The 4 easiest ways to test Linux on your old PC before Windows 10 support runs out

Windows 10 will soon be coming to an end. Anyone using the Microsoft OS has until October 14, 2025, to find an alternative. If your PC can handle the increased system requirements of Windows 11, you can always upgrade, but if your computer is aging, chances are slim that it will support the latest version.

Also: If your Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded, you have 5 options before time runs out

Ergo… Linux!

But for those who’ve never heard of, seen, or used Linux, how can you test it out before making the switch? I’ve come up with four options for you to consider.

Here they are.

1. Try a Live distribution

This is, by far, the most useful way to test Linux. Nearly all Linux distributions are installed from within a Live instance. 

What is a Live instance? Essentially, it means that the entire operating system runs within your computer’s RAM, so it’s not installed on the hard drive. This allows you to test the distribution before installing it. If you don’t like what you see, reboot your computer, remove the USB drive you created with the Linux ISO, and you’ll find yourself back on Windows 10. 

Also: The 3 most Windows-like Linux distros you can try because change is hard

Live distributions are also a great way to find out if the Linux distro you’ve chosen works well with your hardware and can detect peripherals. When using a Live distribution, it will feel exactly as if it were installed on your computer. The only caveat is that because it runs completely from RAM, it might be a bit slower than it will be once installed.

If you do like what you see from the Live instance, there’s most likely an Install icon on the desktop. Double-click that icon and walk through the user-friendly installer.

2. Use VirtualBox on Windows 10

VirtualBox is a virtual machine manager, which means you can install it as a host on Windows 10 and then create Linux guests and run them as though they were installed on a real computer. One of the benefits of using this method is that, unlike testing a live distribution, you don’t have to first create a bootable USB drive from a Linux ISO. Instead, you can take that distribution ISO file you downloaded and select it from the VirtualBox new guest wizard.

Also: How to create a bootable Linux USB drive

VirtualBox can be installed for free as a host on Linux, macOS, and Windows, so you shouldn’t have any problems getting it up and running. It’s just like installing any other piece of software.

3. Go with DistroSea instead of installing

If you don’t like the idea of having to install a third-party piece of software or burn a bootable USB drive, there’s always DistroSea. This user-friendly website allows you to test any number of Linux distributions from within your web browser. There’s no need to install anything, create an account, pay a fee, or overwrite your hard drive. 

This is, hands down, the easiest method of testing Linux. Even better, if a distribution offers different versions (such as one with GNOME, one with KDE Plasma, etc.), you’ll be able to choose which you want to try. For example, you can test Fedora Linux and choose from Xfce, Sway, Silverblue, Sericea, MATE, LXQt, LXDE, Kinoite, KDE Plasma, Cinnamon, Budgie, and more. 

Also: You can test all the best Linux distros right in your web browser with this site

The problem here is that not every distribution is offered as the latest iteration. For example, Fedora currently only goes up to version 40 (whereas the latest release, as of December 2024, is 41).

DistroSea is a great option for those who want to test several distributions without any hassle. The only caveat to using DistroSea is that, unlike using a Live distribution, you cannot experience how the distribution will run on your hardware, which is why I prefer to tell users to test with a live instance.

4. Install and test Linux on an old PC

If you have a spare, unused computer lying around, why not test various Linux distributions by installing them on that machine? Because Linux installations can be completed in minutes, testing multiple distributions won’t take you all that long. 

When testing this way, you might find Linux runs so well on that spare computer that you’ll leave it installed and use it instead of that old Windows 10 computer. After using Linux on that spare computer, you’ll probably find yourself wanting to install it on the Windows 10 computer… and beyond. This is a very good method of testing because you’ll also get to experience the different installers. For example, there are two very popular Linux OS installers available, Anaconda and Calamares. 

Also: The best Linux laptops

Both installers are user-friendly (with the edge going to Calamares). There are other installers, most of which are created by the distribution’s developers. For example, Ubuntu used to use Calamares but has recently migrated to its own installer.

Installer aside, getting Linux up and running is far easier than you think.

It’s important to test Linux before using it. For one, you’ll find out how well it works with your hardware. Also, you’ll get to experience what a different desktop environment can be like and find one that best matches your needs.