Switching your operating system can feel like moving to a new country. Here are straightforward, fluff-free answers to the most common questions about migrating from Windows 10 to Linux safely.
Data Safety & The Migration Process
Will I lose my files, photos, or documents during the migration?
No. We use a strict, risk-isolated pipeline specifically designed to prevent data loss. Before a single system setting is adjusted on your computer, your files are encrypted locally and backed up to our secure East US server. On our base migration tier, we then proceed to a non-destructive Live USB compatibility check before installation. If you’d like an extra layer of assurance — an independent test-restore of your backup in an isolated sandbox environment, confirmed and reported back to you before your Windows installation is touched — that’s available as our Sandbox-Verified Backup add-on.
What happens to my data after the migration is complete?
We maintain a strict 14-day data retention safety net. Your encrypted backup stays on our server for exactly two weeks after your project closes just in case you realize a specific file path or browser setting was missed. On day 15, your data payload is permanently and cryptographically purged from our servers.
Why can’t I just install Linux myself using an online tutorial?
You absolutely can—modern Linux installers are incredibly user-friendly. The real risk isn’t the installation itself; it is data preservation and application mapping. If you encounter a problematic Wi-Fi chipset mid-install or wipe a drive without extracting hidden application metadata (like local browser passwords or email database folders), your files are permanently gone. We provide the infrastructure-grade safety net so nothing goes wrong.
Software & Daily Use
Can I still use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) on Linux?
You have two excellent paths here. First, you can use the official web-based versions of Microsoft 365 natively inside any Linux browser. Second, we install high-performance, open-source desktop suites like LibreOffice or ONLYOFFICE. These tools run completely offline and feature full read/write compatibility with standard .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files.
What happens to my local Outlook emails and archives?
If you access your email via a browser (like Gmail or Outlook.com), nothing changes—you simply log in on Linux and pick up where you left off. If you use a desktop client with local archive files (.pst or .ost), we pull those files down during Phase 4 and import them into Mozilla Thunderbird, a rock-solid, privacy-focused desktop mail engine for Linux.
Can I run Windows programs that don’t have a Linux version?
Yes, in many cases. The Linux ecosystem utilizes a powerful compatibility layer called Wine (alongside front-ends like Bottles or Proton) that allows many Windows .exe applications to run natively on Linux with near-zero performance loss. During our Pre-Flight Audit, we will evaluate your software list and let you know if any specific app requires a virtual machine or an open-source alternative.
Can I play video games on a Linux desktop?
Surprisingly, yes. Thanks to Valve’s massive development investments into Steam Play and Proton, Linux has become an incredible gaming platform. The vast majority of standard Steam, Epic Games, and GOG titles run flawlessly on modern Linux setups out of the box. The only common exceptions are games utilizing highly invasive, kernel-level anti-cheat software (like Valorant).
Hardware & Compatibility
What if my Wi-Fi, printer, or Bluetooth stops working on Linux?
This is exactly why we perform a complete hardware inventory before your installation date. We match your machine’s exact internal components against the active Linux driver database. If your machine features a specialized Wi-Fi chip or an enterprise printer, we stage the necessary open-source kernel modules before installation day so you are never left offline.
Will Linux make my old computer run faster?
Almost always. Windows 10 and 11 run massive amounts of background tracking telemetry, heavy indexing engines, and forced corporate software updates that constantly eat up your CPU and RAM. Linux distributions are incredibly lightweight, frequently dropping idle memory usage by up to 50%. This breathes new life into your current physical hardware.
Have a Specific Question About Your Setup?
Every computer and user workflow is slightly different. Let’s look at your unique desktop configuration manually and map out exactly how your daily software will run.