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Easy Dual Boot Method to Give Family Offramp from Windows (lemmy.dbzer0.com)
submitted 2 days ago by Resonosity@lemmy.dbzer0.com 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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[-] Resonosity@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 1 day ago

Really good pieces of advice. Thanks!

I've definitely heard horror stories from people on Lemmy talking about how Windows fucked up their PC, as much as they tried to quarantine it like the pathogen it is.

So just from your comment, here are my ideas from best to worst:

  1. Gift them new laptops with Linux Mint pre-loaded (as well as their favorite browser, and possibly LibreOffice).

  2. If they have a desktop, gift them second HDD/SSD with the above.

  3. If they have a laptop, gift them external SSD with the above.

  4. Gift them a USB with the above.

  5. Set up GUI dual boot between W11 and Mint.

I know it's difficult to have the best of both worlds between Windows and Linux. I'm stubborn though, and don't want them to suffer under Microslop so long as the company keeps its current trajectory.

We as Linux advocates need to find ways to make it easier for others to onboard. Not seeing a lot of that sentiment in the comments (excluding you ofc).

this post was submitted on 18 Jan 2026
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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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