I believe a final opportunity to support Linux would be valuable
I believe a final opportunity to support Linux would be valuable
Hi, since Windows 10 was meant to be my final version, I have two options: extend its life until at least 2029 or switch to Linux again. The challenge is that I’m mainly a gamer with a high-end setup and rely on Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. For those apps I could dual boot into Windows 10, but for everyday tasks I’d prefer an up-to-date OS. I need a gaming-friendly system with HDR support and the ability to easily toggle between active and inactive monitors—especially since I have a dual-monitor setup with an LG OLED B9 couch and Dolby Atmos theater. I currently use DisplayFusion for quick switching, but there’s no equivalent for Linux. Is there another way to do this, or should I stick with Windows 10 for a while? P.S. Windows 11 isn’t appealing—it looks cluttered, less customizable, and feels oddly different from Windows 10. I don’t want it on my primary machine.
Windows 10 remains supported for some time ahead, and I think it will last a while more. Just keep going with that or upgrade to Windows 11. Linux isn't ideal for your needs, especially for a gaming PC. There are lighter versions of Windows 11 available, similar to the custom builds of 10. Turning off unnecessary features makes things cleaner. It's all about what works best for you.
On Windows 10 or 11, Linux isn’t a problem. Most of your equipment would work better with Windows. You might experiment with GIMP and skip some games that aren’t supported because of anticheats, but that’s a significant compromise. Generally, those who switch to Linux do so for specific reasons—like wanting to develop the kernel or system software. Not everyone does, but some prefer Linux because they dislike Windows or find its interface frustrating. Your situation is exactly why Windows was created. You can run Adobe Photoshop on Linux, though performance won’t match native Windows.
Backup support appears around 19 months from now. This isn’t polished—running everything will still lag compared to Windows. If your needs are limited to Windows-only tools, Linux will fall short. HDR functionality in Linux is rare, except in a few experimental setups; don’t rely on it. For a better experience away from Windows, explore native Linux alternatives like Wine or Proton instead of trying to force them.
It's good to hear, we hadn't expected things to come together so fast.
Completely in agreement. HDR, Adobe, and possibly Dolby seem unattainable. Linux appears to be the top choice for budget devices, high-performance servers, software work, and local AI model runs. If you lack or don’t need those capabilities, there’s no real reason to change. Gaming works well now with Proton, strong anti-cheat, and Steam support, though it’s still objectively less ideal. If you dislike Windows 11’s limited UI options, third-party tools can help. Just a bit of research is needed. https://github.com/valinet/ExplorerPatcher https://www.autohotkey.com/
Using WindowBlinds 11 and Start11 might make Windows 11 more acceptable, though updates will still be necessary (mainly feature updates that alter functionality and sometimes cause issues) and folder previews will remain lacking for heavy photo users. Windows 10 IoT LTSC appears to be the strongest current version. I could also delay switching to Windows 11 LTSC. Note: My concern about Windows 11 design is Mica. They introduced it in Windows 11 but, unlike previous versions, it doesn’t appear universally unless developers add it or new UWP apps are released. This makes the interface less cohesive and more inconsistent, especially with accent colors being reduced. WinAero Tweaker still functions but may stop working after updates. I have Windows 11 on my home server and without WindowBlinds it’s hard to achieve the desired look.
This approach seems risky based on the feedback. Be prepared for troubleshooting, debugging, and extended terminal work. If you have crucial information, store it on a separate drive not linked to the Linux installation. The likelihood of errors—both from your side and the distribution—is higher than expected. For most issues, ChatGPT can provide quick solutions; try it before searching forums or online. Even if it doesn’t fix your problem, it often guides you correctly. A trusted distro like Ubuntu or Fedora may automatically set up dual monitors and audio. Arch, especially with the Steam Deck, has improved stability, reducing the risk of system damage during setup. Although HDR isn’t supported, the NVIDIA settings function well, and apps offer features for a better display (sharpening, bit depth, vibrance). GWE can assist in overclocking your GPU. Explore more by searching 'nvidia-xconfig' for additional tips. Good luck!