News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Ask HN: Windows 11 Update Fail – Linux Distro Suggestions?.

Re:Ask HN: Windows 11 Update Fail – Linux Distro Suggestions? by reify on Thursday August 28, 2025 @02:11PM (#45055191)
As a complete linux beginner I would suggest something like:

Linux mint XFCE or Linux mint Cinnamon

A Linux distro will allow you to access the files on your windows partition when you boot into the live usb. back up or move your files to an external drive while logged in the live usb before you install the new distro.

download linux mint xfce or linux mint Cinnamon here:

you will see Cinnamon Edition, Xfce Edition, MATE Edition. Xfce, Cinnamon, and MATE are just different desktops.

https://linuxmint.com/download.php

here is a decent installation guide

https://linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io/en/lates...

I have been a linux user for 20 years

enjoy the freedom of linux

good luck

dont use any ai to do anything. I dont understand why anyone would recommend using ai for a linux beginner!

just enjoy the distro and use your search engine or linux mint forums to get ay support.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: Windows 11 Update Fail – Linux Distro Suggestions? by roscas on Thursday August 28, 2025 @03:48PM (#45056281)
My suggestion is for him to write "I have Manjaro installed, how do i update the system?" but Manjaro also includes an updater. "How I install on Linux Mint the GIMP program for photo editing?" these are examples. Since it is very diferent from Windows where you have to go to a website and download some installer, you do have to learn how to use Linux and ChatGPT or Perplexity will help him.

I don't recommend Linux Mint just because it is Ubuntu based and I don't like Ubuntu. I would rather install Debian and put XFCE4 than any Ubuntu derivative.

[ Parent | on HN ]