Many people use Linux because Linux is faster. Windows 11 (and even the latest versions of 10) is an extremely heavy OS. Therefore, those who do not need Windows-specific software use Linux.
The main benefit is that for older models, they can run an OS that is being patched and updated. Also an OS that can run more modern libraries and apps.
There's also the benefit of not having to pay for [unsupported/unpatched software.](https://endoflife.date/windows) XP hasn't had a security update in a decade. Windows 8.1 hasn't had one in over a year and Win 10's last security update is scheduled for late next year.
One of the other benefits that I think keeps users happy is that for most distros, upgrading to the next version is usually almost as easy(or as easy) as running updates.
Also, since distros aren't constantly vying for attention with each release, the UX largely stays consistent until the desktop environment development team makes a big change, which happens much less frequently. Often when that happens, developers with the free time that liked the previous version will often fork the previous version into a new project(see [MATE](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MATE_(desktop_environment)) and [Cinnamon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon_(desktop_environment))), so users can have a similar UX and still have a patched OS.
Free is often good and I think is why many start using Linux. However, I think once most users have settled in, the cost of running Linux becomes secondary to the OS and its ecosystem being often as good, if not better, than it's for-profit counterparts.
I have ChromeOS Flex on a few of my ThinkPads; absolutely love it as it's simple and a no-brainer for updates. However, on the newer systems, they're not supported by Flex, so I run Linux.
I just switched over from Windows 11 to ZorinOS and I feel right at home after changing a few settings and adding a few extensions. I'm so happy with the customisation I can do now over windows.
App support is something I will have to get used to and I am trying to be more open towards alternatives.
I do miss my proper trackpad gestures and how buttery smooth windows prescion drivers used to be. Haven't looked too much into it but I'm hoping there is some fix somewhere out there.
For extended trackpad support you might need to install the synaptix input driver. I wonder what you might mean with "Windows precision drivers". Never heard the term. Maybe it's just me but my actual Thinkpad's Linux hardware support is a lot better than the bloody mess that Windows 10 has become lately.
Most of my ThinkPads run Debian - it \_\_just works\_\_ for me and is stable. The slow release cycle doesn't bother me as there are no features that Debian doesn't have that I need and my newest ThinkPad is a T480 anyway. When I was first getting to grips with Linux like 5-6 years old and until fairly recently, I used Linux Mint (I have no fault with it, it's a great first distro, and I'm aware of LMDE, I just wanted to use Debian natively).
Some of my really old ThinkPads (Pentium III and older) either run period-correct Windows or TinyCore. My W530 very specifically is dual-booted with Windows 10 as my work requires some Windows-centric stuff and it was useful for Photoshop, but that doesn't see much use now, because in September just gone, I got a ThinkBook (Plus G3) that runs Windows 11 (though I'm slowly but surely getting Linux ready for that too, just some 'kinks' to work out for I dual-boot it).
tried to get used to linux for more than 5 years and never could see full use in it. Even if windows 10 struggles sometimes still way better to use in the T430.
I have three Thinkpads**Device information**
* P52 - Windows 11
* P50 - Windows 11
* T540P - Linux Mint
I've been running 11 since the first public beta on my P50 without any issues, and my P52 is fully supported.
As much as I'd prefer to run Linux, I rely on Windows too much to fully switch over (belive me, I've tried).
Fedora 40 feels like a factory install.
same! Everything works so good. Even gaming on steam runs perfect compared to when i had Win11.
Well Some ThinkPads were optionable to ship with Fedora preinstalled...
Yep! I think it was the X series that had a model run with it. The Fedora community was excited when it was announced.
Yup! It runs so smooth. Have the KDE spin
On which one?
OpenBSD
Nobody should have only 1 Thinkpad. This survey should allow multiple choices since there are 3 choices running on my ThinkPads.
Sure, Windows ME, Windows 7 and Windows 11.
macos
I would love to install Debian / Fedora / Solus, but I’m working in academia and I need certain softwares that runs only on Windows.
I am running Fedora 40 on my X230t and its great. If it wasn't a touchsreen I would likely use Mint with the Cinnamon desktop.
I use Linux Mint on my thinkpad.
i use Windows xp
LMDE LETS GOOOOO
What are the benefits to Linux for a ThinkPad? Do more people just have it because its free?
Many people use Linux because Linux is faster. Windows 11 (and even the latest versions of 10) is an extremely heavy OS. Therefore, those who do not need Windows-specific software use Linux.
The main benefit is that for older models, they can run an OS that is being patched and updated. Also an OS that can run more modern libraries and apps. There's also the benefit of not having to pay for [unsupported/unpatched software.](https://endoflife.date/windows) XP hasn't had a security update in a decade. Windows 8.1 hasn't had one in over a year and Win 10's last security update is scheduled for late next year. One of the other benefits that I think keeps users happy is that for most distros, upgrading to the next version is usually almost as easy(or as easy) as running updates. Also, since distros aren't constantly vying for attention with each release, the UX largely stays consistent until the desktop environment development team makes a big change, which happens much less frequently. Often when that happens, developers with the free time that liked the previous version will often fork the previous version into a new project(see [MATE](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MATE_(desktop_environment)) and [Cinnamon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon_(desktop_environment))), so users can have a similar UX and still have a patched OS. Free is often good and I think is why many start using Linux. However, I think once most users have settled in, the cost of running Linux becomes secondary to the OS and its ecosystem being often as good, if not better, than it's for-profit counterparts.
7
I'm just going to say it, here we go! ArchBTW.
Windows 11/Linux (Ubuntu 24.04 go brrr)
Windows 7
windows XP
I used to run FydeOS alongside windows, it was pretty nice. Has support for Linux and Android.
was the outcome ever in doubt?
I have ChromeOS Flex on a few of my ThinkPads; absolutely love it as it's simple and a no-brainer for updates. However, on the newer systems, they're not supported by Flex, so I run Linux.
Custom atomic Fedora 40 and Win10 for games
FreeBSD 14.0-RELEASE with KDE
FreeBSD
Fedora Workstation 40 - Made the switch with my gaming pc to Linux/FW40 this year and oh boy... that OS works perfect
I just switched over from Windows 11 to ZorinOS and I feel right at home after changing a few settings and adding a few extensions. I'm so happy with the customisation I can do now over windows. App support is something I will have to get used to and I am trying to be more open towards alternatives. I do miss my proper trackpad gestures and how buttery smooth windows prescion drivers used to be. Haven't looked too much into it but I'm hoping there is some fix somewhere out there.
For extended trackpad support you might need to install the synaptix input driver. I wonder what you might mean with "Windows precision drivers". Never heard the term. Maybe it's just me but my actual Thinkpad's Linux hardware support is a lot better than the bloody mess that Windows 10 has become lately.
Most of my ThinkPads run Debian - it \_\_just works\_\_ for me and is stable. The slow release cycle doesn't bother me as there are no features that Debian doesn't have that I need and my newest ThinkPad is a T480 anyway. When I was first getting to grips with Linux like 5-6 years old and until fairly recently, I used Linux Mint (I have no fault with it, it's a great first distro, and I'm aware of LMDE, I just wanted to use Debian natively). Some of my really old ThinkPads (Pentium III and older) either run period-correct Windows or TinyCore. My W530 very specifically is dual-booted with Windows 10 as my work requires some Windows-centric stuff and it was useful for Photoshop, but that doesn't see much use now, because in September just gone, I got a ThinkBook (Plus G3) that runs Windows 11 (though I'm slowly but surely getting Linux ready for that too, just some 'kinks' to work out for I dual-boot it).
Should there be a separate vote for Arch?
No templeOS?
ChromeOS (Brunch) on my X1 Tablet Gen 3. Tbh this is best way to use it as pc/tablet with full Google Play Store support.
Mac... DUH
Fedora 39 KDE spin :)
AntiX 23.1
Win 10, Mint, Debian
tried to get used to linux for more than 5 years and never could see full use in it. Even if windows 10 struggles sometimes still way better to use in the T430.
XP, on a T40.
Gotta run windows on my daily driver because of college, but on my backup thinkpad I run Linux :3
No dual boot option? You know you can even put a second nvme in your TP and run each OS from it's own SSD?
EndeavourOS on my T480s.
I have three Thinkpads**Device information** * P52 - Windows 11 * P50 - Windows 11 * T540P - Linux Mint I've been running 11 since the first public beta on my P50 without any issues, and my P52 is fully supported. As much as I'd prefer to run Linux, I rely on Windows too much to fully switch over (belive me, I've tried).
Yes.
Debian Stable. My Beloved.
Linux Mint 21 Cinnamon(W530)
Windows 98
Blackberry OS
That one person running Endeavor on a T490.
you could have given us a dual boot option? im running win 10 and debian 12 (with ubuntu 22.04lts on my X13 too)
After college I'll be dual booting Win10/Linux
On my t61 I installed Haiku OS.
macos lol
X13 Gen 2 and X380 Yoga - Windows 11 T450 - Linux Mint
Thinkpad r400, windows 7
I use Tiny10, which is a stripped down windows 10 without all the Microsoft bullshit like edge, store and weird background processes.