Transitioning from Windows 10 to Linux on Your Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Are you considering a transition from Windows 10 to Linux on your laptop? This guide will walk you through the process of installing Linux via a bootable USB drive. We'll cover everything from downloading the installation environment to completing the installation. Let's begin.

Step 1: Setting Up a Bootable USB Drive

Download and Install balenaEco

The first step in installing Linux is to create a bootable USB drive with the Linux distribution of your choice. For this, you'll need to download and install balenaEco.

Go to the balenaEco website: Visit and download the installer based on your operating system.

Install balenaEco: Double-click the executable file to install balenaEco on your system.

Prepare your USB drive: Insert a USB drive with at least 4GB of storage into your Windows 10 laptop.

Download the Linux distribution ISO: Choose the Linux distribution you want to install and download the ISO file from the official repository.

Use balenaEco to write the ISO to the USB: Launch balenaEco, select your USB drive, and choose the Linux distribution ISO file. Click on the 'Flash' button to create the bootable USB.

Step 2: Accessing the BIOS/UEFI to Boot from USB

Accessing BIOS/UEFI

To boot from the USB drive, you need to access the BIOS/UEFI during system startup. This is a crucial step as it will change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.

Power on your laptop: Start your Windows 10 laptop.

Press the appropriate key to enter BIOS/UEFI: The key to access the BIOS/UEFI varies depending on your laptop manufacturer. Common keys include F2, F10, F12, and Delete. Look at the bottom of your screen during startup for a prompt indicating the correct key.

Locate and change boot order: Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. Navigate to the 'Boot' menu and ensure that the USB device is set as the first boot device.

Save changes and exit: After setting the boot order, save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI. Your laptop should now boot from the USB drive.

Step 3: Installing Linux

Installing from USB

Once you've booted from the USB drive, you can begin the Linux installation process.

Boot from USB and start installation: Your laptop will boot directly into the Linux installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to start the installation process.

Select language and keyboard layout: Choose your preferred language and keyboard layout settings.

Prepare partitions: Decide how you want to partition your hard drive. Ensure that you have an appropriate partition for the installation.

Set up root and home partitions: Partition your drive as necessary, allocating space for the root and home directories.

Configure the installation: Proceed with the installation by following the remaining on-screen prompts. Make sure to select the appropriate options for your hardware.

Install system and set up networking: After installation, configure the system to set up networking and login settings.

Reboot your laptop: Once the installation is complete, reboot your laptop and remove the USB drive. You should now be running Linux on your system.

Conclusion

Transferring from Windows 10 to Linux is not always a straightforward process, but with the right preparation and guidance, it can be a rewarding experience. If you encounter any issues during the setup, feel free to reach out to a knowledgeable Linux user for assistance. Happy installing!

By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the benefits of Linux on your Windows 10 laptop. Whether you're a novice or an experienced user, Linux provides a wealth of possibilities and knowledge to explore.