Consider making a complete switch to Linux
Consider making a complete switch to Linux
To remove Windows, it seems straightforward—just follow the usual steps for dual-booting. Whether you decide to keep it or not depends on your needs and how much you rely on Windows for games. If you're not playing much, the extra RAM should handle it well.
Your decision on switching to Linux hinges on your specific requirements as a user. Many Windows applications remain incompatible with Linux, especially popular tools from Adobe and Microsoft Office. Only you can decide whether this is feasible, but if you're enjoying the current setup, it appears possible. The process is straightforward: Option 1 involves backing up data and erasing your drive, while Option 2 requires using software like GParted to manage partitions.
Linux and Unix differ beyond that. You can leverage Linux for a wide range of tasks, not just basic programming. I've been using a dual-boot setup for more than ten years. In recent years, I've never booted into Windows at all. My activities include gaming, browsing the web, and (of course) developing apps in Android, Java, and Kotlin on Linux.
Some believe the era of Linux desktops will arrive when the share of desktop users jumps sharply, overtaking Windows. Others argue it will happen when people no longer say Linux is just a kernel for Unix-like platforms, but instead recognize regular desktop Linux distributions as simply "Linux."
The Linux iso is downloaded and then burnt to a USB stick. Note "burnt" not "copied" to the stick. If putting Linux Mint on the computer and nothing to be saved on the disk, the first option given wipes the disk and installs Linux. Luckily there is no MS Office, you get LibreOffice by default and it is more powerful. Firefox is the default Browser and Chromium can be easily added.