Upgrade your slow Windows laptop to run Linux.
Upgrade your slow Windows laptop to run Linux.
Couldn't install the drivers for USB? What do you mean by that? There's no need to. The BIOS handles that. How do you install Windows if the USB doesn't work? "Linux is reliant on someone else's work," - well how does Windows happen? Do you think it comes out of the sky or something? Of course someone has to do the work producing a system. As for old computers, the last one out the door 3 days ago was a 2008, HP and no problems installing on it. Installation is so simple. Download an iso from the web and burn it (use Rufus on Windows) to a USB stick. Make sure the BIOS sees the stick as first boot. Plug the stick into the computer and Boot the computer. Yes, you can use it without installing. With Linux Mint, the third icon down is Install. You go through the steps putting in a user name and password (not need for a password on boot up if you want that way if the wee box is ticked) and then it takes 8 minutes for an installation. It can not be easier. If you can't figure it out I'd suggest doing something else other than computers. There is also a good helpful discussion forum for Mint.
Because it's budget-friendly doesn't automatically mean it's a Chromebook. These affordable devices came in both Windows and ChromeOS versions (you can identify the difference by the keyboard layout where Chromebooks don't have a home key). ChromeOS includes security features that block OS installations, but there are ways around them. If you're having trouble with Linux, try experimenting anytime—live booting or using a virtual machine can help. Still, the choice really depends on your needs; if you prefer something lightweight, ChromeOS Flex is a good pick. For a more Windows-like experience, Pop!_OS offers a simpler alternative.
Okay so just to confirm. 1. There is zero purpose of keeping this slow windows laptop as a windows laptop right because of how slow it is? Make it linux? 2. I have a usb flash drive. So download linux mint to it? I don't have anything on this slow windows laptop that is important so do I need to wipe the windows machine clean first or it doesn't matter? Do I need to reset this pc first? I want to make sure my windows is wiped before I install linux. 3. After installing linux, I always have the option to go back to windows 11 home correct as long as I have the windows 11 downloaded on a usb stick? 4. Do you recommend me use linux or chromeOS on my laptop for what I want to do in my situation? Will be using it to download adult videos and pictures and stream from those sites and web browse on it. 5. I can always go back to windows even if changing laptop to chromeOS?
1 - Yes. I performed several conversions of a 10-15 year old laptop to Linux Mint just for casting or light tasks.
2 - Usually you download the ISO and then on Windows use Rufus to build a bootable USB.
3 - You can generate a USB installer on any Windows machine to reinstall the supported version, possibly Windows 12 soon.
4 - Linux Mint runs faster than ChromeOS and is built for lightweight performance, though it lacks a polished GUI. It’s likely the best choice if you need speed.
5 - Technically, if you manage the boot order on the laptop and choose "boot from USB," you retain full control over the OS you install, as most systems support USB installations. In ChromeOS, creating a boot device for another OS isn’t possible, but you can borrow a friend’s machine if needed.
Note: Don’t expect instant results. Your existing storage still relies on EMMC, which is very slow. I’d want to avoid adding a regular drive and instead switch to a simple SSD if possible.