In the Spring 2025 I had had enough and decided to switch from Windows to a Linux laptop. But to do so I had to do a little bit of research. Mainly because the image of Linux – that I’m sure you and I share – was that it’s complicated and requires coding skills or something of that sort.
Now that I have been the happy owner of a Linux laptop for over a year I can confirm that the aforementioned image is false! To make sure that you get off easier than I did, I shall reveal everything you need to know on this topic! What is Linux, how to install it, which operating system to choose, what is an operating system, etc?
There are going to be some nerdy words along the way but I’ve done my best to ‘open them up’ for you in plain language as clearly as possible. Because I honestly want as many of you to move as far away from Big Tech as we’re able!
If you prefer video content, I have all the information available also on TikTok. Here you can see why I chose to switch, and here how Linux works and what it looks like.
What is Linux?
We have to start by explaining what is Linux, right? Because it’s not quite as straight-forward as Windows laptops are. The easiest way to explain the difference between Linux vs Windows, is to look at the operating system that these devices are based on.
You understand what an operating system is when I say the words Android and iOS, right? Our laptops require an operating system as their base as well, but instead of just being from different brands, they are structurally different:
- Windows and Mac laptops both function on a closed-source operating system. This basically means that the company that provides the operating system (OS) has control of your device.
- Linux itself is what’s known as kernel, which means a base for multiple different OSs, like the popular Linux Ubuntu. Unlike Windows and Mac, every Linux OS is open-source, which means that you have full control of your device.
The point about control is the reason why these formerly known as ‘nerds only’ devices are growing in popularity fast. Because as Big Tech has proven to us, with closed-source OSs we have 0 control over our own phones and laptops.
Linux was developed by a Finnish software engineer, Linus Torvalds, and launched in 1991. He created the kernel to solve his own frustration with the lack of free multi-functional operating systems.
Another characteristic that separates this OS from its better known competitors is that anyone can create their own OS on Linux. That’s why it’s so well known as a programmers’ baby: it gives them an endless playground. Nowadays we have multiple OSs that were created with us beginners in mind! There’s something for everyone.
But what happened that made me switch from Windows to Linux? And why should you do so too?
Why I switched from Windows to Linux?
The initial trigger for finding an alternative to my Windows laptop came in the shape of a Windows update. A regular update that wiped out all independent and free apps for writing and editing images and videos. The only things left were Microsoft‘s own apps that you need to pay to use.
I was able to reverse the update and got all of my old files and apps back. But it was a temporary solution, because those updates will eventually be forced through by Microsoft (it’s possible because Windows is closed-source). I knew the only option left was to get rid of Windows altogether.
So, I started researching alternatives, and Linux came up constantly. I watched Youtube videos to see what the OS looks like on a laptop, and to acquaint myself with the different OS options. I also read Linux news to get a clearer picture of the Linux-verse as a whole and asked for help on TikTok. The nerds responded!
Eventually I decided to switch from Windows to Linux! My research and the feedback from the nerds on TikTok had convinced me that the OS I should go for is Linux Mint. So, let’s see how to install Linux!
How to install Linux?
Now, I have to be honest; I paid someone to install Linux Mint into my new laptop. So I didn’t do the switch from Windows to Linux myself, but I certainly could have! The process is easy and there are plenty of Youtube videos to support you in the process.
Here’s the thing: you don’t need a new laptop to switch from one OS to another! In addition, if your laptop allows it, you can have both OSs, Windows and Linux, installed on your laptop so that you can switch between them.
In the competition of Linux vs Windows, Linux comes on top on so many levels. From my personal experience I can say that using Linux Mint doesn’t differ from using Windows almost at all. Except in versatility!
Mint is much more flexible: in terms of apps there is an entire Universe of options available. Whereas with Windows you’re stuck with the ones they provide for you. No flexibility.
But let’s get to it: how to install Linux? This guide is about how Linux download works with Windows devices. But if you have a Mac, check this guide.
Step 1: Choose an operating system
First things first: backup all important data on your device. Especially if you, like me, are not a technology expert, we should always be rather safe than sorry.
The next step as a beginner is to acquaint yourself with the most beginner-friendly versions of this OS: Mint, Ubuntu and Zorin. Watch Youtube videos that compare them and read Linux news to see which one suits your needs best.
As a basic user who mainly works online I can recommend Linux Mint. It’s fast, comes with all the apps available in the Linux-verse and works exactly the same way as my previous Windows device.
Step 2: Install the operating system
Once you’ve chosen the OS, you can start your Linux download easily by choosing the correct Linux operating system from the list on their website. Or, as a Windows user, you can also use its subsystem, WSL, for an easy installation.
As an administrative user open PowerShell from your laptop and run the following command to switch from Windows to Linux:
dism.exe /online /enable – feature /featurename:Microsoft – Windows – Subsystem – Linux /all /norestart
After that you can open the Microsoft Store and find the OS you want to install (for example Mint or Ubuntu). Click ‘Start installation’ and once that’s done open the distro from your start menu to finish setting it up.
Step 3: Install necessary apps and software
Now that you have Linux on your Windows device, you can easily switch between the operating systems from the Start menu. As you can see straight after installing it, your Linux OS is completely empty. With Linux you have complete authority of your device, so you need to assemble everything you need on the desktop yourself.
For this the nerds will tell you to use the Linux Terminal. It’s a command-line interface. Translated that means a black window where you enter code to install whatever apps and software you want on your laptop.
It sounds scary, but I tried it and it’s actually suuuper simple to use! The tricky part is finding the correct code to enter because I obviously know none of them. But again, the internet is there to help you if you want to try it!
For a simpler solution there is this magic folder called Software Manager. Open your start menu and find the Software Manager. With a right click ‘Add to panel’ to make it appear on the bottom of your screen for easy access whenever you need it. That way you have it available every time you need to install another app or software.
For the daily basic use I recommend installing these:
- Internet browser: Firefox is Linux’s default browser and as another open-source software it’s safer than Chrome. Chrome is not recommended! In the Software Manager you can find a plethora of other options too, like Brave, Ecosia, Tor, etc.
- Microsoft Office alternative: For writing, Excel, etc. you only need to install a package called LibreOffice. It’s just like Microsoft Office but open-source and more versatile (at least in terms of LiberOffice Writer).
- Image editor: As a content creator I’m of course adding this to the essentials list. When I switched from Windows to Linux I discovered an editor called GIMP. Check that out or just write ‘image’ to the Software Manager search bar and browse hundreds of great options.
- Daily essentials: As a solopreneur, I need to calculate my income versus costs etc. as well as keep notes easily available. For these you can install a calculator and a notes app (I use Knotes but again, there are hundreds of options).
You get the gist, right? Open Software Manager, type in whatever you need and choose your favourite. Linux users have rated the applications and softwares so do check the reviews before installing anything.
I recommend pinning the ones you need daily to the panel (the bar at the bottom) and adding them on the desktop. That way you can find them easily whenever you need them.
Step 4: Design your own Linux desktop
Now, Linux is an open-source OS, which means you can change it however you like. This is obviously impossible with Windows and Mac because it would mean that you had control over your own device. How ridiculous!
In the game of Linux vs Windows, the former offers you complete capabilities to customise your desktop as you wish. Customising the Linux desktop means things like changing themes, personalising icons and wallpapers, switching the location of the task bar and panel, and customising fonts as well as Windows effects.
By customising the desktop you can make using your laptop much more efficient for you. Like this:
- Themes: This determines how your desktop is structured; where are the panels, window borders, buttons, etc. You can change the theme of your desktop from Start menu → Appearance → Select the theme you want → Install. You can also look for themes from websites or package repositories.
- Icons: Change the default icons for files, applications, etc. to change the look of your desktop. You can find and install new icon designs by searching for Linux icons package repositories online.
- Panels and task bars: Edit the panels and task bars on your desktop by right clicking for example the bottom panel. From the ‘Edit panel’ you can customise its size, colour etc. And from ‘Applets’ you can add widgets on your desktop from the Downloads. These offer you easy access to weather, radio, world clock, you name it!
- Keyboard shortcuts & commands: Now these! Especially for a writer, a good keyboard shortcut is the ultimate best friend! You can customise keyboard shortcuts easily from keyboard setting through the Start menu.
How fun is all that!?
Switch from Windows to Linux – Final Thoughts
As our privacy is more and more under threat by Big Tech, it has become paramount that we find good alternatives to mainstream systems. But now we are all so embedded into Google’s systems and services that it is nearly impossible to get completely rid of it.
Linux certainly solves a part of that problem. And not just in terms of laptops: now we also have a Linux phone available! A Finnish company, Jolla, released their first Linux phones already in 2013. They were based on Nokia N9 smartphones but had an operating system called Sailfish (built on Linux’s Kernel).
They launched a new smartphone in 2025, simply named Jolla Phone, and describe it as an “independent European Linux smartphone, emphasising privacy … and Android app compatibility without Google services.” Pretty good, eh?
I’m considering getting one, but before I do they will need to create a version of the phone that fits into a woman’s hand. The current one doesn’t fit into most of my bags, let alone my hand, which is not practical at all!
For more alternatives for the services we use daily, check European Alternatives for absolutely everything! I can personally recommend switching Gmail and Google Drive to Proton. I did so a year ago and have no complaints! They just launched Proton Sheets, so I can finally move all of my income data into a more secure and private place.
So, what do you think, could it be time to switch from Windows to Linux for privacy, practicality and security reasons? ♥
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