{"id":175184,"date":"2025-01-15T11:29:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T16:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/?p=175184"},"modified":"2025-12-03T20:04:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T01:04:24","slug":"switch-from-windows-10-to-linux-mint","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/switch-from-windows-10-to-linux-mint\/","title":{"rendered":"How to install Linux Mint to switch from Windows 10"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the end of support for Windows 10<\/a> approaches on October 14, 2025, you might be considering alternative operating systems to maintain security and functionality. One compelling option that you may be hearing more often is Linux Mint, a free, open-source operating system renowned for its user-friendly interface and stability.<\/p>\n

Although switching from Windows 10<\/a> to Linux Mint (in this case) may sound daunting, time has changed, and so has Linux, which has improved greatly\u00a0over the years.\u00a0Linux Mint offers a familiar environment for most users accustomed to Windows. It features a straightforward installation process and a comprehensive suite of pre-installed open-source apps. Its active community<\/strong><\/a> provides robust support, making it an accessible choice for beginners and experienced users. Additionally, Linux Mint is less resource-intensive than Windows 10, potentially improving the performance of older hardware.<\/p>\n

What is Linux Mint?<\/h2>\n

At its core, Linux Mint is a complete operating system similar to Windows or macOS. It manages your computer’s hardware and software and provides a graphical environment for your activities. This distribution of Linux is based on the Ubuntu platform, and it inherits its stability and security while adding its unique touches.<\/p>\n

Related<\/span>
\"How<\/div>How to install Zorin OS to switch from Windows 10<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/section>\n

Why choose Linux Mint to replace Windows 10?<\/h2>\n

There are several reasons to choose Linux Mint as your Windows 10 replacement. However, it all comes down to stability, ease of use, lightweight, and robust compatibility.<\/p>\n

Linux Mint is available in different desktop environments, but the Cinnamon desktop provides a familiar layout similar to Windows 10, minimizing the learning curve for new users.<\/p>\n

In addition to its reliability, this distribution ensures a seamless user experience without frequent crashes or slowdowns. As an open-source operating system, Linux Mint is free to use, eliminating licensing fees associated with proprietary software. Perhaps more importantly, it supports a wide range of hardware, often requiring minimal driver installations, including those processors that Windows 11 no longer supports.<\/p>\n

If you are not interested in AI features, this is another reason to consider switching to Linux. Unlike Windows 11 and macOS, Linux Mint and other variants don’t include AI features. However, you can always access AI services on the web, such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and others.<\/p>\n

Also, this Linux distribution includes support for many different types of apps. Since most applications today are web apps, you will likely have access to the tools and services you need for work and school.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Is Linux Mint the same as Windows 10?<\/h2>\n

Although Linux Mint is a suitable replacement for Windows 10, it’s important to understand that Linux is not Windows. What I mean is that Linux works differently. For example, while Windows uses the NTFS file system<\/a>, Linux uses file systems like ext4<\/a>, btrfs, and xfs. However, the open-source operating system has no problems reading NTFS.<\/p>\n

Also, you have to consider that software installs differently on Linux, usually done through a package using one of the different command-line package managers. However, many distros like Mint include a graphical tool to discover and install applications, similar to the Microsoft Store.<\/p>\n

Another aspect to consider before switching is the applications you use, because Linux has some software limitations. For example, Microsoft doesn’t offer its suite of Office apps (or Microsoft 365 apps) for the open-source operating system. However, the software giant will stop supporting the Microsoft 365 apps<\/a> on Windows 10 after October 14, 2025.<\/p>\n

Also, you won’t be able to install apps like Adobe Photoshop, but you can still access the web version of Office, Photoshop, and others. In addition, you can also install similar applications, such as LibreOffice and Gimp.<\/p>\n

Linux offers other solutions for installing Windows apps with Wine<\/a> and virtual machines, but you are likely to run into issues.<\/p>\n

If you really have to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and other apps natively, instead of switching to Linux Mint, you should consider bypassing the requirements and installing Windows 11<\/a> in an unsupported state.<\/p>\n

Finally, it’s important to note that while Linux works well with most hardware configurations, especially older components, when getting a new piece of hardware (such as a network adapter or printer), you have to research and confirm its compatibility with Linux.<\/p>\n

In this guide<\/a>, I will outline the steps to upgrade your computer from Windows 10 to Linux Mint. If you’re not convinced about Linux, you can explore different upgrade paths to leave Windows 10<\/a> behind before the support ends.<\/p>\n

Replace Windows 10 with Linux Mint on your computer<\/h2>\n

If your computer doesn’t meet the requirements for Windows 11, or you want to switch to a different operating system, you can switch to Linux Mint in a four-step process that involves creating a Linux USB bootable media, creating a full backup of your current setup, and performing a clean installation of the Mint distribution deleting the previous of Windows 10, and the restoring your files from backup and installing the application you need.<\/p>\n