux has significantly improved its performance for playing Windows games , whether or not you have a Steam Deck .
Furthermore, there are many ways to install Linux on your PC . If you just want to try it out, you can do so without touching Windows, as we’ll see later. This way, you can familiarize yourself with the operating system. And when you want to get the most out of your Linux system, you’ll have to decide whether you want Linux to coexist with Windows or not. Let’s look at the different options available to you if you’re thinking of switching to Linux.
Linux within Windows
We’re assuming you have a Windows PC . This is primarily because, in all statistics on desktop and laptop operating systems , Windows continues to top the list, despite the rise of macOS and Linux. At least in the home and business sectors. On servers, Linux reigns supreme.
So, the most common scenario is that you’re tired of Windows and want to install Linux on your PC. But before diving in, you might want to try it out for a while without changing anything. In this case, you have two options: install Linux in a virtual machine or try Linux using a USB drive . Besides that, you’ll have to decide which version of Linux you want . Keep in mind that there are many versions available, and there’s one to suit all tastes.
If you want to install Linux in a virtual machine , the two most popular free solutions are VirtualBox and VMware . These two applications are used to create virtual machines. A virtual machine emulates a physical machine , in this case a PC, to install another operating system. This allows you to use two operating systems simultaneously. If your computer isn’t too old, you can continue using Windows and create a virtual machine with Linux to try it out. The process is relatively simple. And although the performance won’t be optimal, it will allow you to test its main features. When you want to go further and play games or edit video, you can make the leap to installing Linux natively.
Another option is to install Linux on a USB drive . For a reasonable price, you can get a 64GB drive or larger. Applications like Rufus or Etcher help you turn that USB drive into a Linux installer. You can also use that USB drive as an external hard drive with Linux. And most modern computers allow you to boot from USB instead of the main hard drive.
Install Linux on your Windows PC
We’ve seen that you can install Linux on your PC while keeping Windows as your main operating system. But if you want to switch to Linux seriously, you might prefer a native installation . Ideally, you’d be able to just install Linux and be done with it. But in most cases, if you’re going to install Linux, you’ll want to do it on a PC that already has Windows installed . And you’ll want to keep Windows, just in case. This means you’ll have a computer that gives you the choice between Linux and Windows .
The vast majority of Linux distributions offer the option to install Linux on your PC so it can coexist seamlessly with Windows. This allows you to switch operating systems simply by restarting your computer . Furthermore, most Linux distributions facilitate installation from a USB drive, as we discussed earlier. This means you download the ISO image of the Linux distribution you want, install it on the USB drive using Rufus or Etcher, boot your PC from the USB drive, and select the installation option.
The steps during installation may vary, but you’ll typically be able to connect to the internet to download updates, choose which applications you want to install based on your intended use of Linux , and, most importantly, decide whether to install Linux alongside Windows or erase the disk to keep only Linux. It goes without saying, but before installing Linux, it’s advisable to back up your Windows files, documents, and settings to an external drive, just in case you accidentally delete the Windows partitions.
The rest of the installation will consist of configuring the Linux language, creating a user account , and a few other settings to ensure everything works correctly from the first boot. Once the Linux installation is complete and you’ve restarted, you’ll see that you can choose between Linux and Windows when you turn on your computer . Furthermore, you can access your Windows files from within Linux. The reverse is also possible, but you’ll need to install additional applications for this.
Switch to Linux without forgetting your Windows apps
The riskiest option, if you’re starting with a Windows PC, is to install Linux and erase all traces of Windows. It’s risky because it involves a very drastic change that not everyone wants or can make. The good news is that if you depend on Windows because you need exclusive applications or games , you can continue using them on Linux. In the case of games, as we saw earlier, thanks to Steam there are many games compatible with Linux . Installing Proton will increase that list. And if it’s Windows applications you’re looking for, you have several options to choose from.
The most practical option is to use Wine , either directly or indirectly. Wine is an app for Linux and macOS that emulates parts of Windows , unlike a virtual machine, which emulates the entire computer. This allows you to use some of the nearly 30,000 Windows games and apps listed in its compatibility list .
Since Wine can be somewhat complicated to use, you can use applications that complement it and automate the installation of Windows apps. There are many examples , such as Q4Wine , WinBoat , or Bottles . This way, you can use Linux as your main operating system. And if you need Windows apps, you can still install and open them. Or you can opt for a Linux distribution designed for former Windows users .
