If your PC is running an old, unsupported version of Windows — or Windows 11 simply won't install on it — replacing it entirely with Linux Mint is often the most sensible way to keep the machine useful, secure, and fast. This walkthrough covers a full replacement installation from start to finish.

Key takeaway: Replacing an old, unsupported Windows installation with Linux Mint is a straightforward process that erases the old system entirely, so a full backup beforehand is essential.

Before you start: This installation method erases your entire hard drive, including Windows and all your files. Back up everything you want to keep — documents, photos, browser bookmarks, and so on — to an external drive or cloud storage before you begin. This step cannot be undone once installation starts.

Step 1: Back up your files

  1. Connect an external hard drive or USB stick with enough free space for your files, or sign in to a cloud storage service.
  2. Copy your Documents, Pictures, Music, and Desktop folders across.
  3. Export browser bookmarks and passwords if you plan to use the same browser on Linux (Firefox settings can sync via a Firefox account, making this easier).
  4. Double-check your backup by opening a few files from the backup location to confirm they copied correctly.

Step 2: Download Linux Mint and create your USB installer

  1. Visit linuxmint.com and download the Cinnamon or Xfce edition (Xfce if your PC has 4GB of RAM or less, or is older than roughly 2012).
  2. Use Rufus or balenaEtcher to write the downloaded ISO file to a USB drive of at least 4GB, as covered in our USB creation guide.

Step 3: Boot from the USB drive

  1. Insert the USB drive and restart the PC.
  2. During startup, press your PC's boot menu key (commonly F12, F10, or Esc — check your manufacturer if unsure).
  3. Select the USB drive from the list. Linux Mint will load into a live desktop you can explore before installing anything.

Step 4: Run the installer

  1. Double-click the "Install Linux Mint" icon on the live desktop.
  2. Choose your language, then your keyboard layout.
  3. On the "Installation type" screen, choose "Erase disk and install Linux Mint". This is the option that replaces Windows entirely — double-check this is what you want, as it cannot be undone.
  4. Select your correct time zone.
  5. Create your username, computer name, and password. Choose "require my password to log in" for security.
  6. Review the summary screen, then click "Install Now" and confirm when prompted.
  7. Installation typically takes 15–30 minutes. Once finished, you'll be prompted to restart and remove the USB drive.

Step 5: First boot and initial setup

On first startup, Linux Mint will boot directly to its login screen. After signing in, it's worth opening the Update Manager (found in the menu) to install any available updates, and browsing the Software Manager to install any extra applications you need, such as GIMP for photo editing or additional media codecs if prompted during installation.

Tip: During installation, Linux Mint offers a checkbox to install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware, and multimedia codecs. Ticking this box generally makes hardware and video playback work more smoothly out of the box.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go back to Windows after this?
Only by reinstalling Windows from scratch using Windows installation media, since "Erase disk" removes Windows completely rather than keeping it alongside Linux. If you might want to keep Windows available, choose dual-booting instead.
What happens to my old Windows product key?
It isn't affected by this installation, but note it down somewhere safe (often on a sticker on the laptop, or in your Microsoft account) in case you ever want to reinstall Windows on this or another machine later.
Will all my hardware work after installing Mint?
Most Wi-Fi, graphics, and peripherals work automatically, especially on hardware more than a couple of years old, which tends to have mature Linux support. A small number of very new or unusual components can need extra driver installation, which the Update Manager or Software Manager can usually help with.

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