Linux

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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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How easy is it to switch back to windows? (lemmy.blahaj.zone)

submitted 5 months ago by FemboyNB@lemmy.blahaj.zone to c/linux@lemmy.ml

121 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I'm considering switching to linux but I'm not a computer savvy person, so I wanted to have the option to switch back to windows if unforeseen complications (I only have 1 pc). Is it just a download on usb and install? And what ways can I get the product key or "cleaner" debloated versions.

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[–] eugenia@lemmy.ml 9 points 5 months ago (5 children)

Υou can download the Windows iso, burn it in a usb stick before you nuke it to install linux, and find free legal serial numbers online (there are various serials for all versions of win10/11, all legal -- it's considered semi-activated with these).

[–] hash0772@sh.itjust.works 7 points 5 months ago

You can just install Windows without a product key.

[–] BigFatNips@sh.itjust.works 6 points 5 months ago

massgrave.dev

[–] jcarax@beehaw.org 5 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

There's a very good chance the key is stored in the EFI, making this the absolute easiest part. I'd just make sure to get the Windows installer on a USB stick before installing Linux, if there aren't any other Windows machines around. And also make sure I have a wifi/ethernet driver available before reinstalling Windows, if it comes to that. It can be tricky to install Windows without network, these days, and even if you get past that (which I'd recommend, to bypass a Microsoft account), you still need it once you're in the installed OS.

[–] erre@programming.dev 3 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (1 children)

burn it in a usb stick before you nuke it to install linux

This is very very important unless you have another windows computer around. Took me a whole day to figure out how to properly burn a windows install USB from linux. It isn't straightforward.

[–] f4f4f4f4f4f4f4f4@sopuli.xyz 1 points 5 months ago

Oof. It's extremely easy with Ventoy.

[–] possiblylinux127@lemmy.zip 2 points 5 months ago

If the device ran Windows before the key is stored in hardware