Looking for guidance on selecting the best path to install Windows 10?
Looking for guidance on selecting the best path to install Windows 10?
Hello! I recently set up a new desktop a few weeks back and am currently using an unregistered, inactive version of Windows 7 Pro. I also have Linux Mint installed in a dual-boot setup. I found a Windows 7 boot disk and used it before I could afford a license, understanding I’d need about 30 days to register or risk losing updates and features. Now my registration window is nearing its end, and looking at the current situation, upgrading to Windows 10 seems like a smarter move. It offers fresh features, improved performance, but also raises privacy concerns since Microsoft is integrating privacy changes into older versions. I’m trying to decide the best path forward.
I currently have around 100GB of downloaded programs and custom configurations, so I’d prefer not to completely wipe and reinstall. However, my income isn’t high, and I have other expenses, so I want to avoid spending too much on a Windows license—especially since I only need it for games and certain software. Linux is fine for everything else.
Before you mention WINE, virtual machines, or hardware hacks, I’ve tried all of them and found dual-booting to be the most reliable choice. I enjoy PC gaming and video editing, so having a native Windows install is important. My CPU doesn’t support GPU passthrough, and I’m not confident in making such a workaround successfully, especially since I’m still learning Linux and building my PC.
I definitely need the Professional edition of Windows because I plan to upgrade my RAM to 32GB later, which isn’t supported by other editions (they cap at 16GB). Plus, there are additional features I want from that version. I also don’t want to risk a pirate edition, even if it means upgrading to genuine Windows 10.
While I strongly dislike Microsoft, I prioritize the security and stability of my system over sticking with them. If Windows gets compromised, it could affect my Linux installation too (I didn’t encrypt the whole setup and using Mint makes it easier for malware).