Questions regarding removing Windows 10 from laptop


  1. Posts : 1
    Windows 10 version 1803
       #1

    Questions regarding removing Windows 10 from laptop


    So I bought this laptop that came with Windows 10 (pretty certain it's version 1803) pre-installed. For reasons 100% related to numerous instances of it fighting against my actions (changing file associations back, forced updates hosing a project, etc.) I have decided I want it off my laptop and control of the harddrive back.

    It did not come with an installation disk. After having to reset to factory default because of aforementioned project hosing, I quarantined it from internet contact as it changed my plugin video camera's driver that worked to one that doesn't. I have been using a Linux Mint 19.1 flashdrive and booting from that solely for internet browsing since.

    What I would like to do ultimately is set the laptop up as a dual-boot with some other version of Windows and Linux Mint. The harddrive though is locked out to writing when booting from the flashdrive. Perhaps that wouldn't be the case if I fully installed Linux Mint as dual-boot beside Windows 10, but I've just been saving onto another flashdrive.

    I know how to use the partition tool (Windows and Linuxes) and I have an idea how I want to have the final setup. It would wind up with likely Windows XP (as I can no longer access a harddrive with Windows 7 that I'd prefer) installed alongside Linux Mint and a non-booting pure data partition both could share.

    I don't wish to lose the use of this licensed copy of Windows 10 though as there are testing instances where I might temporarily be able to use it. I learned about the recovery tool having an option to include all system files so that it is in essence a full install backup and have since made this. Before any change that would overwrite or uninstall Windows 10 though, I want to test that full install drive first then go from there.


    These are some questions I've not figured out from all the articles I've read:

    I read that Windows 10 requires 'primary' partition to install. Does it only install on UEFI able machines (so nothing older with just BIOS)?

    This is relevant to the full install recovery flashdrive I wish to test first. I wondered if it could be targeted to install to a large flash drive or into a running virtual machine. I kind of doubted it could be test installed side by side on the same harddrive as it would recognize existing one.

    I read that if you want to dual-boot with Windows 10, you should install Windows 10 first because it destroys the parse points. Linux and most other operating systems do not, so you can partition with it's tool to install second.

    Unless Windows 10 owns the whole drive. That is the problem as it came pre-installed on the laptop. Can I make a data partition with it's own tool that is not owned by Windows 10 or that can have ownership taken by a bootflash Linux Mint partition tool?

    Without wiping the drive and losing the non Windows things I want to keep, is it possible to uninstall Windows 10 around such a data partition? Or if not I just have to copy those off to large flash and uninstall.


    I appreciate any help with this, and oh, hi. Yes I just made this account. By the way, I know it's not Windows XP forums, but does anyone know if you can do the same thing with the recovery tool for it (a full install flashdrive that is)?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 2,068
    Windows 10 Pro
       #2

    UserUnknown said:
    I read that Windows 10 requires 'primary' partition to install. Does it only install on UEFI able machines (so nothing older with just BIOS)?
    UEFI is not required.

    UserUnknown said:
    Unless Windows 10 owns the whole drive. That is the problem as it came pre-installed on the laptop. Can I make a data partition with it's own tool that is not owned by Windows 10 or that can have ownership taken by a bootflash Linux Mint partition tool?
    Unsure what you are asking.

    UserUnknown said:
    Without wiping the drive and losing the non Windows things I want to keep, is it possible to uninstall Windows 10 around such a data partition? Or if not I just have to copy those off to large flash and uninstall.
    You could just delete the windows partitions if you want, you don't have to "uninstall"
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 5,210
    Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit 22H2
       #3

    You cannot Uninstall Windows, if you have a Data partition already or User files you want to keep, I suggest you save them to another drive, like a USB HDD or Cloud service. You then can install Linux or any OS you want which has a different file system and will delete Windows and create it's own partitions and file system. During the install, you can choose to leave the Data partition. But have it backed up just in case things go wrong.
    Windows XP is no longer supported from Microsoft and most browsers cannot get online in XP. the security flaws are too many. So, we don't suggest keeping this if you are planning on getting online. The same for Windows 7 now, it has not been supported by Microsoft for over a year now. Soon you will not be able to get online with Windows 7 either.
    If you have a valid license for Windows 10, you can always download the most recent ISO image from Microsoft and use your product key to Activate. A Primary partition is required for Windows (of any version or year) UEFI is not required, but MBR Initialization only allows 4 Primary partitions per HDD. UEFI can support more.
    Windows doesn't Own a drive, you can always Shrink your C: drive to leave space for another OS or Data partition.
    If you're running UEFI bios, you cannot install any other OS like Linux, unless you include CSM/Legacy Bios to allow for Linux.
    You can use EasyBCD to manage your Multi-Boot menu, or use Grub included in Linux.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 8,517
    windows 10
       #4

    Before you do anything make sure the o/s your going to put on has drivers for the laptop. Your version of windows is very old so it may be worth upgrading free to the latest version as that may be a lot better
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 819
    10
       #5

    SIDEBAR

    (This isn't support for your issue but more food for thought.)

    I just bought a 10th Gen Intel PC which upped my ram to 12GBs and I've been stunned at how 'fast' Windows Sandbox is. It's as if that option is drifting from novel to very interesting.

    In lieu of your requirements it make me wonder if a customer could --

    1. Buy a PC and set up the 'base system' as they like. Get it running exactly the way you want it. Then --
    2. -- lock it that way. By lock your base Windows would no longer update and really no longer need contact to the net.
    3. You'd boot up Windows Sandbox and use that isolated world as your 'netbook'. It would help if --

    a. Sandbox remembered exactly how you had it set up so that when you return it's where you left it.
    b. Your Windows account saved a 'backup' of this environment so that if some infection or what have you struck it could completely restore this environment off the web.

    I'm sharing this because this would be a Windows complete solution.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 34
    Linux
       #6

    spunk said:
    If you're running UEFI bios, you cannot install any other OS like Linux, unless you include CSM/Legacy Bios to allow for Linux.
    Most or all mainstream linuxes support UEFI booting. Ubuntu and some others also support secure boot. Check your linux distro website for advice on installing linux next to windows.
      My Computer


 

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