Here we can see, “How to Upgrade From Windows 7 to Linux”
It’s understandable if you’re still using Windows 7 because you don’t like Windows 10. However, there is a free alternative: you can install Linux on your PC and have a supported operating system still receiving updates.
It’s not as difficult as you might think. You can test Linux on your computer before installing it, and you can install it alongside Windows 7 if you decide to upgrade. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
A Real Alternative to Windows 7
Linux works a lot better in 2020 than you might think. Your hardware would be well-supported and “just work” without any extra fiddling, especially if you have an older PC that ran Windows 7.
- For optimal gaming performance, you may need to install hardware drivers, but that’s usually it.
- After installing Linux, you’ll need to install your preferred web browser: Mozilla Firefox is included with most Linux distributions, and Google Chrome is also available. After that, you have complete internet access, including streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
- Linux distributions are open-source and free. You don’t need antivirus software, and you don’t need to download and run strange software or run strange commands, as you would on any other operating system.
You Can Dual Boot and Leave Windows 7 Installed
You don’t have to uninstall Windows 7 if you’re installing Linux. Instead, you could use a dual-boot setup to install Linux. You can choose which operating system to boot when you turn on your computer. Then, you can reboot into Windows 7 if you ever need to get back to Windows 7—for example, to play a game that doesn’t work on Linux.
It’s a simple way to get your feet wet in the Linux world. You get a secure Linux operating system, and you can always boot into Windows 7 if you need it for a specific task.
Pick a Linux Distro and Create Media
- You’ll need to choose a Linux distribution before you can get started with Linux.
- A few years ago, we looked at the best Linux distributions for beginners, and the landscape is still pretty similar today. Ubuntu remains a reliable and well-supported option. Instead, many people recommend Linux Mint. You can’t go wrong with either Mint or Ubuntu, which is based on Ubuntu. Here are some screenshots from Ubuntu 18.04 LTS.
- After you’ve decided on a Linux distribution, you’ll need to download it and create live media. Although we recommend using a USB drive, you can also burn your preferred distribution to a disc.
You should probably back up your files before booting into Linux and installing it. In any case, having backups of your important files is always a good idea.
Boot the Media and Try It Before Installing It
- After creating your media, reboot your Windows 7 PC and select the media you created as your boot device to begin using Linux. You can use Linux without installing it after booting. It’s entirely powered by the USB drive or disc you made. Linux isn’t installed on your computer until you select “Install” and follow the wizard’s instructions.
- This is also a great way to make sure that all of your hardware is compatible with Linux without the need for any configuration. You can, for example, check to see if your Wi-Fi is operational.
- If everything appears to be in order, you can rest assured that your hardware will function properly after installing Linux on your computer.
You may need to adjust Secure Boot settings to boot your Linux distribution if you’re using a newer PC that came with Windows 8 or 10. On the other hand, PCs from the Windows 7 era will boot Linux without any additional configuration.
Installing Linux on Your PC
- If you want to install Linux on your PC, you can select the installation option in the live Linux environment. On Ubuntu, for example, the desktop has an “Install Ubuntu” icon. When you double-click it, an installation wizard will appear.
- Everything will be fairly straightforward in this section. You have the option of installing your Linux system alongside Windows 7 or erasing Windows 7 and installing Linux over it while going through the wizard.
- Unless you have a second hard drive, you’ll need some free space to install Linux alongside Windows. If you need more space, reboot into Windows 7 and delete some files.
- You can choose an operating system each time you boot your PC if you install Windows 7 and Linux side by side.
Warning: If you choose to erase your hard drive, you will also erase all the files and applications on your Windows 7 partition.
Installing Software on Linux
- Linux differs from Windows in a few ways, but not significantly. Everything you need may already be installed out of the box if all you need is a modern web browser and a few essential utilities like a video player, image editor, and even the open-source LibreOffice office suite.
- You’ll want to look into your Linux distribution’s package manager for additional software. That’s the Ubuntu Software Center on Ubuntu. Consider it a one-stop “app store” for your Linux PC, but with free and open-source software. Your Linux distribution’s base software, as well as any applications you install from here, will be automatically updated.
- You can also get applications from sources other than the package manager. For example, Google Chrome, Dropbox, Skype, Steam, Spotify, Slack, and Minecraft can all be downloaded from their official websites. However, the majority of the applications you’ll use will be open-source software downloaded from the package manager.
- There’s a lot more to Linux than that, but the fundamentals are fairly straightforward. Although the terminal is powerful, you are not required to use it.
Many people will only require a stable, secure operating system, a modern web browser, and a few useful utilities in 2020. Without any additional tweaking, Linux provides that right out of the box. It’s a fantastic Windows 7 alternative.
Conclusion
I hope you found this information helpful. Please fill out the form below if you have any questions or comments.
User Questions:
- Is it possible for me to switch from Windows 7 to Linux?
If you want to install Linux on your PC, you can select the installation option in the live Linux environment. You have the option of installing your Linux system alongside Windows 7 or erasing Windows 7 and installing Linux over it while going through the wizard.
- Can I use Linux instead of Windows 10?
If you don’t want to upgrade to Windows 11 or are sick of Windows 10, you can install Linux instead. You don’t have to use the Windows-macOS binary, and you don’t have to use Chrome OS, a browser-based operating system. You can instead look into the world of Linux.
- Is there an operating system that is better than Windows 10?
Linux is known for being fast and smooth, whereas Windows 10 has a reputation for becoming increasingly slow over time. Linux is faster than Windows 8.1 and 10, and it has a modern desktop environment and operating system qualities, whereas Windows is slow on older hardware.
- Windows 7 support is coming to an end; here’s how to get started with Linux.
Windows 7 support is ending, a guide to trying Linux from linux4noobs
- Windows 7 computers are being reported as automatically starting the Windows 10 upgrade without permission.
Warning: Windows 7 computers are being reported as automatically starting the Windows 10 upgrade without permission. from technology
