Linux for Windows Refugees

Updated March 2026

Aimed at Linux beginners who simply want a system that works, not another hobby to tinker with.

How to choose a distribution?

Do you use the computer...

• to only play games and consume content? Bazzite
• for variety, including content-creation or gaming? CachyOS

If you already have a helpful friend on a particular distribution who uses it for similar purposes, their distro is likely also a good choice, but avoid: Arch & Manjaro (use Cachy instead), Pop!_OS

How to get started?

1. Prepare a USB stick big enough for your chosen distro.
   16GB+ recommended. Existing files will be deleted.
2. Download the ISO from the website linked above.
   If in doubt, use default or top-most options.
3. Use balenaEtcher to place the ISO onto the USB.
4. Enter your BIOS and set the computer to boot from the USB.
   You can get to your BIOS from Windows by holding shift while pressing restart in the start menu, and finding it under the troubleshooting options that come up.
5. Save and restart to let it boot from the USB.
   You should see a logo for your chosen distribution come up eventually.
6. Follow the instructions on screen to install the distribution.
   If in doubt, use defaults or top-most options, or refer to the distribution's documentation on their website.
   If you are intending to dual-boot with Windows, take extra care here when selecting which drive to install to, and, if unsure, reach out to the distro's community via links on their website.

Some rambling & rationale

On the high level, in 2026, it is that simple to get started with Linux. Linux is different from Windows and many things will feel unfamiliar, but there is little that is actually harder or more complicated. It will take a little getting used to and an open mind.

The distributions recommended here were chosen for their minimal setup together with the expanded capabilities. Bazzite brings excellent out of the box experience for gaming with Steam and options for non-Steam games. Cachy brings the power of Arch Linux in a ready-to-use package, which you can (but don't have to!) customize to your hearts extent. Both also have handheld editions.

Arch Linux is likely the best distribution overall in 2026, but you must know what you want out of your computer before installing it and be willing to spend a day or two configuring it. Manjaro is a common recommendation, but a terrible distribution for a number of reasons, most severe being that critical security updates can be delayed by weeks. Pop!_OS is in an awkward position. It used to be a go-to distribution for gamers thanks to working with new NVIDIA cards out of the box, but in 2026 it's far from unique in this aspect and comes with Ubuntu's slow update cycle and a freshly released desktop environment, which is still going through some growing pains. It may return as a good choice for beginners in future years, but only time will tell.