Download and install Linux in this tutorial that covers how to choose a distribution, how to use the install command with Windows Subsystem for Linux, create a bootable USB for Bare-metal, or set up a Virtual Machine.
Eh, WSL is still enough like Linux that it could be the best option for a lot of people. No risk to the computer being unable to boot whilst still giving you the ability to play with Linux tooling.
And credit where credit’s due: Microsoft details how to do a bare metal install, which is the most likely option to wipe Windows from your machine in the first place.
I only ever got problems with my Arch install on my main PC (testing repos, updated every boot/shutdown) once, when NVidia drivers updated. On my servers, also Arch and testing repos, but updated monthly, there never were any problems.
In contrast, Ubuntu/Pop stopped booting properly after a year or so, and due to the more closed, out of the box and undocumented nature (while one knows their Arch system to the single package if one installs it themselves) it was nearly impossible to debug.
Eh, WSL is still enough like Linux that it could be the best option for a lot of people. No risk to the computer being unable to boot whilst still giving you the ability to play with Linux tooling.
And credit where credit’s due: Microsoft details how to do a bare metal install, which is the most likely option to wipe Windows from your machine in the first place.
I only ever got problems with my Arch install on my main PC (testing repos, updated every boot/shutdown) once, when NVidia drivers updated. On my servers, also Arch and testing repos, but updated monthly, there never were any problems.
In contrast, Ubuntu/Pop stopped booting properly after a year or so, and due to the more closed, out of the box and undocumented nature (while one knows their Arch system to the single package if one installs it themselves) it was nearly impossible to debug.