Why I Switched from Windows to Linux as a Developer 🧑‍💻

I have built and shipped several projects over the years - most of them on Windows. It was familiar, convenient, and got the job done… until it didn’t.

After months of subtle frustrations and years of curiosity, I finally took the leap and made the switch to Linux. Here's the why, how, and what I’ve learned so far — from one dev to another.

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💭 Why I Even Considered Switching

Let’s be real: Windows works. But over time, I started noticing things that slowed me down or broke my flow:

• Resource usage: Even with decent specs, Windows often felt heavier than it should be. Background processes, updates, and startup times started to feel like a drag.

• Dev workflow friction: WSL helped, but it still felt like I was fighting my own machine to get a proper Unix-like experience.

• Lack of customization: I wanted more control over my environment, not just endless pop-ups and update prompts.

I wasn’t looking for a new shiny toy, I just wanted a more developer-friendly environment. Linux kept coming up in convos with other devs, so I finally gave it a proper shot.

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🛠️ The Switch: Getting Set Up

I started with Pop!_OS - mainly because it made my transition from Windows to Linux very smooth. Clean UI, stable, and great community support.

Here’s what I gained almost instantly:

• Native terminal + shell scripting: No more half-baked WSL or dual environments. Everything just worked.

• Better performance: My machine feels snappier and lighter, even when running multiple services or dev servers.

• Package management: APT, Snap, Flatpak — installing tools has never felt this streamlined.

• Distraction-free setup: No Cortana, no pre-installed bloat, no random background updates. Just me and my code.

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🧪 What Changed in My Workflow

• Docker and containers run better and faster natively.

• Git and version control feel more seamless.

• SSH and networking tools are built-in and powerful. Perfect for a dev like me who enjoys ethical hacking and networking as a hobby.

• I also started customizing my environment exactly the way I like it . From the window manager to terminal themes. Linux makes your dev setup yours.

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😬 The Downsides

It hasn’t been all roses. A few things to keep in mind:

• Initial learning curve: Especially if you’re used to clicking your way around. You’ll Google. A lot.

• Software gaps: Some proprietary tools don’t exist natively. But I’ve found great open-source alternatives or use Wine/VM when necessary.

• Peripheral issues: Drivers and hardware support can be quirky, but nothing I couldn’t fix with a little research.

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🌱 Why I’m Not Going Back

Linux isn’t perfect, but it fits the way I work. It’s flexible, powerful, and puts the dev first. not the marketer, not the average user, just you.

If you’re a dev looking to take more control of your environment, learn new things, and maybe even fall in love with your setup again, I highly recommend giving Linux a shot.

I’m still exploring, learning, tweaking, and that’s part of the fun.

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So... thinking of switching too? Got questions or curious about the transition?
Let’s chat in the comments , or shoot me a message!