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Discover the 5 major challenges Windows users face when transitioning to Linux in 2025. Complete guide with interactive quiz and FAQ.
5 Linux Challenges That Surprise Windows Users
📑 Table of Contents
🚀 Introduction
You've successfully configured your dual-boot with os-prober and our article on the subject has been invaluable: How to Dual Boot Multiple Linux Distributions with OS-Prober 2025 and now you're ready to explore Linux.
You're not alone: the end of Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025 has motivated many users to take the leap, as evidenced by the record 100,000+ downloads of Zorin OS in two days, with 72% coming from former Windows users. This massive migration is also explained by privacy concerns with Windows 11, with features like Recall that capture screen snapshots.
If the technical configuration of dual-boot is behind you, a new journey begins. Here are the areas where your Windows experience prepares you the least for the Linux world.
💻 1. The Desktop and Interface Shock
With Linux, you don't have one, but multiple desktop choices. KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce or Cinnamon offer radically different experiences.
The Philosophy
Unlike Windows, Linux allows you to choose a desktop environment (DE) that matches your performance and style needs. You can even install multiple ones and choose at startup.
For a smooth transition, distributions like Zorin OS or Linux Mint offer interfaces that deliberately mimic Windows' look for intuitive onboarding. New features like KDE Plasma 6.5 further improve comfort with functionalities like automatic day/night themes.
📦 2. The Software Management Revolution
Forget searching for .exe files on the web. Linux handles software differently, through repositories and package managers.
The Mindset Change
Instead of downloading installers, you'll mainly use a central "software center" (like an app store) or a terminal with commands like sudo apt install (on Ubuntu) or sudo zypper in (on openSUSE). This ensures secure software, centralizes updates, and automatically manages dependencies.
No more risks of installing malicious software from unverified sources. All security patches for your entire system are managed in one place.
🖥️ 3. Hardware Support Uncertainties
This is often the most delicate point. While most components work immediately, some require additional effort.
NVIDIA Graphics Drivers
This is the classic case. Under Linux, the philosophy favors open-source drivers. For maximum gaming performance with an NVIDIA card, you'll often need to manually install proprietary drivers via your distribution's package manager.
Niche Peripherals
Some printers, scanners or specific hardware may have limited support. Prior research of the model followed by "Linux" on a search engine will save you many problems.
Some printers, scanners or specific hardware may have limited support. Prior research of the model followed by "Linux" on a search engine will save you many problems.
🔒 4. Security Culture and Updates
Linux is renowned for its security, but it relies on a different philosophy than Windows.
Updates Under Your Control
Under Linux, you decide when and what to update. There are no forced reboots in the middle of work. Updates often bundle the operating system and all software installed via repositories, simplifying maintenance.
The open-source nature of Linux allows faster vulnerability detection. However, its growing adoption also attracts more attention from attackers, with a notable increase in exploits targeting Linux in 2025. Regular updates remain your best protection.
🎮 5. Windows Games and Applications Compatibility
You don't have to completely leave the Windows ecosystem for your essential applications.
Gaming Has Greatly Improved
Thanks to tools like Proton (developed by Valve for Steam), a huge library of Windows games is now playable on Linux. The share of Linux gamers reached a historic high in 2025, exceeding 2-3%.
Windows Applications
For professional or niche software with no Linux equivalent, solutions exist. Wine allows running some Windows applications directly. In the most stubborn cases, a virtual machine may be the solution.
🎯 Quiz: Which Linux Challenge Awaits You?
Test your preparation for the challenges you'll likely encounter after your Linux installation. Each correct answer is worth 2 points!
| Question | Your answer | Correct answer |
|---|
❓ FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Several reasons motivate this migration:
- End of Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025
- Privacy concerns with Windows 11 (Recall feature)
- Cost: Linux is free and open-source
- Performance: Linux runs well on older hardware
- Customization: Total control over your system
For a smooth transition from Windows, we recommend:
- Zorin OS: Interface very similar to Windows, perfect for beginners
- Linux Mint: Stable, user-friendly, large community
- Ubuntu: Well documented, excellent hardware support
- openSUSE: Professional, powerful configuration tools
All these distributions allow easy dual-boot creation with Windows.
Several options are available to you:
- Microsoft Office Online: Web version accessible from any browser
- LibreOffice: Free and powerful alternative, compatible with Office formats
- OnlyOffice: Very good compatibility with Microsoft formats
- Wine: Allows running some Office versions (variable results)
- Dual-boot: Keep Windows for Office and use Linux for everything else
Unlike Windows, Linux gives you total control:
- No forced reboot: You choose when to update
- Centralized updates: System AND applications in one place
- Graphical interface: Most distributions have a visual update manager
- Command line: For advanced users (
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade)
Updates are generally faster and less intrusive than under Windows.
Gaming under Linux has made huge progress:
- Proton: Valve technology allowing most Windows games to run
- Steam Deck: Valve console running under Linux, proof of gaming maturity
- Compatibility: Over 90% of Steam games are playable under Linux thanks to Proton
- ProtonDB: Community site listing each game's compatibility
- Performance: Often equivalent or even better than Windows for some titles
Check your favorite games' compatibility on ProtonDB.com
Here are the steps to follow:
- Prior research: Before installing, search "[your hardware model] Linux" on Google
- Proprietary drivers: Some manufacturers (NVIDIA) require specific drivers
- Community forums: Ubuntu-fr.org, forum.ubuntu-fr.org are excellent resources
- Recent kernel: Rolling release distributions (Arch, Fedora) have better recent hardware support
- Hardware alternative: In rare cases, you need to change peripherals
📚 Verified Sources
| Source | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Win10 EOL & Dual-Boot Migration | OMG Ubuntu (#1 Ubuntu blog, 1M+ views/month) - Zorin stats (100k+ dl in 2 days, 72% ex-Win), features for "Windows escapees". | Access |
| Win11 Privacy Concerns (Recall) | Ars Technica (tech reference, high fact-check) - "Recall demands trust Microsoft hasn't earned"; security flaws motivate Linux switch. | Access |
| KDE Plasma 6.5 New Features | KDE.org (official EN) - Auto light/dark themes (time-based); performance boosts for ex-Win users. | Access |
| Software Management & Repository Security | Arch Linux Wiki (#1 technical reference) - Verified repos; auto dependencies; clean removal vs EXE risks. | Access |
| Gaming Improvement (Proton/Stats) | Steam Hardware Survey (Valve official) - Linux 2.68% (Oct 2025, +0.04%); rise post-EOL (Win10 -2.9%). Proton implied 90%+ compatibility. | Access |
| Linux Exploits Increase 2025 | LinuxSecurity.com (Linux security pro) - + Kernel exploits due to popularity; 64% critical; urgent patches post-migration. | Access |
✅ Conclusion
Moving from Windows to Linux is an adventure that goes beyond simply changing operating systems. It's a transition to a different philosophy of computing, more transparent and giving you back control.
The challenges, while real, are largely surmountable thanks to a very active support community and rich documentation. Your success with os-prober was only the first step. By approaching these new challenges with curiosity and method, you may discover an ecosystem that will breathe new life into your hardware and a new breath into your digital experience.
These questions reflect the real concerns of new users coming from Windows. If some answers surprise you, that's normal! The transition to Linux requires an adaptation period, but every challenge has its solution.
- ✅ Article 1: Understanding conceptual challenges (this one)
- 🔜 Article 2: Solving dual-boot technical problems
- 🔜 Article 3: Becoming a confirmed Linux user
What about you? What was the biggest challenge during your first Linux use? Share your experience in the comments to help others succeed in their transition! 💬
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