Switching from Linux to Windows 10 on a Laptop: The Complete Guide 2026

Transition from Linux on Windows 10 is a challenge that many users face after experimenting with open source software. The reasons are different: from the need to run specialized software to the banal inconvenience of working in a new OS. However, the process is not as simple as installing on top of an existing system - it is important to take into account disk layout, drivers and possible conflicts UEFI/BIOS.

In this article you will find unique solutions for laptops with pre-installed Linux (for example, models from Dell XPS Developer Edition or Lenovo ThinkPad with Ubuntu)where standard methods often fail. We will analyze not only the basic installation, but also the nuances of working with Secure Boot, restoring the bootloader and setting up two systems (if you need to leave Linux in parallel).

1. Preparing the laptop: what you need to do before installation

First step - saving important data. Even if you plan to install Windows on a separate partition, there is still a risk of losing files when changing the partition table. Use an external drive or cloud storage (for example, Google Drive or Yandex Disk). Pay special attention to:

• 📁 Documents from folders /home And /etc (config files)
• 🔑 SSH keys and certificates (usually located in ~/.ssh/)
• 🎮 Game saves (if used Proton or Lutris)
• 📋 List of installed packages (command dpkg --get-selections > packages.txt for Debian/Ubuntu)

Next check hardware compatibility. Some laptops (eg. System76 or Purism Librem) are optimized for Linux and may have problems with Wi-Fi or touchpad drivers on Windows. Download drivers for your model from the manufacturer’s website in advance - this is especially critical for:

• 🖥️ Video cards NVIDIA (series RTX 30/40 often require manual installation)
• 🔊 Sound cards Realtek ALC (microphone problems)
• 📶 Adapters Intel AX200/AX210 (Wi-Fi 6 may not be detected)

⚠️ Attention: If your laptop uses NVMe SSD with markings GPT And Secure Boot, disable the latter in the BIOS before installing Windows. Otherwise, the installer may not see the disk or give an error 0x80300024.

2. Create a bootable USB flash drive with Windows 10

To record the image, you will need a USB drive with a capacity of at least 8 GB. Optimal tools:

• 🪟 Rufus (mode GPT for UEFI)
• 🐧 WoeUSB or Ventoy (if recording from Linux)
• 🍎 Boot Camp Assistant (for users macOS)

Download the original image Windows 10 (version 22H2 or newer) from the official website Microsoft through Media Creation Tool. Avoid "light" builds - they often contain modified drivers that may conflict with the hardware.

Format USB to FAT32

Download Windows 10 image (x64 bit)

Burn image via Rufus in GPT mode

Check ISO checksum (MD5/SHA1)

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If you are burning a USB flash drive with Linux, use the command:

sudo dd if=Win10_22H2.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress && sync

Where /dev/sdX - your USB drive (check via lsblk). After recording do not remove the flash drive — check it on another device or through QEMU:

qemu-system-x86_64 -boot d -cdrom Win10_22H2.iso -m 4G

3. BIOS/UEFI setup for Windows installation

This is where most users make critical mistakes. Go to the BIOS (usually the keys F2, Del or Esc on boot) and run:

1. Disable Secure Boot (in section Security or Boot).
2. Switch Boot Mode with Legacy on UEFI (if there was Legacy).
3. Turn on CSM Support (Compatibility Support Module), if available.
4. Install the flash drive first in boot order (Boot Order).

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with AMD Ryzen 5000/6000 (For example, Lenovo Legion or ASUS TUF) may need to be disabled fTPM (Trusted Platform Module) in the BIOS, otherwise Windows will throw an error INACCESSIBLE_BOOT_DEVICE after installation.

4. Windows 10 installation process: step by step

After booting from the flash drive, select the language and click Install. At the installation type selection stage, select Custom: Windows installation only. Here are the nuances:

If your disk has previously been used under Linux, the installer will show several partitions like ext4 or swap. Remove them all (button Delete), except for the section EFI System Partition (usually 100–500 MB, file system FAT32). Then:

1. Allocate unallocated space.
2. Click Create → specify the size (for example, 100 GB for the system).
3. Leave the remaining space unallocated (if you are planning a second disk for data).
4. Select the created partition and click Next.

After copying the files, the laptop will reboot. Don't forget to remove the flash drive, otherwise the installation will start again. Next, follow the instructions to set up your region, account, and privacy settings.

5. Installing drivers and solving common problems

Freshly installed Windows 10 rarely detects all hardware correctly. First check:

• 🔌 Network: If there is no Wi-Fi, download the driver for the network card through another device.
• 🖥️ Video: for NVIDIA use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) before installing the official driver.
• 🔊 Sound: for Realtek You may need a driver from the website Realtek, not from Windows Update.

To automatically search for drivers, use:

• Snappy Driver Installer (offline mode)
• Driver Booster (from IObit)
• Windows Update (section Settings → Update & Security)

Typical mistakes and their solutions:

6. Optimizing Windows 10 after installation

To ensure the system works stably, follow these steps:

1. Disable unnecessary services:

   msconfig → Службы → Скрыть службы Microsoft → Отключить ненужные

2. Set up indexing for SSD:

   Панель управления → Параметры индексирования → Изменить → Снять галочки с диска C:

3. Install WSL 2 (if you need a Linux-like terminal):

   wsl --install

For laptops with Linux firmware (For example, Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition) may be required:

• 🔋 Calibrate the battery (via MyDell or Lenovo Vantage).
• 🌡️ Adjust thermal paste (to H-series Intel/AMD often overheats).
• 🔒 Disable BitLocker, if it was activated automatically.

7. Dual boot: how to leave Linux next to Windows

If you want to retain the ability to choose your OS at boot, before installing Windows:

1. Shrink a Linux partition via GParted (leaving at least 50 GB under Windows).
2. Install Windows on the freed up space (as described in Section 4).
3. After installation, boot from Live USB Linux and restore the bootloader GRUB:

   sudo mount /dev/sdXY /mnt  # где sdXY — раздел с Linux
   sudo mount /dev/sdXZ /mnt/boot/efi  # EFI-раздел
   sudo grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/mnt/boot/efi --bootloader-id=GRUB
   sudo update-grub

As a result, the menu GRUB the item will appear Windows Boot Manager. To control the boot order use:

sudo efibootmgr

⚠️ Attention: On laptops with Secure Boot bootloader may need to be signed GRUB key Microsoft or disable Secure Boot completely. Instructions for Ubuntu:

sudo apt install grub-efi-amd64-signed shim-signed

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

driverquery /v > drivers.txt