8 Reasons to Switch From Linux to Windows (Hear Us Out)

Your techie friend might have convinced you into using Linux, but Windows has its advantages over Linux that might persuade you to switch back.

For die-hard fans of Linux, it can be difficult to admit that using Windows still has its advantages. However, if we want Linux to improve and become a household name like Windows, we have to point out to the world where the competitor excels.

Before we proceed with why you would want to ditch Linux and install Windows, it is essential to clarify that you can do pretty much everything on a Linux PC.

So, let's discuss eight reasons that might make you switch from Linux to Windows.

1. Almost All the Best Apps Support Windows

The first and foremost advantage of using Windows is the availability of apps. All the popular apps in the world are available for Windows.

Note that you can install pretty much any Windows app on Linux using Wine. However, Wine is not for everyone, and it can be a bit complicated to use.

If you are used to using Microsoft Office or Adobe apps like Photoshop and Illustrator, it might be better for you to switch to Windows. These apps natively support Windows, so you don't have to use a compatibility layer like Wine.

There are plenty of other popular apps that you can't natively install on Linux, but you can do so on Windows. If such an app is your primary software for work, sticking to Linux might be a hassle in the long run.

2. Gaming Is Better Supported on Windows

This point is related to the first one. As with apps, Linux doesn't support all the games. This reason alone might make you ditch Linux for Windows if you're a gamer.

With that being said, the gaming scene is getting better on Linux, with Steam porting a lot of games to Linux. However, if you compare it with Windows, there are still many games that you won't find on Linux, especially multiplayer titles with anti-cheat functionalities.

3. Windows Reigns Supreme as a Desktop OS Globally

Windows is still the most commonly used operating system in the world. Whether it's your office, a library, or a gaming center, you will most likely find Windows installed on the PCs.

This can be an issue at times, especially if you use Linux-specific apps to produce your files and import them into Windows. This issue can seriously affect your workflow as it might not be appropriate to install your own apps on someone else's PC.

For example, a design prepared in Inkscape might not open properly in Illustrator or CorelDraw. Similarly, a document created in LibreOffice might lose its formatting when opened in MS Word.

4. You Can Run Linux on Windows With WSL

Windows has torn down a lot of walls by embracing Linux. Now you can install Linux on Windows without requiring to set up a virtual machine or dual boot.

Microsoft has given you an option called WSL or Windows Subsystem for Linux. With WSL, you can access a Linux environment within Windows, and you can install and run Linux apps from there.

5. You Don't Like Troubleshooting Minor Issues

Windows has its issues too. However, setting things up on a Linux machine will most likely require some troubleshooting, especially involving commands.

While using commands and manually doing little things might be the reason many of us enjoy Linux so much, it is fair to say that it is not for everyone. It can be a bit taxing if you have to troubleshoot every other minor issue now and then.

6. Choosing a Linux Distro Can Be a Difficult Choice to Make

Another reason many of us enjoy Linux is the availability of so many distros. And those distros have further flavors as well.

While this gives you a lot of choices to choose from, it might also make it difficult to stick with one distro for the long term. With so many distros and flavors, each distro carries its own advantages and disadvantages.

You might find yourself juggling between distros to get access to certain features. Thus, it can be argued that you get too many choices with Linux, and the decision can be a bit confusing to make.

Sometimes, not having a choice is a more productive way to go. With just one main version of Windows, you won't have to test and experiment with tons of distros to find the suitable one for you.

Related: How to Stop Distro-Hopping and Find the Perfect Linux Distro for Yourself

7. With Just One OS, Microsoft Offers Better Support

This point is somewhat connected to the previous one. Linux has so many distros and flavors. So, the support for each of them is not much if you compare the support for Windows.

Windows usually offers one primary OS at a time, and with so many users around the globe, there's official support available for it. You have support from Microsoft as well as guidance from professional experts and other users on the internet.

If you run into an issue on Linux, you might first search for the problem with "Linux" as the keyword. If you don't find the solution, you might use the distro name as the keyword and the flavor too. So, it can be complicated to seek help for a Linux distro as compared to a simple search for an issue on Windows.

With Linux, you get enormous community support instead, but it can be a make-or-break case for some users.

8. You Have a Nostalgic Attachment to Windows

Another point that might push you to switch from Linux to Windows is the familiarity with the environment. You might be a long-time Windows user and using the desktop might have become an instinct for you.

In such a case, using Linux for your primary work might affect your productivity. You might be better off using Linux through WSL, dual boot, or on a secondary PC.

You Could Dual Boot Linux and Windows

Dual-booting Linux and Windows is a great option for you if you want the best of both worlds. You can do your work-related tasks on Windows, and when you are done, you can boot into Linux for casual use and experimentation.

You can also install multiple bootable operating systems on a single USB stick if you want.

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