The moment many long-time Windows users dread — waking up one morning and realizing you barely notice the other OS on your machine — is the story behind a quiet, relatable confession: a user who dual-booted Fedora KDE and forgot Windows was even installed. That admission, recounted in a recent piece that described the switch from Windows 10 to a KDE-flavored Fedora, is not just a personal anecdote; it crystallizes why, for a growing number of people, KDE Plasma on Fedora is a genuinely comfortable alternative to Windows, particularly where customizability, application parity, and a less intrusive update model are concerned. The experience also raises practical questions about compatibility, gaming, and the real-world risks users should weigh before making a long-term migration away from Windows — especially with Windows 10 approaching end of support on October 14, 2025. (support.microsoft.com)
However, technical realities matter: specialized Windows-only software, certain odd hardware edge cases, and high-end gaming with heavy anti-cheat dependencies remain legitimate barriers. The most responsible path is staged: test, dual-boot, verify, then decide. With Windows 10 end of support looming on October 14, 2025, that staged path is a sensible, risk-managed approach for anyone weighing whether to keep paying for extended Windows support, upgrade to Windows 11, or move permanently to Linux. (support.microsoft.com, fedoraproject.org)
Fedora KDE’s combination of official support, Plasma’s customization, Flatpak’s app availability, and a quieter update experience explains why some users stop noticing Windows at all. For others, the technical and software compatibility trade-offs still recommend a cautious, measured migration. Either way, the current landscape supports well-informed experimentation — and for many, the experiment turns into a comfortable new daily driver.
Source: xda-developers.com I dual booted Fedora KDE and I forgot Windows was installed
Background
Why this story matters now
This is migration season for many: Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, which removes free security and feature updates for Home and Pro users after that date. That creates a natural inflection point for people thinking about staying on Windows, paying for extended updates, or finally trying Linux as a daily driver. The choice most users face is practical, not ideological: keep a familiar, supported Windows environment or adopt a maintained, modern Linux desktop. (support.microsoft.com)Fedora KDE in context
Fedora offers an official KDE Plasma edition — the Fedora KDE Plasma Desktop — which the Fedora Project documents and distributes as a first-tier option for desktops. It’s a maintained, release-cycle-aligned spin/edition of Fedora, and KDE Plasma is available either as the dedicated KDE edition or via package groups on an existing Fedora install. For readers considering the same move, Fedora’s KDE edition is an official, supported route to Plasma rather than a DIY add-on. (fedoraproject.org, docs.fedoraproject.org)The KDE Plasma appeal: taskbar, widgets, and feeling "at home"
What the author loved
The original account gushes about the KDE taskbar and the depth of customization Plasma provides. That enthusiasm echoes what many KDE users say: Plasma’s panel (taskbar) can be reconfigured at the widget level, transformed into a minimal launcher, a widget dashboard, or a full-featured information hub with multiple trays and applets. Widgets designed for the desktop can be moved to the panel; clocks, system monitors, and launchers are trivial to add or remove. The result is a level of control Windows does not offer natively. Fedora’s KDE edition ships Plasma and the tools to manage panels and widgets out of the box. (fedoraproject.org, docs.fedoraproject.org)Why customization matters
Customization is more than cosmetics. For users migrating from Windows, a taskbar-and-menu mental model reduces friction. KDE’s flexibility lets you replicate a familiar workflow or invent a new one — and you can change it later. That lowers the “cognitive switching cost” for many people switching to Linux and is one of the main reasons people report that they quickly forget their Windows partition exists. (fedoraloveskde.org)Application compatibility: the good, the meh, and the trade-offs
Most mainstream apps: covered
The piece notes that apps like Chrome, Slack, and Discord are available on Linux and often on Flatpak/Flathub or as distro-native packages. Fedora ships Flatpak support, and users can enable Flathub or use Fedora’s Flatpak remotes to install many desktop apps without hunting down native installers. That accessibility is a major convenience for new Linux users. (flatpak.org, docs.fedoraproject.org)Flatpak on Fedora — how it works
- Fedora includes Flatpak tooling by default on Workstation editions and provides Fedora-built Flatpaks; you can enable Flathub to access a much larger catalog.
- Fedora also maintains a “Fedora Flatpaks” remote and encourages Flathub as the easiest place to find apps, though Fedora Flatpaks are built in a way that aligns with Fedora’s policies. The practical takeaway: installing mainstream apps on Fedora is straightforward via Flatpak or native RPM. (docs.fedoraproject.org, developer.fedoraproject.org)
The one-off gaps — and common alternatives
Not every Windows program has a perfect Linux equivalent. The story’s author missed ShareX, a powerful Windows screenshot/recording/uploader suite, because it does not have an official Linux port. The ShareX project has discussed cross-platform efforts, but the maintainers do not currently ship native Linux builds — ShareX remains primarily Windows-focused. That said, there are capable Linux alternatives: Spectacle (KDE’s native screenshot tool), Flameshot, Ksnip, and OBS Studio for richer recording/streaming needs. For many users, these replacements are “good enough,” though heavy ShareX power-users may have to adapt workflows or run ShareX via Wine. (github.com, getsharex.org, apps.kde.org)Gaming and cloud gaming: Shadow, Steam, Proton, and reality checks
Cloud gaming as a migration crutch
The author uses Shadow (a cloud-PC streaming service) to handle Windows-only gaming. Shadow officially provides a Linux client (AppImage and .deb) and an AppImage portable launcher, but historically the official Linux packages were targeted first at Debian/Ubuntu families; many Fedora users rely on community guides or using AppImage/.deb conversions. Shadow’s own download portal lists Linux clients and AppImages. That means cloud streaming can bridge the Windows-app gap for many players, but expect to invest time in configuration and troubleshooting. (shadow.tech)Converting packages and community fixes
When a Windows-era or Debian-native client is the only official distribution, Linux users sometimes convert packages or use compatibility tools. The classic tool is alien, which converts .deb to .rpm (or vice versa). Conversion works in many cases, but it’s not a guarantee — dependencies, service scripts, and distribution-specific hooks can fail after conversion. Community guides on converting or running Debian clients on Fedora exist and frequently help users get Shadow working, but they rely on community troubleshooting rather than vendor support. Use them, but proceed cautiously. (manpages.ubuntu.com, blog.packagecloud.io)Native gaming on Linux: Proton and anti-cheat
Local native gaming is improving rapidly thanks to Steam Play / Proton. Many titles run well, but some games dependent on Windows-only anti-cheat systems remain problematic. If your primary use case is AAA gaming with modern anti-cheat, check ProtonDB and publisher guidance before committing. For many users, cloud gaming services like Shadow or the increasing Proton compatibility list cover the majority of titles, but not always the latest or most protected multiplayer games. Third-party drivers (NVIDIA vs. AMD) and GPU support on Linux can also be a source of headaches for high-performance gaming rigs.How updates differ: Fedora vs Windows
The update experience that won a user over
A central emotional driver in the account is how Fedora handles updates: system updates install on the next reboot without intrusive countdowns or forced restarts in the middle of work. Many Linux distributions accept updates in the background and only require a reboot when kernels or low-level libraries are changed; Fedora’s behavior gives users a sense of control. That contrasts with Windows’ frequent forced updates and persistent restart prompts, which many users cite as a major irritation. This difference is a legitimate UX factor when comparing daily-driver experiences. (docs.fedoraproject.org)A practical note on security and lifecycle
Even though Fedora may feel calmer and more respectful of user time, security updates remain important. Linux’s rolling/regular release cadence means staying current with updates and kernel/driver compatibility is part of maintenance. Also, remember the Windows end-of-support timeline: post-October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates unless you enroll in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. That reality is a major driver for users considering staying with Windows long-term versus migrating. (support.microsoft.com, techradar.com)Practical, journalist-verified facts and caveats
- Windows 10’s end-of-support date is October 14, 2025, as published by Microsoft. After that date Microsoft will not provide security updates to Windows 10 installations unless covered by ESU. (support.microsoft.com)
- Fedora offers an official KDE Plasma Desktop edition and provides documentation and ISO downloads for it, so running KDE on Fedora is a supported path rather than a hack. Installing Plasma on an existing Fedora installation is also officially documented. (fedoraproject.org, docs.fedoraproject.org)
- Flatpak is installed by default on Fedora Workstation, and enabling Flathub is typically a one-time step to expose a much larger catalog of desktop apps. Fedora also maintains its own Flatpak remote for curated packages. (flatpak.org, docs.fedoraproject.org)
- Shadow publishes a Linux client (AppImage and .deb), but the official packaging historically favored Debian families; Fedora users sometimes need community instructions to get the client working. Expect some troubleshooting. (shadow.tech)
- ShareX is actively Windows-first. The ShareX team has acknowledged cross-platform interest, but there’s no official native Linux release at present; community alternatives are available and often sufficient. (github.com, getsharex.org)
- Converting Debian packages to RPM (and vice versa) is possible with alien, but converted packages may fail due to dependency or script differences — use it as a last resort or temporary workaround, not a preferred distribution strategy. (manpages.ubuntu.com, blog.packagecloud.io)
Strengths of the Fedora KDE approach
- Customization and familiarity: KDE Plasma’s taskbar and widgets let former Windows users recreate a familiar environment or build a more efficient one. That lowers the barrier to daily use. (fedoraloveskde.org)
- Application availability via Flatpak: Many mainstream apps are either available as Flatpaks or in Fedora’s repositories, making the transition smoother for typical office, chat, and web workflows. (flatpak.org)
- Less intrusive updates: Fedora’s update model respects user control more than typical Windows forced restarts, which improves the daily experience for people who value uninterrupted work. (docs.fedoraproject.org)
- Official support and documentation: Running KDE on Fedora is an officially supported configuration with maintained ISOs, documentation, and community help channels — not a fringe or unsupported setup. (fedoraproject.org, docs.fedoraproject.org)
Risks and downsides — what to check before you commit
- Device drivers and firmware: GPU, Wi‑Fi, and specialized peripherals sometimes have vendor-provided Windows drivers only. Test hardware compatibility in a live USB session before wiping or abandoning Windows. Community hardware databases and Fedora’s docs are indispensable here.
- Specialty or enterprise software: Proprietary, licensed, or enterprise-grade apps (e.g., certain VPN clients, bespoke accounting software, or devices requiring signed drivers) may not run on Linux. For mission-critical apps, set up a fallback plan (dual-boot, VM, or cloud Windows).
- Anti-cheat and DRM: If modern multiplayer gaming is essential, check anti-cheat compatibility on Linux. Some anti-cheat systems still block Linux-native or Proton-played games.
- Vendor support and warranties: Some OEMs or corporate environments expect Windows as the supported OS; swapping to Fedora may affect official support or warranty workflows.
- Windows EoS timing: Post-October 14, 2025, staying on Windows 10 without ESU exposes you to security risk. That makes a tested migration plan a prudent choice for risk-averse users. (support.microsoft.com)
A practical migration checklist (for a safe, staged move)
- Back up everything: full disk image and a separate data backup (cloud or external drive).
- Create a Windows recovery USB and test that it boots. Keep the product keys/licenses in a secure place.
- Try Fedora KDE from a Live USB first. Confirm display, Wi‑Fi, and audio work.
- Verify daily apps: install Chrome, Slack, Discord as Flatpaks or RPMs and confirm workflow.
- Test games and cloud clients: try Shadow’s Linux AppImage and Steam Proton titles you care about. If a title breaks, log the issue and identify a fallback (Shadow, Windows VM, or keep Windows).
- Maintain the Windows partition for 30–90 days as a safety net. Only remove it once you can perform all critical tasks in Fedora. Community advice suggests retaining Windows for at least a month while you smooth rough edges. (flatpak.org)
When dual-boot makes sense — and when to ditch it
Dual-boot remains the safest intermediate step for cautious switchers: it preserves Windows as an emergency boot option, lets you validate hardware and apps, and dramatically lowers the risk of productivity loss during transition. If, after a trial period, you find Fedora KDE meets your needs, reclaiming the Windows partition is relatively straightforward (but make sure you understand the bootloader/EFI implications before removing it). Community threads and migration guidance emphasize dual-boot as a staged migration pattern for 30–90 days.Final analysis and verdict
Fedora KDE is not a one-size-fits-all answer, but it is a remarkably polished, official, and supported path for Windows users seeking a less naggy update model, deep UI customization, and modern Linux capabilities. For many users — especially those whose daily apps are cross-platform (Chrome, Slack, Discord), or who rely on cloud gaming — the practical hurdles are solvable. The story of “forgetting Windows exists” is emotionally accurate for users who find the KDE workflow faster, quieter, and more to their taste.However, technical realities matter: specialized Windows-only software, certain odd hardware edge cases, and high-end gaming with heavy anti-cheat dependencies remain legitimate barriers. The most responsible path is staged: test, dual-boot, verify, then decide. With Windows 10 end of support looming on October 14, 2025, that staged path is a sensible, risk-managed approach for anyone weighing whether to keep paying for extended Windows support, upgrade to Windows 11, or move permanently to Linux. (support.microsoft.com, fedoraproject.org)
Fedora KDE’s combination of official support, Plasma’s customization, Flatpak’s app availability, and a quieter update experience explains why some users stop noticing Windows at all. For others, the technical and software compatibility trade-offs still recommend a cautious, measured migration. Either way, the current landscape supports well-informed experimentation — and for many, the experiment turns into a comfortable new daily driver.
Source: xda-developers.com I dual booted Fedora KDE and I forgot Windows was installed
