Tech Explained
Linux vs Windows 11: Why More People Are Making the Switch
Windows 11 is the default on nearly every new PC, but it isn’t the only option. Here’s an honest look at where Linux pulls ahead on security, privacy, gaming, performance and cost, and where Windows still makes sense.
For decades, Linux had a reputation as an operating system for programmers and server rooms. That reputation is out of date. Modern Linux distributions install in minutes, look polished, run the apps most people use every day, and can now play a huge share of the PC game library.
At the same time, Windows 11 has given a lot of people reasons to look around: stricter hardware requirements that left many perfectly good computers behind, a push toward mandatory Microsoft accounts, ads and “suggestions” built into the operating system, and growing concern about how much data is sent back to Microsoft.
The Short Version
Linux
- Free, with no licence keys
- Minimal data collection by default
- Very low malware risk for everyday users
- Runs well on older hardware
- No forced updates or surprise reboots
- Most Steam games now playable
Windows 11
- Pre-installed on most new PCs
- Widest commercial software support
- Required for some anti-cheat games
- Strict TPM 2.0 / CPU requirements
- Telemetry and Microsoft account push
- Ads and promotions in the interface
1 Security
No operating system is bulletproof, but Linux has several structural advantages that make life harder for attackers.
- Permission-first design. Everyday users don’t run with administrator rights. Installing software or changing system files requires your password, so a malicious download can’t quietly take over the whole machine.
- Trusted software sources. Most Linux apps come from your distribution’s official repositories or app store, where packages are signed and vetted. Compare that to the Windows habit of downloading
.exeinstallers from random websites, which is one of the most common ways people get infected. - A smaller target. The vast majority of desktop malware, ransomware and scam software is written for Windows because that’s where the users are. Linux desktop users are simply not the main target.
- Open source code. The code that makes up Linux can be inspected by anyone. Security researchers around the world review it, and vulnerabilities are typically patched quickly and transparently.
Linux lowers your risk; it doesn’t eliminate it. Phishing emails, weak passwords and fake websites work the same on every operating system. Keep your system updated and use a password manager either way.
2 Privacy
This is where the gap is widest. Windows 11 collects diagnostic and usage data by default, and some of it can’t be fully turned off on Home and Pro editions. Setting up Windows 11 Home now expects a Microsoft account and an internet connection, tying your PC to an online identity from day one. Features like AI-powered activity history, personalized ads and “recommended” content in the Start menu all depend on knowing more about how you use your computer.
Mainstream Linux distributions take the opposite approach:
- No account required. You create a local user and you’re done.
- Little to no telemetry. Where distributions do collect anything, it’s usually opt-in, anonymous and clearly explained.
- No ads in the operating system. Your Start menu, lock screen and settings app aren’t advertising space.
- You’re in control. Because the code is open, independent experts can verify what the system is actually doing, rather than taking a company’s word for it.
3 Gaming
A few years ago, “gaming on Linux” was a punchline. Today it’s a real option, largely thanks to Valve. Their compatibility layer, Proton, is built right into Steam and lets thousands of Windows games run on Linux with a single click. The Steam Deck, which runs Linux-based SteamOS, proved to millions of players that this works.
Where Linux gaming shines
- Huge Steam compatibility. A large share of popular Steam titles are rated playable or better. Community site ProtonDB lets you check any game before you switch.
- Less background clutter. Without the extra services, overlays and bloat Windows ships with, many games run just as well, and some run smoother.
- Great on older hardware. A lightweight Linux setup can breathe new life into a gaming PC that Windows 11 refuses to support.
- Other launchers work too. Tools like Lutris and Heroic Games Launcher bring in Epic, GOG and other libraries.
Some competitive multiplayer games use kernel-level anti-cheat that blocks Linux entirely. If your main game is one of these, check ProtonDB or the game’s website first. Many gamers solve this with a dual-boot setup: Linux for everyday use, Windows only for those specific titles.
4 Performance & Older Hardware
Windows 11 requires a TPM 2.0 chip and a relatively recent processor. That rule left a lot of fast, reliable computers officially “unsupported,” and with Windows 10 support ended, owners were told to either pay for extended updates or buy a new PC.
Linux doesn’t have those restrictions. A computer that feels sluggish on Windows will often feel noticeably snappier on a modern Linux distribution, because Linux:
- Uses less memory when idle, leaving more for your actual apps
- Runs fewer background services and scheduled tasks
- Offers lightweight desktops designed specifically for older machines
- Keeps receiving security updates on hardware Windows has abandoned
That means fewer computers headed to the landfill, and more money left in your pocket.
5 Cost & Freedom
Linux is free. Not a free trial, not free with ads, just free, along with thousands of free applications. The everyday essentials are well covered:
- Web: Firefox, Chrome, Brave and other major browsers
- Office: LibreOffice, plus web-based Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
- Media: VLC, Spotify, and streaming services in the browser
- Creative: GIMP, Krita, Inkscape, Blender, Kdenlive and DaVinci Resolve
- Communication: Zoom, Discord, Slack, Teams on the web, Thunderbird
Beyond price, there’s control. Linux doesn’t force updates in the middle of your work, doesn’t restart your computer overnight without asking, and doesn’t reinstall apps you removed. You decide what your computer does.
6 Updates & Stability
On Linux, one update tool usually updates everything: the operating system, your drivers and all your installed apps. Most updates install in the background without a reboot, and when one is needed, you choose when. Many distributions also offer long-term support releases that receive security patches for five years or more, ideal if you just want a computer that works.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Linux | Windows 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Paid licence (often bundled into PC price) |
| Privacy | Minimal or opt-in data collection | Telemetry on by default; account push |
| Security | Strong permissions, vetted repositories, rarely targeted | Good built-in tools, but the main malware target |
| Hardware needs | Runs on old and new PCs | TPM 2.0 and newer CPUs required |
| Gaming | Most Steam games via Proton; some anti-cheat titles blocked | Widest compatibility |
| Ads in the OS | None | Start menu suggestions and promotions |
| Updates | You choose when; one tool updates everything | Can be forced; app updates are separate |
| Commercial software | Growing, many web alternatives | Adobe, some accounting & industry apps |
Is Linux Right for You?
Linux is a great fit if you:
- Mostly browse, stream, email, write documents and video chat
- Have a computer Windows 11 says is “unsupported”
- Care about privacy and are tired of ads and nagging prompts
- Play mainly single-player or Steam games
- Want a fast, stable computer that stays out of your way
You may want to stay on Windows (or dual-boot) if you:
- Depend on Adobe Creative Cloud, specific accounting software or industry tools that are Windows-only
- Play competitive games with kernel-level anti-cheat
- Use specialized hardware whose drivers only exist for Windows
Beginner-Friendly Linux Distributions
A “distribution” (or distro) is simply a version of Linux packaged with its own look and set of apps. These are excellent starting points:
Most distros let you boot from a USB stick and try them out without installing anything, so you can test your Wi-Fi, printer and favourite apps before you commit.
The Bottom Line
Windows 11 is a capable operating system, and for some people and businesses it’s still the right choice. But for a large number of everyday users, Linux now offers a better deal: stronger privacy, excellent security, no cost, longer life for existing hardware, and a gaming experience that’s genuinely good. If you’ve been frustrated by Windows 11, it’s never been easier to try something different.
Thinking About Making the Switch?
Whether you want to try Linux, set up a dual-boot system, or just get your current computer running properly, the team at Razenet can help you figure out what’s right for you, your files and the apps you depend on.
