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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Dual Boot vs Full Linux (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

35 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Hey everyone!

I got my desktop with dual boot (Kubuntu & W11) and wanted to know if I ever go fully Kubuntu, am I able to reinstall Windows again?

I don't have a disc, but my desktop came with it pre-installed. Is it tied to my Live account?

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

Since presuming the computer came with Windows activated preinstalled, then the license key is likely embedded into the BIOS of the device. Reinstalling Windows will not void that license key because you already paid for it with the "windows tax." I've reinstalled windows on my pre-built "gaming" PC and the license activated automatically.

There are some pains getting a USB bootable installer image with Windows on a full GNU/Linux system, but it is entirely possible. It's also possible to virtualize windows with GPU pass-through or use Wine/Proton which should always be examined before attempting to reinstall Windows (which is always a last resort).

[–] erre 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I just want to reiterate that it is a major pain creating a bootable Windows installation USB drive on a Linux or macOS system. It'd be prudent to create it before installing Linux or make sure you have another Windows computer accessible to you to avoid some headaches if needed.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Ventoy, Ventoy, Ventoy .