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Easy Dual Boot Method to Give Family Offramp from Windows (lemmy.dbzer0.com)
submitted 9 months ago by to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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Hi! Thanks for reading.

I'm sure all of us Linux users revel in the countless articles coming out about the enshittification of Windows, reporting on how Microslop is utilizing more and more vibe coding, transforming PCs into rental clients, and more.

While I'm happy to call myself a Kubuntu-ist, many of my family members still daily drive Windows 11 on their PCs. I can only imagine how their UX is declining day over day.

This makes me want them to witness the freedom of Linux!

So, what are your easiest ways to set up dual boot between W11 and your favorite distro?

Seems like a GUI would be best for non-tech savvy people. Something like rEFInd or Clover (I come from the Steam Deck dual boot world, and am somewhat familiar with this one).

Are there any risks with changing the default Windows Boot Manager? I've heard that Windows updates can mess things up, but that if you install Windows first, that can save some headache down the road.

Bonus if you have a favorite distro for non-tech savvy people that needs minimal configuration!

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[–] [S] 2 points 9 months ago

Linux mint

Thanks for the rec!

causes issues on the same drive in my experience

How so? I'm dual booting SteamOS + W10 on my Steam Deck right now, and the only issue I'm having is Windows changing the boot sequence. Probably could have fixed that if I flashed W10 first then SteamOS, but meh.

Lots of my family already run W11 by default, so I wouldn't think dual booting would be difficult.

what’s the benefit?

The idea is to give them Linux so they can try it out without committing full time since it's an entire process to de-Google and de-Microsoft people's lives. And to jump back to W11 because that's what they're used to.

boot into Linux by default

This to me is forcing them to use Linux, which is not what I want to do. I want them to explore it if they want.

There will be instances where a bug in W11 comes up and makes their lives fucking hell for the short time being. If Linux is right there as an alternative and just works, that will be a bigger motivator than me just installing in on their machine because I know what's best for them.

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