How to try Linux without installing it
You do not have to commit to Linux to find out whether you like it. A live USB runs the whole system from the drive, leaving your computer's disk untouched.
What you need
- A bootable USB drive such as Ubuntu, Linux Mint or Zorin OS.
- A computer that can boot from USB.
- About 15 minutes.
Steps
- Plug in the drive and restart.
- Open the boot menu and choose the USB drive.
- Select the option to try the system rather than install it.
- Test Wi-Fi, sound, printing, your browser and the apps you rely on.
- Shut down and remove the drive. Your computer starts as before.
What to expect
Live mode is a little slower than an installed system because it reads from USB. A faster drive helps. Changes are usually not kept unless the drive has persistence.