this post was submitted on 29 Mar 2026
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If I have a PC with Windows on it, how can I parallel install Linux so I can start playing around with that? (lemmy.world)
submitted 2 days ago by cheese_greater@lemmy.world to c/nostupidquestions@lemmy.ca
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Preferably a linux "flavor" thats more MacOS like in aesthetic, but that also has good availabillity of apps and stuff?

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[โ€“] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 16 points 2 days ago (2 children)

A VM is the best option for getting started. If you mess it up, you can just delete it and start over. Dual boot can be problematic because Windows actively tries to sabotage that. Another great way to get started is to find any old machine that you can just wipe and install Linux on.

[โ€“] sp3ctr4l@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 day ago

Yep, x2.

Windows will get an update and actively fuck up your boot loader, if not worse.

Windows is like a petulant child that can't be allowed to do group play with other kids, without constant supervision.

Bare metal dual booting is not worth it.

[โ€“] Mothra@mander.xyz 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Hi, not OP. May i ask, can you briefly expand a little bit about windows trying to sabotage a dual boot? Since when is this happening? I remember having a dual boot some 7 years ago, but can't remember any sabotage issues. Is this because of the now enforced bios updates and such?

[โ€“] clmbmb@lemmy.dbzer0.com 5 points 2 days ago (1 children)

With windows 10/11 after most updates you will get your boot partition overwritten... At least that's what I read on different forums. I haven't used windows on my personal PC for over 15 years.

[โ€“] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

There are all kinds of issues that are being reported after Windows updates. In my opinion it just isn't worth the hassle. I tried dual booting for a while but I quickly got fed up. I absolutely would not recommend it for a beginner.

[โ€“] GeeDubHayduke@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 day ago (3 children)

I recently replaced my laptop and would like to try mint on the old one. How would i go about wiping windows and installing Linux? I'm not super the savvy, but i am a quick study...

[โ€“] Tuuktuuk@nord.pub 2 points 1 day ago

Underneath it was said that Mint will "deal with deleting windows". What it really does is ask "do you want to use the whole hard drive?"

If you say "yes", it will erase windows and whatever else was on the hard drive, including any photos and documents and such. Which you can of course copy on a USB stick beforehand.

[โ€“] DerisionConsulting@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

When you install Mint, it'll deal with deleting windows on its own.

Installing it will be broken down mostly into:

  • download the right version of Mint.
  • make a USB to install ( it's not just putting the file onto the USB)
  • plug the USB into your old laptop, turn the laptop on, then follow the steps.

A much better guide (with pictures!) is https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/latest/

[โ€“] Diplomjodler3@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

"Explaining Computers" is a great YouTube channel that covers Linux quite a lot. I think he recently did a video about installing Linux Mint. There's plenty of this stuff around. Just search "installing your-distro-of-choice"and you'll get plenty of content. I'd suggest watching a few of those before getting started.