In short: After more than 30 years of Windows, I switched my private desktop to Linux Mint in 2024. The trigger was a dead SSD, on top of the annoyance with Windows 11, which my computer officially wasn't even allowed to get. The switch was surprisingly straightforward, and my biggest surprise: I don't miss Windows.
More than 30 years of Windows – at some point enough is enough
My story with Microsoft Windows started with Windows 3.11. Since then I have experienced practically every major Windows generation: Windows 95, 98, XP, 7, 10 and of course Windows 11.
As a web developer, I worked on Windows for decades. I knew the system inside out, knew how to help myself with problems and actually had no compelling reason to change operating systems.
In recent years, however, Windows increasingly got on my nerves:
- ever new settings and constantly changing menus
- questionable design decisions
- a search function that, to my taste, got worse rather than better over the years
- ads and recommendations in places where I don't want them in an operating system at all
Windows 11 in particular didn't convince me. And then came a hardware failure that ultimately tipped the balance.
Windows 10, a dead SSD and the constant annoyance with Windows 11
My private desktop PC ran Windows 10. The machine was perfectly adequate for my purposes.
According to Microsoft, however, an upgrade to Windows 11 was not possible. The hardware didn't meet certain security requirements. That didn't stop Windows from nagging me again and again about Windows 11. On the one hand, Microsoft told me my computer wasn't suitable; on the other, I was constantly confronted with the upgrade.
Windows 11 was by no means unknown to me. It was already installed on a private notebook I use occasionally. So I knew the new operating system and knew pretty well that I didn't want it on my desktop.
At some point, the SSD with Windows 10 on it died completely. That was annoying. But it also forced a decision: install a new drive and Windows again, or try something else?
For me it was clear: Windows 11 is not going on this computer.
New SSD, new operating system: Linux Mint
I replaced the dead SSD and chose Linux Mint.
Linux Mint is considered a particularly beginner-friendly Linux distribution. With the Cinnamon desktop, it offers a way of working that feels quite familiar to long-time Windows users. That mattered to me. I wanted to work with the computer, not spend weeks learning how to operate an operating system.
And what can I say? The switch was surprisingly straightforward.
After a short time I had got used to Linux Mint. The operation was logical, I found the most important functions quickly, and setting it up caused me no major difficulties either.
Above all, I didn't feel I had to do without anything. On the contrary: I could use my computer again without the operating system constantly pushing new features, recommendations or changes on me.
I don't miss Windows
That was one of my biggest surprises. After more than 30 years of Windows, I would have thought I'd miss many familiar things when switching. But the opposite was the case.
Of course some things are different. There are different programs, different ways to change certain settings, and now and then you have to get into a new topic. That's part of any change of operating system.
What matters to me: I don't miss Windows on my private desktop at all.
What I would recommend to others switching
- Start with a beginner-friendly distribution. Linux Mint made getting started very easy for me.
- Check beforehand which programs you really need. For most there are Linux versions or good alternatives.
- Back up your data first. Especially when a drive fails or is replaced, backups should be up to date.
- Bring some curiosity. Some things are different, but rarely harder.
What comes next
My work computer still runs Windows 11, my development environment WSL2 and Docker. But after the experience on the desktop, one question is answered: whether I can get along with Linux. The answer is a clear yes. So with my next work device, Linux is to be used professionally too.
Conclusion
My switch to Linux started with an annoyance: a dead Windows SSD. Looking back, that was exactly the push I needed. Linux Mint showed me how easy switching can be today.
After more than 30 years of Windows I can say: I don't miss Windows.
Frequently asked questions
Is Linux Mint suitable for people coming from Windows?
In my experience, yes. The Cinnamon desktop feels familiar, and you find the most important settings quickly.
What do I do if my PC can't get Windows 11?
Linux is a good alternative, especially for computers that still work well but don't meet Windows 11's requirements. Check beforehand whether your most important programs run on Linux.
Is switching to Linux complicated?
For me it was surprisingly straightforward. A few things work differently, but you get used to them quickly.