Ubuntu Desktop – Migrate from Windows 11 to Ubuntu

by | April, 2026 | cheat sheet, how to, linux, ubuntu, windows

Ubuntu Desktop - Migrate from Windows 11

Windows 11 includes telemetry and cloud‑linked features. Remote management hooks, cloud integration, and automated diagnostics may be embedded.

Ubuntu Desktop – Migrate from Windows 11

 

Introduction

The shift from Windows 11 to Ubuntu is increasingly considered by individuals, developers, enterprises, and privacy‑conscious users who want more control over their computing environment. As organisations increasingly prioritise security, transparency, cost control, and operational stability, the choice of desktop operating system becomes strategically significant. This paper outlines the ten strongest reasons to migrate, focusing on openness, privacy, stability, security, and long‑term digital autonomy. It concludes with actionable recommendations for a smooth transition.

Top 10 Reasons to Move from Windows 11 to Ubuntu

1. Proprietary vs Open Source

Windows 11 is a closed-source, proprietary operating system. Its internal workings, telemetry mechanisms, and system-level decisions are controlled solely by Microsoft. Users must trust the vendor without the ability to independently verify what the system does.

Ubuntu, by contrast, is open source.

  • Anyone can inspect the code.
  • Independent researchers continuously audit it.
  • Bugs and vulnerabilities are often found and fixed faster because the community participates directly.

This transparency builds trust and reduces the risk of hidden functionality or undisclosed data collection.

2. Call‑Back, Phone‑Home, and Remote Access Functionality

Windows 11 includes telemetry and cloud‑linked features. Remote management hooks, cloud integration, and automated diagnostics may be embedded.

Ubuntu may suit users who prioritise open source control, lower hardware requirements, package-managed software, and reduced dependence on a Microsoft account. Windows 11 may still be the better choice where Microsoft 365, Windows-only business software, gaming, device drivers, or vendor support are required.

  • No mandatory cloud account
  • No background communication
  • No remote access features enabled by default

Users decide what to install, what to enable, and what to share.

3. Security and Privacy

Windows is a major target for attackers because of its massive market share and its architecture, which historically prioritised compatibility over isolation.

Ubuntu benefits from:

  • A Unix‑like permission model that isolates processes
  • A smaller attack surface
  • No registry (a common Windows attack vector)
  • Rapid security patching through package repositories
  • Optional full‑disk encryption during installation

Privacy is also stronger by default. Ubuntu does not collect personal data unless the user explicitly opts in.

4. Stability of the Environment

Windows 11 updates have a reputation for:

  • Breaking drivers
  • Resetting user preferences
  • Introducing new bugs
  • Forcing reboots at inconvenient times

Ubuntu’s update model is predictable and stable.

  • Long-Term Support (LTS) releases receive 5 years of guaranteed updates
  • Updates rarely break workflows
  • Users choose when and how to update
  • No forced reboots or disruptive feature pushes

For professional or technical environments, this stability is a major advantage.

5. Bloatware and Unwanted Software

Windows 11 ships with:

  • Preinstalled apps
  • Advertising in the Start Menu
  • Microsoft Store promotions
  • Cloud‑linked services you cannot fully remove

Ubuntu installs only essential system components.

  • No ads
  • No preloaded commercial apps
  • No forced Microsoft ecosystem integration

You start with a clean, minimal environment and build upward.

6. Total Control vs Reliance on Third Parties

Windows 11 increasingly requires:

  • A Microsoft account
  • Cloud syncing
  • Online activation
  • Vendor‑controlled updates

Ubuntu gives you total control:

  • No account required
  • No activation
  • No forced cloud integration
  • You decide what runs on your machine

This autonomy is especially important for developers, researchers, and privacy‑focused users.

7. Vulnerability to Viruses, Ransomware, and Malware

Windows remains the primary target for malware authors.

  • Ransomware attacks overwhelmingly target Windows systems
  • Malware often exploits Windows‑specific features
  • Many attacks rely on users running executable files, a common Windows workflow

Ubuntu’s design reduces these risks:

  • Software is installed through secure repositories
  • Executables are not run by default
  • Permissions prevent system‑wide damage
  • Malware targeting Linux is far less common

While no system is invulnerable, Ubuntu dramatically reduces the attack footprint.

8. Performance and Resource Efficiency

Windows 11 has higher hardware requirements and consumes more RAM and CPU even when idle.

  • Ubuntu is significantly lighter:
  • Lower idle resource usage
  • Faster boot times
  • Better performance on older hardware

This efficiency extends hardware lifespan and improves responsiveness.

9. Customisation and Flexibility

Windows 11 limits customisation and enforces UI decisions (e.g., Start Menu layout, taskbar behaviour).

Windows tightly integrates with Microsoft services such as:

  • OneDrive
  • Microsoft 365
  • Edge browser ecosystem

Ubuntu and other Linux desktops allow deep customisation:

  • Change the entire desktop environment
  • Modify system behaviour
  • Replace components freely
  • Choose independent or self-hosted alternatives
  • Avoid forced ecosystem coupling
  • Automate everything with scripts

You shape the system to your workflow, not the other way around.

10. Cost and Licensing Freedom

Windows licensing can be expensive, restrictive, and tied to hardware.

  • Per-device or per-user costs
  • Upgrade and compliance overhead

Ubuntu is:

  • Free to download
  • Free to install
  • Free to modify
  • Free to share

There are no activation keys, no audits, and no licensing traps.

Key Risks and Considerations

A transition to Ubuntu is not without challenges:

  • Application compatibility (especially legacy Windows software)
  • User retraining requirements
  • Hardware driver support in specific cases
  • Integration with existing enterprise tools

These factors must be assessed before migration.

To proceed effectively, the following phased approach is recommended:

1. Conduct a Feasibility Assessment

  • Identify critical applications and dependencies
  • Evaluate Linux-compatible alternatives or virtualization options

2. Pilot Program

  • Deploy Ubuntu to a controlled user group
  • Measure performance, usability, and support requirements

3. Develop a Migration Strategy

  • Prioritise departments with minimal Windows dependency
  • Establish rollback procedures

4. Invest in Training and Change Management

  • Provide user onboarding resources
  • Train IT staff in Linux system administration

5. Implement Security and Governance Policies

  • Standardise configurations
  • Define update and patch management processes

Conclusion and Recommendations

Migrating from Windows 11 to Ubuntu is not just a technical decision—it’s a strategic move toward privacy, security, control, and long‑term digital independence. Ubuntu offers a stable, transparent, and efficient environment that empowers users rather than locking them into a vendor ecosystem.

Note: there are many, many, many Linux distributions. Generally the various distributions are purpose-built for such as for general desktops, developers, gamers, tightly-locked-down varieties for security folk, etc, etc. It also depends on how much you want to ‘tinker’ – comes down to how much customisation you want to spend time on.

For the sake of arguments, the rest of this document will cover replacing Windows 11 with  Ubuntu.

Ubuntu Installation

The installation process is very simple as per below but this is where you can get the official documentation: Install Ubuntu Desktop – Ubuntu Desktop documentation.
Boot from the Ubuntu .iso or USB drive and you will see the following message:

Select the ‘Try and Install Ubuntu’ option and hit return.

It will eventually splash the Welcome screen:

Follow the guide and select your language, accessibility, keyboard and network preferences.

If the installer has an update, apply it here. If you perform the update, the installer will need to close and restart, then continue with the installer clicking the installer icon:

and the installer will restart:

I choose the interactive installation and click Next:

and the extended selection of Tools:

I like to install with advanced features and options:

I like to use ZFS (huge fan for all sorts of reasons)

Click OK

and click Next.

Create your account:

Click Next

Select your timezone.

and here’s the summary of the installation:

Click Install.

The installation will continue and splash some product and feature pages. Give it some time.

Installation complete. Press Restart Now.

You may need to remove the installation media.

The desktop will reboot.

Login.

Voila! Your new Ubuntu desktop is ready.

Initial System Preparation

In my case I wanted to prep my user environment – my way.

You can administer your system via the GUI tools provided or via a command line for advanced users. I’ll try and cover both where they seem to work best.

System Settings

Open your system settings to customise your environment. Everything from network to colours.

and customise away …l

 

System Software Updates

Post installation, is always best to check for updates …

Settings -> System -> Software Updates

You can check details of what is included with the update, settings which includes manual versus automatic updates and when you are happy, Install Now.

Any changes to the settings or installation of updates will ask you to validate your privileges (by password).

Allow them to finish and reboot.

 

Application Updates

Post system updates, check for application-specific updates …

App Center -> Manage -> Check for Updates or Update All

not to be confused with Settings -> Apps – which manages installed applications for things such as permissions, etc.

Apps (Applications)

The aim of this project was to replace a Windows 11 desktop  with Ubuntu Gnome (the desktop). So here is a list of applications one will need to either run, or find alternatives for, in order to perform some regular and common work functions.

Many commonly used applications are installed by default with Ubuntu desktop such as Firefox, Thunderbird, LibreOffice, etc.

Not all applications below are installed in my instance but I listed excellent and open-source alternatives to a commonly used Windows applications.

For most users, installing Apps can easily be done using the App Center. For advanced users, applications can be installed via the terminal command line (using the local commands and pointing to the appropriate repository).

– the following can be optionally installed using App Center
– App Center can utilise underlying tools such as apt and snap

Browsers
– Firefox – https://www.mozilla.org/
<user>@hostname:~$ firefox –profilemanager

– Brave – https://brave.com/

eMail
– Thunderbird – https://www.mozilla.org/
<user>@hostname:~$ thunderbird –profilemanager

Office – LibreOffice
– office tools, documents
– already installed
– https://www.libreoffice.org/

KeePass -> KeePassXC
– password manager
App Center -> search “keepass” -> Install

Zoom
– online meetings
– download zoom_amd64.deb from https://zoom.us/download?os=linux
– save to appropriate location
$ sudo apt install ./zoom_amd64.deb

Teams
– online meetings
– use web browser: https://teams.microsoft.com/

WhatsApp
– chat
– use web browser: https://web.whatsapp.com/

Compression
# apt install bzip2

Visual Studio Code
– editor, coding tool
App Center -> search “Visual Studio Code” -> Install
… or … # snap install code — classic

VLC
– media player
App Center -> search “vlc” -> Install
or
$ sudo apt install vlc   – this installs vlc and vlc-bin
… or … # snap install vlc

Shotcut
– video editor
App Center -> search “Shotcut ” -> Install
… or … # snap install shotcut

Gimp (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
– image editor
App Center -> search “Gimp” -> Install
… or … # snap install gimp

Audacity
– audio editor
App Center -> search “Audacity” -> Install
… or … # snap install audacity

Handbreak
– video converter
App Center -> search “handbreak” -> Install
… or … # …

Calibre
– ebook reader
# apt install calibre
# calibre –version

Krita
– painting tool
App Center -> search “Krita” -> Install

OBS Studio
– video recording and live streaming
– https://obsproject.com/

Remmina
– Remote Desktop
– https://remmina.org/

Adobe Acrobat
– use Firefox or LibreOffice or Evince Document Viewer https://wiki.gnome.org/Apps/Evince/

Adobe InDesign
– use LibreOffice or Scribus https://www.scribus.net/

Adobe Photoshop
– use GIMP https://www.gimp.org/
– use Krita https://krita.org/
– use Pinta https://www.pinta-project.com/

Adobe Illustrator
– use Inkscape https://inkscape.org/

Adobe Lightroom
– use Darktable https://www.darktable.org/

Adobe Premiere Pro
– video editor
– use Kdenlive https://kdenlive.org/
– use Shotcut https://shotcut.org/

Adobe After Effects
– use Blender https://www.blender.org/

Adobe Audition
– record, edit and mix audio
– use Ardour https://ardour.org/
– use LLMS https://lmms.io/

Autodesk AutoCAD
– use FreeCAD https://www.freecadweb.org/
– use LibreCAD https://librecad.org/

Autodesk 3ds Max
– 3D pipeline – modeling, animation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, even video editing and game asset creation
– use Blender https://www.blender.org/

VirtualBox
– virtual machines (VM) manager
… work in progress
https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Linux_Downloads
https://linuxiac.com/how-to-install-virtualbox-on-ubuntu-24-04-lts/

 

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