If your PC cannot run Windows 11 and the software and devices you rely on work with Linux, trying Ubuntu now may be more practical than waiting for a Windows release that Microsoft has not announced in the official material cited here. That is not a blanket recommendation to leave Windows: compatibility, accessibility, gaming, and work requirements should decide the choice.
Should you switch to Linux instead of waiting for Windows 12?
Microsoft’s current official material describes Windows 11, including version 26H1 for select new devices, and says its next annual feature update is planned for the second half of 2026. It does not establish a Windows 12 announcement. The absence of an announcement in that material is not proof that Microsoft will never announce one, but there is no confirmed Windows 12 release date to plan around.
The immediate decision is whether your current PC and essential work can be supported safely. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Ordinary Windows 10 installations no longer receive free routine security updates after that date. Any extended-support eligibility depends on the edition and region; confirm your own situation rather than assuming it applies.
Windows 11 remains an option if your hardware qualifies. Its requirements include a supported processor of at least 1 GHz with two or more cores, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, UEFI and Secure Boot capability, TPM 2.0, and DirectX 12-or-later graphics with WDDM 2.0. A display must be larger than 9 inches and have at least 720p resolution. Windows 11 Home and Pro for personal use also require internet access and a Microsoft account during initial setup. Check Microsoft’s Windows 11 specifications and use PC Health Check or Windows Update guidance to assess your specific computer.
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Windows 11 servicing dates are version-specific. Microsoft lists October 13, 2026 as the end of updates for Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro, and recommends upgrading to the latest Windows 11 version. That date does not mean Windows 11 as a whole is ending.
| Option | What the available official information establishes | What to check before choosing |
|---|---|---|
| Install or upgrade to Windows 11 | Microsoft publishes minimum hardware requirements; eligibility depends on the particular PC. | Whether the processor is supported and all requirements are met; whether your edition and version are current. |
| Remain on Windows 10 | Ordinary support ended October 14, 2025. | Whether you qualify for any applicable extended support, which depends on edition and region. |
| Try Ubuntu from USB | Ubuntu can be run as a live preview without permanent changes to the PC. | Whether essential hardware and workflows function in the preview; it is not a guarantee of installed-system compatibility. |
| Install Ubuntu | Canonical lists Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS with five years of free security and maintenance updates; Ubuntu Pro can extend coverage. | Application, peripheral, accessibility and storage compatibility, plus a verified backup and recovery plan. |
Can Linux run on a PC that will not run Windows 11?
Often it can, but “Linux” does not have one universal hardware minimum, and meeting a distribution’s published requirements does not prove that every device or program will work. For Ubuntu Desktop 26.04.1 LTS, Canonical lists a 2 GHz dual-core processor or better, 6 GB system memory, 25 GB of free disk space, and USB or DVD installation media. Internet access is helpful. These are requirements for that Ubuntu release, not a claim about every Linux distribution.
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Canonical describes Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS as its current LTS desktop release and lists five years of free security and maintenance updates. Ubuntu Pro can extend coverage; its additional coverage is separate from the standard five-year period. Consult the Ubuntu Desktop download page for current release and support details.
Before switching, write down the software, peripherals and workflows you cannot do without. Verify support with each application or device publisher and, where useful, with people using the same model. Pay particular attention to specialist business software, games and anti-cheat systems, printers and scanners, graphics workloads, accessibility tools, and devices that require proprietary drivers. No general claim that “Linux works” can settle compatibility for your exact setup.
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How do you try Ubuntu without replacing Windows?
A live USB lets you explore Ubuntu before installing it. You will need a spare USB flash drive of 8 GB or larger; writing the Ubuntu image erases everything on that drive. An inexpensive 8 GB flash drive is sufficient if you do not already have one.
- Download the Ubuntu Desktop ISO from Canonical’s download page.
- Use an image-writing tool to write the ISO to the USB drive. This process erases the USB, so first copy off any files you need.
- Restart the PC and boot from the USB. The exact key or boot-menu steps vary by PC maker; use the manufacturer’s instructions if needed.
- Choose “Try Ubuntu” rather than installing. Canonical documents this option as a way to test the desktop without making permanent changes to the computer.
- Test your own devices and tasks: Wi-Fi, sound, webcam, printer, external displays, sleep and resume, graphics acceleration, and any work-critical apps or workflows.
The live preview uses open-source drivers and may not have the same drivers or configuration as an installed system. A device working in the preview is encouraging, not a guarantee; a device that does not work may need separate investigation into driver availability or installation guidance. Canonical explains the process in its Try Ubuntu before you install guide.
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- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
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What should you do before installing Linux?
- Back up your files. Copy important documents, photos and other personal data to storage that will not be erased during installation. Confirm that you can access your recovery credentials and any encrypted-drive keys.
- Check storage configuration. Ubuntu’s installer does not support Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) in some configurations. If your PC uses RST, follow the computer maker’s instructions before changing storage settings, and preserve recovery information. Do not change firmware or disk settings casually.
- Review the current installer guidance. Installation choices can affect existing partitions and operating systems. Read Canonical’s Ubuntu Desktop installation guide for the current procedure and your device-specific guidance.
- Decide how you will recover. Know how to restore Windows or recover the PC if installation does not go as planned. Keep backups and recovery media separate from the disk you intend to modify.
Which choice fits your situation?
- Consider Ubuntu if your computer is excluded from Windows 11, your must-have software and devices have workable Linux support, and you are willing to learn a different desktop.
- Prefer Windows 11 if the PC meets Microsoft’s requirements and your essential programs, games, peripherals or accessibility setup depend on Windows.
- Pause before either decision if you have not verified support status, app compatibility, a backup, or recovery access. First establish whether you can move to a supported Windows version or try Ubuntu safely from USB.
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