Keep Windows if your essential programs, peripherals, or games depend on Windows support. Move to Linux Mint 22.3 if your PC meets Mint’s published requirements and every item you cannot live without works on Linux. The real drawback of Mint is not speed or stability. It is compatibility, and that has to be checked item by item before you switch.
A common way readers phrase the question is in threads like this r/linuxmint post, which asks what the drawback of running Linux on a PC is. The answer below works through the checks in the order that usually decides the outcome.
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Start with the drawback that actually matters
Linux Mint can run the core tasks most people do on a PC: browsing, email, documents, media, and many development tools. The gap appears where a specific Windows program, driver, or game has no Linux version or no vendor support. Some software has a Linux build, some has a web version, some runs only in a compatibility layer, and some has no route at all. You cannot judge this from the operating system name alone. You judge it from your own list.
Check whether your PC meets each system’s requirements
Eligibility is the first gate. The two systems publish different kinds of minimums, so compare them with care.
#1 Best Overall
- 1. 9-in-1 Linux:32GB Bootable Linux USB Flash Drive for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, Linux Mint cinnamon 22, MX Linux xfce 23, Elementary OS 8.0, Linux Lite xfce 7.0, Manjaro kde 24(Replaced by Fedora Workstation 43), Peppermint Debian 32bit (being replaced by MX Linux 32bit) for older PC, Pop OS 22, Zorin OS core xfce 17. The versions you received might be latest than above as we update them to latest/LTS when we think necessary.
- 2. Try or install:Before installing on your PC, you can try them one by one without touching your hard disks.
- 3. Easy to use: These distros are easy to use and built with beginners in mind. Most of them Come with a wide range of pre-bundled software that includes office productivity suite, Web browser, instant messaging, image editing, multimedia, and email. Ensure transition to Linux World without regrets for Windows users.
- 4. Support: Printed user guide on how to boot up and try or install Linux; please contact us for help if you have an issue. Please press "Enter" a couple of times if you see a black screen after selecting a Linux.
- 5. Compatibility: Except for MACs,Chromebooks and ARM-based devices, works with any brand's laptop and desktop PC, legacy BIOS or UEFI booting, Requires enabling USB boot in BIOS/UEFI configuration and disabling Secure Boot is necessary for UEFI boot mode. Packing: The bootable USB drive comes in a colored PET/CPP zipper bag with instructions on how to get started. The box pictured is not included.
| Item | Windows 11 | Linux Mint 22.3 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz or faster compatible 64-bit processor with 2 or more cores | Not stated in the cited Mint 22.3 requirements |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB | 2 GB minimum; 4 GB recommended for comfortable use |
| Storage | 64 GB | 20 GB minimum; 100 GB recommended |
| Firmware and security | UEFI with Secure Boot capability; TPM 2.0 | Not stated in the cited Mint 22.3 requirements |
| Graphics | DirectX 12 compatible graphics with WDDM 2.0 driver | Not stated in the cited Mint 22.3 requirements |
| Display | 720p display, at least 9 inches diagonal | 1024×768 resolution |
| Account and setup | Windows 11 Home setup requires internet and a Microsoft account | Not stated in the cited Mint 22.3 requirements |
Sources: Microsoft Learn, Windows 11 requirements and Linux Mint Blog, Linux Mint 22.3 “Zena” released!, January 13, 2026.
Microsoft warns that particular features and apps can require more than the baseline. Mint’s figures are minimums for installing and booting, not a performance promise. A PC that barely meets the minimums will run either system, but it will feel slow with a modern browser and several open applications.
Rank #2
- ✅For beginners, refer image-7, its a video boot instruction, and image-6 is "boot menu Hot Key list"
- ✅16-IN-1, 64GB Bootable USB Drive 3.2 , Can Run Linux On USB Drive Without Install, All Latest versions.
- ✅Including Windows 11 64Bit & Linux Mint 22.3 (Cinnamon)、Kali 2026.02、Ubuntu 26.04、Zorin Pro 18、Tails 7.8.1、Debian 13.5.0、Garuda 2026.03、Fedora Workstation 44、Manjaro 25.06、Pop!_OS 22.04、Solus 2026.04、Archcraft 26.05、Neon 2026.06、Fossapup 9.5、Sparkylinux 8.3, All ISO has been Tested
- ✅Supported UEFI and Legacy, Compatibility any PC/Laptop, Any boot issue only needs to disable "Secure Boot"
Hardware that Mint may need extra help with
Newer hardware sometimes works poorly with the kernel in the standard image. Linux Mint’s April 2026 update says the regular Mint 22.3 ISO uses kernel 6.14, and it announced HWE (hardware enablement) images based on kernel 6.17 to address compatibility problems with newer hardware. The project says those images were QA-tested and are stable. Its guidance is to try an HWE ISO when the regular one does not work. It also notes that proprietary drivers and third-party modules may have limited support on newer kernels. See the Linux Mint Blog April 2026 update for the current wording and check the download page before you start, because kernel and image availability can change.
Inventory your applications and peripherals
This is the step most readers skip, and it decides the switch. Write down every program, device, and service you use in a normal week, then sort them into three groups:
Rank #3
- Dual USB-A & USB-C Bootable Drive – works with almost any desktop or laptop computer (new and old). Boot directly from the USB or install Linux Mint Cinnamon to a hard drive for permanent use.
- Fully Customizable USB – easily Add, Replace, or Upgrade any compatible bootable ISO app, installer, or utility (clear step-by-step instructions included).
- Familiar yet better than Windows or macOS – enjoy a fast, secure, and privacy-friendly system with no forced updates, no online account requirement, and smooth, stable performance. Ready for Work & Play – includes office suite, web browser, email, image editing, and media apps for music and video. Supports Steam, Epic, and GOG gaming via Lutris or Heroic Launcher.
- Great for Reviving Older PCs – Mint’s lightweight Cinnamon desktop gives aging computers a smooth, modern experience. No Internet Required – run Live or install offline.
- Premium Hardware & Reliable Support – built with high-quality flash chips for speed and longevity. TECH STORE ON provides responsive customer support within 24 hours.
- Must-have and unavailable on Linux: stop here unless you can replace it or run it from another machine.
- Must-have with a Linux version or web alternative: confirm the version you need works on your Mint release.
- Nice to have: a substitute is usually acceptable.
Pay particular attention to printers and scanners, specialist hardware such as audio interfaces or licensed dongles, VPN clients, work software tied to a corporate system, and anything with a vendor-specific installer. Confirm each one with its vendor’s documentation rather than assuming. The evidence behind this article does not establish compatibility for any particular app list, printer, or PC model, so the check is yours to run.
Gaming on Linux
Gaming is the area where expectations most often run ahead of reality. Valve’s Steam Play can allow some Windows-only games to run on Linux, and Steam’s Linux support page says the list of Linux-supported games is updated continuously. Valve is clear that this is potential compatibility, not a guarantee. Its general platform support page tells you to check each title’s system requirements and compatible operating systems.
Rank #4
- 1. 3IN1: Multiboot USB flash drive includes Linux Mint Cinnamon 22 & 21.3 64bit and Linux Mint Cinnamon 19 32bit.It's suitable to both older PC and new computers.You can always try on USB before install. The versions you received might be latest than above as we update them when we think necessary.
- 2. What is Linux Mint: Linux Mint is designed to work 'out of the box' and comes fully equipped with the apps most people need, such as graphic design, office software, web browser, multimedia and gaming.
- 3. Why choose Linux Mint: works out of the box, easy to use, requires little maintenance, safe, fast and comfortable.
- 4. Compatibility: This Multiboot USB is compatible with any brands' PC such as HP,Dell,Lenovo,Samsung,Toshiba,Sony,Acer,Asus except for Apple computers, Chromebooks and ARM-based devices, and works with both legacy BIOS and UEFI booting modes. When using UEFI boot mode, secure boot needs to be disabled in BIOS settings.
- 5. User Guide & Support: Print user guide and support available. please contact us for help if you have an issue.
Before switching, make a list of the specific games you play and check each one. Also check anti-cheat software, launchers outside Steam, and any controller or peripheral software the game depends on. Compatibility is per title and can change with updates.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- Steam Linux game list: Supported Games for Steam for Linux
- Platform requirements: Game is not available on your current platform
How long each system is supported
Support horizon matters if you want to avoid a forced upgrade soon. The two systems are supported on different schedules.
Best Value
- LINUX MINT 22.3 MEDIA - 16GB bootable USB with Linux Mint Cinnamon 22.3 for compatible x86-64 PCs.
- LIVE OR INSTALL - On supported hardware, start the Linux Mint live environment to evaluate it or launch the installer.
- PLATFORM BOUNDARY - Not designed to boot Apple Silicon or other ARM-based computers. Confirm CPU architecture and USB-boot support before purchase.
- BOOT SETTINGS VARY - Boot-menu keys and UEFI settings differ by manufacturer; consult the computer maker's instructions if the USB is not listed.
- BACK UP BEFORE INSTALLING - Disk-partition and installation choices can erase files or operating systems. Disconnect nonessential drives and preserve the USB until it is no longer needed for installation or recovery.
| System or edition | Servicing period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 Home and Pro feature releases | 24 months | Releases are annual, with monthly quality updates |
| Windows 11 Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions | 36 months | Editions listed in Microsoft’s lifecycle FAQ |
| Linux Mint 22.3 | Supported until 2029 | Long-term support (LTS) release, per the Linux Mint project |
Microsoft’s Windows lifecycle FAQ is the place to confirm which Windows release your PC runs and when its servicing ends, because those dates change. The Mint support date comes from the project’s January 2026 release announcement.
Test Mint from bootable media before you commit
Mint can be tried without touching your installed system. The official Linux Mint Installation Guide says the ISO can be written to a bootable DVD or USB stick.
- Download the Mint 22.3 ISO from the official Linux Mint site. If the regular image does not boot your hardware, use the HWE image described above.
- Write the ISO to a USB stick or DVD using a tool that supports ISO images. Expect the stick to be erased.
- Shut down Windows, open your firmware boot menu, and choose the USB device. The key differs by manufacturer.
- Choose the live session option. Test Wi-Fi, Ethernet, audio, the display resolution, webcam, Bluetooth, and printing.
- Open the applications and peripherals from your must-have list. Run a real task with each one, not just a launch test.
- Read the installation guide and release notes, back up your important files, and plan the partitioning before you install.
The installation guide is at linuxmint-installation-guide.readthedocs.io. Follow it for the exact installer steps, since the installer screens may differ between releases.
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Which system fits your situation
| Your situation | Lean toward |
|---|---|
| Your PC is eligible for Windows 11 and you rely on Windows-only software, drivers, or games | Windows 11 |
| Your PC is older but meets Mint’s requirements, and your apps and devices work on Linux | Linux Mint 22.3 |
| You are unsure which apps and games you need | Stay on Windows, and test Mint from a live USB on the side |
| Your PC is not eligible for Windows 11 and you need Mint-compatible hardware | Linux Mint 22.3, after testing the hardware |
This article does not measure speed, privacy, security, licensing costs, or support quality on either system. The sources used here are official documentation for requirements, support periods, and compatibility, and they do not establish how either system performs on your hardware.
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