Share this article

Improve this guide

Should I upgrade from Windows 7 to Linux?

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

After 10 years of service, Microsoft has finally decided tocease support for Windows 7. This means that the OS will no longer receive any type of updates and that anyone still using it will be exposed to online threats.

Given this change, many users are left wondering what they should do. Most think that they are limited to just three choices:

However, what users need to be reminded of is that there are otheroperating systemsout there as well, such as macOS orLinux.

Now that Windows 7 is no longer supported and they should upgrade anyway, maybe it is time to migrate to a whole newOSentirely and see how that feels.

Why you should upgrade to Linux

1. You save money

There are plenty of differences between the twoOS, even down to the mostbasic of components. However, there are many pros in favor ofLinuxif you are considering an upgrade.

For starters, the hardware you need in order to install Windows 1o needs to be quite good. Here’s a quick look at the minimum system requirement for Windows 10:

Besides the cost of the hardware upgrade itself, let’s not forget that you also need to pay for theOSas well. Fortunately enough, most PCs now come with Windows 10 pre-installed, but the license is OEM.

This means that it is bound to that particular machine, and if anything were to happen with the hardware, you’ll be off shopping for Windows 10 again.

Looking for a hardware upgrade anyway? Check out these premium laptop offers!

2. Linux is more lightweight

On the flip side,Linuxis an open-sourceoperating systemthat’s completely free to use. Additionally, it prioritizes being a lightweightOSabove all else.

In fact, this is taken to the point where it’s theOSof choice for embedded systems, smart home devices, and IoT.Even the Android OS that you use every day on your phones and tablets is also based onLinux.

3. Linux is more versatile

Everyone knows thatWindows 7or Windows 10 comes in just a handful of editions:

Out of the 6, half of them aren’t even used by the vast majority of consumers. On the other hand, sinceLinuxis open-sourced, it has branched out into a variety of versions, each focusing on different aspects of running a PC.

Some are made for gaming, some for desk work, others are made to run on older PCs, etc.

4. Linux is more secure

BecauseLinuxis open-source, it benefits from a vast community of developers that are more than happy to develop new security features for their belovedOS.

Keep in mind that certain distros are updated more frequently than others, so if security is your number one priority, do some research before making your pick.

For better security on Windows 7, check out our picks for antivirus programs!

How do I migrate from Windows 7 to Linux?

1. Pick your distro

The first thing when considering a migration toLinuxis choosing a good distro that will fit your needs. One of the most popular distros out there is Ubuntu. Not only is iteasy to use, but it is also supported by a lot of apps.

If style and innovation are more of your thing, then you might want to opt for Solus. You will get most of the tools that you will eve need at installation as well.

If you are curious which are the best distros in use today, check outthis official ranking.

2. Install Linux

Because of how lightweight it is, installingLinuxwill take only a few minutes from start to finish, even on very old machines. You can pretty much use the same methods as you would with a Windows install, either via direct download or through removable media.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many benefits to installing Linux over Windows 10. These range from reduced expenses to a much smoother PC experience.

All things considered, it doesn’t matter if you choose to go for Windows 10 or a Linux distro, as long as you stop using Windows 7.

Do you thinkLinuxis a much more efficientOSthan Windows 10? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.

Should I upgrade from Windows 7 to Linux?#

Why you should upgrade to Linux#

1. You save money#

2. Linux is more lightweight#

3. Linux is more versatile#

4. Linux is more secure#

How do I migrate from Windows 7 to Linux?#

1. Pick your distro#

2. Install Linux#

Conclusion#