Switch Windows 10 to Linux Mint: A Free Windows Like Desktop for End of Support

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If your Windows 10 PC is approaching the end of official support and you don’t want Windows 11 — or your hardware isn’t eligible for Microsoft’s free upgrade — switching to a friendly Linux desktop like Linux Mint is a practical, zero‑cost option that will keep your machine useful and secure for years to come.

Modern desk setup with a green-lit PC tower, ultrawide monitor, keyboard, notebook, coffee, and a plant.Background / Overview​

Windows 10 reaches end of support on October 14, 2025; after that date Microsoft will stop shipping security patches and feature updates for standard Windows 10 installations. Microsoft recommends upgrading eligible devices to Windows 11 or enrolling eligible systems in the Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, but many home users will prefer a free, privacy‑respecting alternative instead.
Linux Mint is purposely designed for people moving from Windows: it offers a familiar desktop layout (Cinnamon is the most Windows‑like edition), a conservative, stable base, and bundled tools that make the migration straightforward. You can try Mint in a “live” session from a USB stick without touching Windows, verify hardware compatibility, and then choose to dual‑boot or replace Windows entirely. The ZDNet how‑to walkthrough covers this exact path and is the basis for the step‑by‑step process below.

Why choose Linux Mint (short version)​

  • Free: No license fees or subscriptions for the OS itself.
  • User‑friendly: A desktop layout and settings that feel familiar to Windows users.
  • Live USB testing: Try everything before making any disk changes.
  • Good hardware support: Built on an Ubuntu LTS base with broad driver coverage; proprietary drivers available for graphics and Wi‑Fi where necessary.
  • Safety nets: Built‑in snapshot tool (Timeshift) and standard backup options make rollbacks easy.

What you’ll need before you start​

  • A Windows PC (desktop or laptop) with internet access.
  • An external backup drive or cloud account to copy important files (do this first).
  • A USB stick — 8 GB recommended (4 GB may work for older ISOs but 8 GB is safer for recent releases and if you want persistence).
  • Time: allow two hours if you’re comfortable with installs; plan an afternoon if this is your first time.

Minimum hardware guidance (practical)​

  • RAM: 2 GB minimum (4 GB recommended for a comfortable Cinnamon experience).
  • Disk: 20 GB minimum (100 GB recommended for real use).
  • Display: 1024×768 or better. These practical minimums are consistent across recent Mint releases and migration guides.

Step‑by‑step migration: verified and annotated​

Below is a practical, verifiable workflow that follows the ZDNet instructions but expands each technical claim with authoritative verification and extra troubleshooting notes.

1. Back up everything first (do not skip)​

  • Copy Documents, Pictures, Mail stores, browser profiles and any application data to an external drive or cloud. If you want a full image, use an imaging tool (macrium, Clonezilla, Windows built‑in image, etc.). Treat this as mandatory: installers can go wrong. The ZDNet walkthrough emphasizes backing up before you touch partitions.

2. Inventory essential applications and plan replacements​

  • Make a list of Windows apps you absolutely need. Many cloud apps (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace) run in browsers on Linux; native alternatives (LibreOffice, GIMP, Inkscape, etc.) cover most needs. For Windows‑only apps you can:
  • run a full Windows VM (VirtualBox) under Mint,
  • use Wine/Proton/Crossover for many Windows apps and games,
  • or keep a dual‑boot Windows partition as a fallback.

3. Download the Linux Mint ISO and verify it​

  • Download the official ISO for the edition you want (Cinnamon is the default). Mint publishes SHA256 sums alongside each ISO; always verify. Community and official Mint docs explain the process and why verification matters.
  • On Windows run either PowerShell’s Get‑FileHash or the built‑in CertUtil to compute a SHA‑256 checksum:
  • PowerShell: Get-FileHash C:\path\linuxmint.iso
  • CertUtil: certutil -hashfile C:\path\linuxmint.iso SHA256
    Compare the output to the sha256sum.txt provided on the Mint download mirror. Using these built‑in commands is standard guidance.
Why verify? Corrupted downloads or tampered ISOs cause installation failures or worse; mint/installation docs and multiple community guides strongly recommend matching the SHA256 before proceeding.

4. Create a bootable USB (recommended tools and caveats)​

  • Recommended utilities (Windows):
  • Rufus — popular, reliable; supports many options (GPT/UEFI vs MBR/BIOS).
  • balenaEtcher — cross‑platform and simple, though community concerns about telemetry/metadata have prompted some users to prefer Rufus; choose the tool you trust.
  • Ventoy — handy if you plan multiple ISOs on one stick and advanced features such as persistence files.
Practical note: use an 8 GB USB stick to allow room for persistent overlays or larger ISOs. If a tool fails to create a bootable stick, try another tool and re‑verify the ISO before retrying; some users report that mirrors occasionally serve corrupted images.

5. Boot the PC from USB and run Mint in Live mode​

  • Reboot and enter the BIOS/UEFI or one‑time boot menu (keys vary by vendor — F12, Esc, F2, Del are common). Set the USB as first boot or choose it from the one‑time menu. ZDNet and other guides walk this exact step.
  • Choose “Start Linux Mint” from the USB menu. Mint’s live session lets you:
  • test Wi‑Fi, audio, display, touchpad, printers and other peripherals,
  • browse files on your internal disk (read‑only),
  • assess performance without changing disks. If something critical doesn’t work, don’t install yet — this is the time to troubleshoot or pick a different distro.

6. Prepare Windows if you plan to dual‑boot​

If you want to keep Windows and install Mint alongside it:
  • Disable Fast Startup in Windows (it leaves NTFS partitions in a hibernated state and can make Linux unable to mount them safely).
  • Suspend or decrypt BitLocker before resizing or writing to disk to avoid locking yourself out. These are standard precautions when dual‑booting.

7. Install Mint: partitioning choices (dual‑boot vs clean)​

During installation you’ll be asked how to partition:
  • “Install alongside” — the easiest route to dual‑boot: Mint will shrink Windows and create partitions for itself. Mint’s installer offers this for most setups.
  • Manual partitioning (power users): recommend Ext4 for root “/”, a separate /home if you want to isolate user data, and a swap file (modern Mint uses swap files by default). If you want fast, atomic snapshots, consider BTRFS — but only if you understand subvolume layout. Timeshift works best with its supported layouts.
  • Erase disk and use Mint only — clean and simple, but only after a verified backup.
If you prefer to free space in Windows before installing, use Windows Disk Management to shrink C: and leave unallocated space for Mint. ZDNet recommends making a comfortable allocation (40 GB+).

8. Secure Boot and driver notes​

  • Most Ubuntu‑based distributions (including Mint) support UEFI Secure Boot via the signed shim/GRUB/kernel flow used by Ubuntu. However, Secure Boot is an evolving area — signed boot toolchains and firmware key changes can cause trouble on some hardware; if the Mint installer fails to boot or install with Secure Boot enabled, temporarily disabling Secure Boot in UEFI is a safe fallback. Always verify before assuming perfect Secure Boot compatibility.
  • NVIDIA GPUs: historically the biggest source of friction. NVIDIA has released open GPU kernel modules and improved Linux support in recent years, which reduces driver pain for many GPUs — but specifics vary by model and driver release. If you encounter display freezes or black screens while booting the live USB, the temporary boot option “nomodeset” often helps you get to a desktop so you can install proprietary drivers afterward via Driver Manager. For users with recent NVIDIA cards, consult NVIDIA’s open kernel modules and the packaged drivers before installation.

9. First boot and basic post‑install housekeeping​

After installation and first boot:
  • Run Driver Manager and install recommended proprietary drivers (especially for NVIDIA, some Wi‑Fi chips, or printer drivers). Restart if prompted.
  • Open Update Manager (shield icon) and apply all system updates — Mint’s update system covers the OS and apps installed via the Software Manager. Kernel updates require a reboot; most other updates do not.

10. Set up snapshots and backups (Timeshift + personal backups)​

  • Enable Timeshift during setup (Mint prompts you). Timeshift snapshots preserve system files and settings and let you roll back broken updates or misconfigurations. It is not a personal file backup tool — keep your documents on external/cloud backups or use Deja Dup for personal files. Timeshift’s GitHub and documentation explain scheduling and the limitation that user files are excluded by default.
  • For personal file backups install a user‑level backup tool (Deja Dup is recommended) and target an external drive or network/cloud storage — don’t keep your backups on the same disk as the system snapshots.

11. Restore or migrate Windows data and accounts​

  • If you use OneDrive / Microsoft 365, you can access OneDrive via the GNOME Online Accounts integration or use the web versions of Office apps. Mint supports GNOME Online Accounts; to use it, open System Settings → Online Accounts and sign in to Microsoft — GNOME integration will present your OneDrive storage in the file manager. ZDNet and community guides demonstrate this process; if a prompt asks for Tenant/Account ID, the typical consumer sign‑in flow works without extra fields.

Troubleshooting: common problems and verified fixes​

  • Live USB won’t boot: check UEFI/Legacy mode, try the one‑time boot menu, recreate the USB with Rufus or Ventoy, and re‑verify the ISO SHA256. If using Secure Boot, temporarily disable it while testing.
  • Black screen or GPU issues at boot: use the “nomodeset” kernel option to reach a desktop, then install proprietary graphics drivers via Driver Manager. NVIDIA’s open modules reduce friction for many newer GPUs, but check your GPU model against NVIDIA’s documentation if you rely on advanced GPU features.
  • Persistent storage problems on USB: persistent overlays are distro‑dependent; Ventoy or Rufus persistence support varies by release — test on your hardware. If persistence is critical, create a persistent image and confirm via the live session.
  • Secure Boot key problems: firmware and distribution key rollover events (including expiring Microsoft signing keys) occasionally complicate Secure Boot. If the installer’s signed shim is not accepted by firmware, disable Secure Boot or follow the distro’s MOK enrollment guidance. Ubuntu’s Secure Boot documentation explains how shim/MOK works and why enrollment is sometimes required.

Compatibility notes and real‑world caveats​

  • Gaming and anti‑cheat: Proton has dramatically improved Windows game compatibility on Linux, but some competitive game anti‑cheat solutions still have limited or optional Linux support. Check ProtonDB and developers’ anti‑cheat statements before assuming parity for competitive titles.
  • Enterprise device constraints: company‑managed PCs tied to Active Directory, Intune, or proprietary management tooling may not be practical to migrate without IT involvement. Migration should be coordinated with IT in corporate settings.
  • Specialized Windows software (industry CAD/CAM tools, some forensic or vendor‑tied utilities, Adobe Creative Cloud native apps) may not have full Linux equivalents. Options: VM, Wine/Crossover, or keeping a Windows partition. Plan for these ahead of time.

Quick checklist — ready to switch?​

  • Back up everything (image + file copies).
  • Inventory essential apps and confirm Linux alternatives or VM/Wine strategies.
  • Download Mint ISO and verify SHA256.
  • Create a bootable 8 GB USB with Rufus/Ventoy/BalenaEtcher.
  • Boot Live USB, test hardware and apps.
  • If dual‑booting: suspend BitLocker, disable Fast Startup, and shrink Windows partition if desired.
  • Install Mint (choose “Install alongside” for dual‑boot or erase for clean install).
  • First boot: Driver Manager, Update Manager, enable Timeshift snapshots.

Strengths, risks, and final analysis​

Strengths:
  • Revives older hardware: Linux Mint’s modest resource needs make many Windows 10 machines useful again.
  • Lower ongoing cost: no license or forced hardware upgrades.
  • Control and privacy: open‑source stack with community oversight and fewer telemetry concerns by default.
Risks and friction points:
  • Hardware edge cases: very new Wi‑Fi chips or exotic laptop power‑management quirks occasionally require extra work. Test in Live mode first.
  • Secure Boot complexity: firmware key rollovers and MOK enrollment occasionally force a firmware or manual key step. If you’re uncomfortable with firmware settings, plan to disable Secure Boot during install.
  • Proprietary, Windows‑only software: plan how you’ll run necessary Windows apps before removing Windows (VM/dual‑boot/Wine).
Journalist’s verdict: for most home users and hobbyists who do not rely on a small set of Windows‑only, vendor‑locked apps, Linux Mint is a low‑risk, high‑value path to extend a PC’s useful life after Windows 10 support ends. The migration is reversible (dual‑boot) and eminently testable (Live USB). Back up first, test thoroughly, and follow the steps above to minimize surprises. The ZDNet walkthrough provides a clear, friendly narrative; the technical pieces (ISO verification, bootable USB creation, Timeshift snapshots, driver management) are all standard, documented practices supported by Mint and community resources.

Where to read more (trusted references used to verify this guide)​

  • Microsoft End‑of‑Support notice for Windows 10 and the ESU program.
  • Linux Mint installation and ISO verification guidance (community & docs).
  • Timeshift system snapshot project and documentation.
  • Ubuntu Secure Boot documentation (explains shim/MOK enrolment and signing).
  • NVIDIA open GPU kernel modules project and NVIDIA technical blog for driver changes.

Switching a functioning Windows 10 PC to Linux Mint is straightforward and free if you prepare, verify your install media, and use the live session to test hardware and critical apps first. Follow the steps above, keep reliable backups, and take advantage of Mint’s Timeshift snapshots and Driver Manager to make the transition smooth and safe. Enjoy the new desktop — and the extra years of life you’ll get out of your machine.

Source: ZDNET How to switch your Windows 10 PC to Linux Mint - for free
 

Windows 10 is reaching the end of its official support window, and for many users — especially those with hardware that won’t meet Windows 11’s requirements or those who dislike Windows 11’s direction — switching to a friendly, desktop-focused Linux distribution like Linux Mint is the fastest, lowest‑cost way to keep a PC secure and useful. The migration can be done without spending a cent, tested safely from a USB stick, and offers multiple fallback options (dual‑boot or a Windows VM) for compatibility-sensitive workflows.

A clean desk with a dual-monitor setup; the left screen displays Windows “End of Support.”Background / Overview​

Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14, 2025. After that date Microsoft will stop shipping routine security updates and feature patches for consumer Windows 10 installations, although Extended Security Updates (ESU) options exist for those who need more time. This timeline is the single most consequential reason many users are evaluating alternatives — and Linux Mint is a practical one.
Linux Mint is an Ubuntu‑based distribution built for everyday desktop use. It ships in three desktop editions — Cinnamon (default and most Windows‑like), MATE, and Xfce — so you can choose the visual style and resource profile that suits your machine. Cinnamon aims to feel familiar to Windows users: a taskbar, start‑menu style app launcher, system tray and notification area — all with straightforward system settings and an easy software manager. Many publications and migration walkthroughs recommend Mint as the easiest first Linux distribution for Windows switchers.

Why consider switching to Linux Mint now​

  • Security posture after Windows EoS: Once Windows 10 no longer receives patches, the attack surface for unpatched OS bugs grows. Moving to a maintained Linux distro keeps the OS and packages up to date without license costs.
  • Zero license cost: Linux Mint and most Linux applications are free — no subscription or activation required.
  • Live USB testing: Mint can run directly from a USB stick (a “live session”) so you can test hardware and apps before touching your disks.
  • Revive older hardware: Lighter desktop editions (MATE, Xfce) run well on machines that struggle with Windows 11.

What you’ll need before you start​

  • A Windows PC (desktop or laptop) with an internet connection and administrative access.
  • An external backup target (external HDD, NAS, or cloud) to copy important files — make a full backup image if you can. Backups are non‑negotiable.
  • A USB stick (8 GB recommended): modern Mint ISOs and persistent‑USB setups work best with at least 8 GB; some older ISOs can fit on 4 GB but 8 GB is a safe minimum. Tools like Rufus, balenaEtcher, or Ventoy will write the ISO to the stick. Practical guides and utility authors routinely recommend an 8 GB drive for current installers.
  • Time: plan 1–3 hours if experienced; allow an afternoon if it’s your first OS install.

Pre‑migration checklist (do these first)​

  • Back up everything: full disk image (recommended) plus independent copies of Documents, Pictures, browser profiles, and mail stores. If BitLocker is enabled, suspend or decrypt before doing disk work.
  • Inventory essential applications and confirm replacements: many cloud apps (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace) run in a browser; native alternatives include LibreOffice, Thunderbird, GIMP. For indispensable Windows‑only apps, plan a fallback: a Windows VM (VirtualBox) or a dual‑boot.
  • Make a recovery plan: know how to boot your firmware (UEFI/BIOS) and how to restore a Windows image if needed.

Step‑by‑step: Try Linux Mint before installing​

  • Download the Linux Mint ISO for the edition you want. Cinnamon is recommended for first‑time desktop Linux users because its layout will feel most familiar. Many distribution pages host .iso files (typically 2–3 GB depending on version). Verify the download’s SHA256 checksum after downloading to ensure the image isn’t corrupted or tampered with. Community guides and the Mint project both stress this verification step.
  • Create a bootable USB stick. Recommended tools on Windows include Rufus, balenaEtcher, and Ventoy. Use an 8 GB (or larger) USB stick to avoid size limits and to allow room for persistent storage if you want your live USB to retain settings.
  • Reboot the PC and choose the USB drive from the one‑time boot menu or set the USB device as the first boot device in your UEFI/BIOS. Common keys to reach boot menus are F12, Esc, F2 or Del — vendor messages during POST usually show the right key.
  • Choose “Start Linux Mint” in the boot menu to run the live session. In live mode you can:
  • Confirm Wi‑Fi, sound, external displays, keyboard/mouse and touchpad work.
  • Open the browser, log into cloud services (Office.com, Google Workspace), and test the apps you rely on.
  • Inspect internal drives in read‑only mode to verify file access.
    This lets you validate hardware support without changing the installed Windows system.

Installing Linux Mint: dual‑boot vs full replacement​

When you double‑click “Install Linux Mint” from the live desktop you’ll be guided through language, timezone, username/password and partitioning choices. The installer presents safe, clear options:
  • Install alongside Windows — the easiest dual‑boot option. The installer shrinks Windows and creates partitions for Mint; GRUB is installed to give an OS selection at boot. This preserves Windows as a fallback.
  • Erase disk and install Mint — wipes Windows and uses the entire drive for Mint. Only choose this if you have safe backups and are ready to commit.
  • Something else — manual partitioning for power users: create ext4 for root (/), consider a separate /home, and use a swap file (modern Mint defaults to a swap file). If you know what you’re doing, you can choose the precise layout.
Practical disk sizes: allocate at least 40 GB for a minimal comfortable Mint install; 100 GB or more if you plan to store media, games or VMs. If you prefer, shrink Windows first from within Windows Disk Management to create unallocated space and reduce risk.

UEFI, Secure Boot and MOK enrollment​

Modern Mint installers (built on Ubuntu’s ecosystem) generally support UEFI Secure Boot via Canonical’s signed shim. The shim allows GRUB and the signed kernel to boot under Secure Boot; if you install third‑party kernel modules or proprietary drivers you may be prompted to enroll a Machine Owner Key (MOK) at first boot. The canonical shim + MOK process is documented in Ubuntu’s secure‑boot documentation and is the mechanism Mint inherits. If the installer cannot boot under Secure Boot, temporarily disabling Secure Boot in the UEFI is a reliable fallback — then re‑enable it later if you prefer.
Practical notes:
  • If you install proprietary NVIDIA drivers or other third‑party modules, the installer will often sign them and ask you to enroll the MOK at reboot. Follow the on‑screen prompts.

After install: drivers, codecs, updates and snapshots​

  • Run the Driver Manager to detect and install proprietary drivers (NVIDIA, Broadcom Wi‑Fi, etc.). On many systems the open‑source drivers suffice, but proprietary drivers can improve performance for GPUs or closed‑source Wi‑Fi chipsets.
  • Install multimedia codecs if you need MP3, proprietary video codecs or DVD playback — Mint exposes this as an easy option.
  • Update your system with the Update Manager (shield icon). Mint’s update model patches both the OS and installed applications (Firefox, LibreOffice, etc.); most updates do not require a reboot except kernel updates.
  • Configure Timeshift (included): Timeshift takes system snapshots (system files and settings) so you can roll back after a problematic update. Timeshift is not a personal file backup tool — use Mint’s Backup Tool or Deja Dup (recommended) to back up documents and media to external or cloud storage. Always store backups off the boot disk.

If you need Windows apps: VM, Wine/Proton, or dual‑boot​

  • Run Windows 10/11 in a virtual machine under Mint using VirtualBox or KVM/QEMU. VirtualBox explicitly supports Windows 10 as a guest and provides “Guest Additions” to improve integration (shared folders, clipboard, display drivers). Running Windows in a VM keeps that Windows instance isolated and only used when necessary — reducing security exposure compared with a full primary Windows install.
  • Use Wine, Proton, or CrossOver for many Windows apps and games — Proton is integrated with Steam for gaming, and Wine has decades of compatibility data. For mission‑critical Windows software that won’t work under Wine, a VM or a dual‑boot remain the safest fallback.

Gaming and anti‑cheat caveat​

Linux gaming has improved dramatically thanks to Proton and Valve’s work, but anti‑cheat systems used by some competitive titles can remain incompatible with Proton/Wine. Check ProtonDB and game compatibility reports before assuming full parity. If you need guaranteed anti‑cheat support, dual‑booting into Windows may be necessary.

NVIDIA, GPU quirks and nomodeset​

Historically, NVIDIA GPUs caused some live‑boot and installer black screens. There are now better upstream solutions (NVIDIA’s open kernel modules and canonical packaging improvements), but individual GPU generations still vary. If a live USB hangs on boot, try the nomodeset kernel option to boot with basic graphics, then install the recommended NVIDIA driver from Driver Manager after installing Mint. Always check NVIDIA’s documentation for your GPU model if you plan high‑performance workloads or CUDA usage.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them​

  • Skipping a full backup. Always image the drive and copy critical files to external media. Mistakes during partition resizing or a power loss during writes can be catastrophic.
  • Forgetting to suspend BitLocker or disable Windows Fast Startup before dual‑booting — these can leave Windows partitions in a state that confuses Linux’s installer. Suspend BitLocker and turn off Fast Startup in Windows’ power settings.
  • Using a poor USB stick. Cheap or failing sticks cause write errors and failed boots; use a reliable brand and prefer USB‑3 for speed. Rufus and other bootable creators recommend an 8 GB (or larger) stick for modern ISOs.

Step‑by‑step quick checklist (copyable)​

  • Back up everything (image + personal files).
  • Make a list of must‑have Windows apps and verify Linux alternatives or VM/compatibility.
  • Download Linux Mint (Cinnamon recommended for first time users) and verify SHA256.
  • Create an 8 GB+ bootable USB with Rufus, balenaEtcher or Ventoy.
  • Boot Live USB and choose “Start Linux Mint.” Test hardware & apps.
  • If satisfied, run “Install Linux Mint” and choose “Install alongside” to dual‑boot, or “Erase disk” to replace Windows (with backups in place).
  • After install: run Driver Manager, install codecs, update system, enable Timeshift snapshots and configure backups to external/cloud storage.

Strengths, risks and final verdict​

Strengths​

  • Test first, commit later with Live USB.
  • Free and privacy‑oriented: no license fees and less default telemetry than many proprietary OSes.
  • Revives older machines: Mint’s lighter desktop editions deliver faster performance on older hardware.
  • Good migration tooling: Timeshift snapshots and easy backup utilities make rollbacks and restores approachable for non‑experts.

Risks and friction points​

  • Windows‑only apps and DRM: some professional or DRM‑protected software may not run well under Wine or in a VM. Plan for a fallback.
  • Enterprise device constraints: domain‑joined or Intune‑managed laptops may be restricted by company policy; consult IT before changing company hardware.
  • Anti‑cheat and gaming caveats: competitive titles can be a problem for Proton/Wine; verify for each game.
  • Edge hardware: very new Wi‑Fi chips or exotic power management may require manual driver or firmware work. Test in live session first.

Advanced tips and pro recommendations​

  • If you plan to run Windows in a VM, VirtualBox is a simple cross‑platform option and explicitly supports Windows 10 guests. Install Guest Additions in the Windows VM for better integration (display, mouse, clipboard).
  • For users who want a portable, persistent live environment (carry your system on a USB), tools like Rufus (persistence) or Ventoy (multiple ISOs) help create persistent overlays so settings and small installs survive reboots. Aim for 16 GB+ for a truly comfortable portable workspace.
  • Use Timeshift for system snapshots before applying big changes (new kernels, driver swaps). Keep Timeshift snapshots on a separate physical drive or network share. Use Deja Dup for daily personal file backups to cloud or NAS with encryption.

Conclusion​

Switching from Windows 10 to Linux Mint is a practical, zero‑cost option for users who want to avoid the security exposure of an unsupported OS or who prefer a lighter, more private desktop experience. The path is conservative: test with a Live USB, keep Windows as a dual‑boot or within a VM for any holdout applications, and maintain a solid backup strategy. Official Windows timelines and the Linux Mint ecosystem make this migration both feasible and safe for many home users and hobbyists — but plan carefully if your work depends on niche Windows software or corporate device policies.
Have fun, be methodical, and enjoy the renewed life your hardware can deliver under Mint.

Source: bahiaverdade.com.br How to switch your Windows 10 PC to Linux Mint - for free - Bahia Verdade
 

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