Installing Linux After Uninstalling Windows: A Beginner's Guide

If you are considering installing Linux after uninstalling Windows and you have little to no software proficiency, this guide will help you understand the basic steps involved in setting up Linux without starting from scratch.

Two Methods to Install Linux

There are two primary methods to install Linux after uninstalling Windows: installing Linux on a partition and making a Linux-install USB to clean install the drive. Let's explore both options.

Install Linux on a Partition

One method is to install Linux on a partition and then go into Linux to format all Windows partitions. This preserves your existing data while allowing you to have dual-boot capabilities. Here are the steps:

Install Linux on a partition separately. Boot into Linux and go to the File System Utility (or equivalent). Format the existing Windows partitions to remove any traces of the previous operating system. Reboot and enjoy a dual-boot setup where you can either use Windows or Linux.

Create a Linux-Install USB

The second option involves creating a Linux-install USB and formatting the entire hard drive to EXT4, essentially deleting Windows and installing Linux via USB. Here are the detailed steps:

Get a USB thumb drive. Download a Linux ISO file from a reliable source, such as Ubuntu or Linux Mint. Download and use YUMI to write the Linux ISO to the USB drive. Set your PC to boot from the USB drive. Insert the USB stick and restart your computer to boot from it. Follow the Linux installation instructions, choosing the clean install option if you wish to start fresh.

Dual-Boot Windows and Linux

An alternative to a complete wipe of Windows is to set up a dual-boot system where both operating systems can coexist. This is particularly useful if you want to preserve your data and test Linux without making significant changes to your system.

Running Linux-Style Shell on Windows

Another option is to run a Linux-style shell on Windows using tools like Cygwin. This allows you to run some Linux shell programs on Windows, giving you a taste of the Linux environment without a full installation.

Other Free Operating Systems

Windows 10 isn't the only free operating system you can install on your computer. Linux is a popular alternative that can run from a USB drive without modifying your existing system.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Linux Using a USB Drive

Here is a step-by-step guide to installing Linux using a USB drive:

Get a USB thumb drive of at least 8GB. Download the live image or regular image of your desired Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or Pop!_OS. Use Rufus to create a bootable USB drive from the Linux ISO. Plug the USB stick into your computer and restart it. Set the USB stick as the startup device in your BIOS settings. Follow the on-screen instructions to boot from the USB and install the Linux distribution.

Final Tips

If you are new to Linux, it is advisable to start with a live image and get familiar with the system before installing it permanently. Most distributions will guide you through partitioning your disks, and you can choose to keep your data intact during the installation process.

Additional Resources

Ubuntu Tutorials Tutorials Ubuntu Community Help Wiki

Please note that while Linux offers many benefits, it may not be the most accessible choice if you have no software proficiency. It requires a certain level of technical skill to set up and manage correctly.