The Biggest Mistakes Windows Users Make on Linux ...

Main theme

The video outlines common mistakes new Linux users make when switching from Windows, and provides practical guidance to avoid them and get a better experience—such as improved performance and privacy, with fewer annoyances from Microsoft pop-ups and reminders.

Key mistakes and guidance

1) Expecting Linux to behave like Windows

• Linux isn’t a “free Windows.” It emphasizes flexibility, openness, and user choice.
• There’s no single standardized workflow by design—on Linux you typically choose:
  • Desktop environments (the visual/workflow layer)
  • Distributions, which have different update cycles and customization options
• Guidance: don’t force Windows habits; try Linux on its own terms.
• Example: the speaker chose GNOME for comfort as a former Windows user, even though other desktops (e.g., KDE Plasma) may look more Windows-like.

2) Choosing the wrong desktop environment

Desktop environments differ in:

• Default layout
• Features
• Integrated software
• Workflow feel

They can still run the same applications, but new users often choose based on:

• bias
• exaggerated performance claims
• criticism of features they might never use

Common options mentioned (“big four”):

• GNOME (default on Ubuntu and many workstation distros)
• KDE Plasma (more Windows-like look; default on SteamOS 3 and many gaming-focused distros)
• Cinnamon (default on Linux Mint; beginner-friendly)
• XFCE (lightweight)

Guidance: pick what you enjoy, then customize if needed—don’t let others decide for you.

3) Downloading/Installing software the “Windows way”

Linux uses repositories and package managers, so you usually shouldn’t hunt for download links.

Instead of manual searching and risky downloads:

• Use the software store/app center → search → install

Key concept:

• Linux “stores” are designed for safer installs (contrasted with the Windows Store).

Packaging formats mentioned conceptually:

• Flatpaks
• Snaps
• System packages (via distro repositories)

Guidance when software issues occur:

• try another version/build
• don’t assume failure just because one package method struggles

The video claims most software works generally, but that some install difficulty is sometimes exaggerated.

4) Trying to install Windows apps by force (Wine/compatibility layers)

The mistake is forcing Windows apps to run using tools like Wine (including compatibility approaches).

Important nuance:

• Wine is helpful, and Proton (Valve) uses Wine-based compatibility for games.
• But not all apps work—especially tools that rely on Windows drivers (e.g., configuration tools for headsets/mice/keyboards and other niche hardware).

Guidance:

• Windows apps sometimes work (game launchers often get patched quickly)
• for stubborn apps, look for Linux alternatives instead of forcing compatibility
• consider future hardware purchases with Linux support

5) Not checking hardware compatibility before switching

The video recommends using the distro’s live boot environment:

• put it on a USB stick
• boot and test Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth/etc.

If features fail in live mode:

• check whether it’s a known hardware issue for that laptop/PC

Guidance:

• test first; if major incompatibilities exist, you can revert to Windows without committing to an install.

6) Overusing the command line

New users often rely on terminal commands because tutorials show command-line steps for everything (disk resizing, networking, installs).

But the video stresses:

• the command line isn’t required for most daily tasks
• many desktop environments have powerful built-in tools, often pre-installed

Guidance:

• search for solutions for your desktop environment and distro first
• if you find yourself using the terminal frequently, you may be missing easier GUI options

Example from the speaker:

• only used the command line occasionally (e.g., installing DaVinci Resolve, which needed special handling for compatibility with distributions)

Main speaker / sources

• Main speaker: the video narrator (appears to be a Linux user/creator, speaking in first person about their own experience).
• Named external sources/technologies: Valve (Proton compatibility layer), Wine, and major Linux desktop environments (GNOME, KDE Plasma, Cinnamon, XFCE).