Can a Linux Ubuntu Laptop be changed to a Windows OS?

[waynegohl]

I was given a Toshiba laptop running Linux Ubuntu but having never worked on a laptop/computer running this software before it seems intimidating and want to change the system to a windows setup, can it be done?

I went to Office Depot now and asked them if it's possible but they could not help me because they don't sell any windows OS according to the person I spoke too.

 

[werfie]

Providing that it meets the minimum system requirements, it should be possible. Remember that you will have to buy Windows, will be in the region of R1500-R2000 and then it needs to be installed by a tech-savvy(ish) person.

 

[agentrfr]

What model laptop is it? 90% of the time it can be done. You can still get a free upgrade to 10 if you come from an older version, then reformat it with a fresh install of 10.

Personally I'm more happy with Linux Mint on my ultrabook than I am with Windows 10. Mint with Cinnamon is very close to a windows-like feel but you still have the raw power and performance of Linux. I find Ubuntu's UI suffocating....

 

[CataclysmZA]

Look and see if there's Windows license stuck anywhere on the laptop. This could be on the underside of it, or possibly under the battery if it came with Windows 7. If you find anything like that, it'll be a little bit of trial and error to figure out what license it came with, and you'll be able to reinstall Windows without having to pay for it.

 

[xodosman123]

Ahhh google will have the answer...

 

[BlindMelonChitlin]

Absolutely you will.

 

[waynegohl]

aah ha, there is a windows sticker on the underside with product key so that is a good start i guess. the model number is PSLB8U-079025.

 

[agentrfr]

Yes looks like it can easily run Windows 10. That series looks like it originally came with vista - so you can install that, upgrade to 10 and reformat with 10 and you are A for away

 

[SauRoNZA]

aah ha, there is a windows sticker on the underside with product key so that is a good start i guess. the model number is PSLB8U-079025.

You can install Windows 10 directly with that key if you download the newest ISO.

 

[CataclysmZA]

aah ha, there is a windows sticker on the underside with product key so that is a good start i guess. the model number is PSLB8U-079025.

Hmm. Vista Home Premium. Bleh. If you're going to use Vista, make sure you upgrade to at least 4GB of RAM. An SSD might help as well.

Otherwise, buy yourself a copy of Windows 7 or 8/8.1 and upgrade to Windows 10 if you're keen on that. Vista's extended support period has already ended, though it's still a perfectly usable OS once you've got a good antivirus running on it.

Or otherwise, just learn to work with Linux. It's quite a liberating experience for some people and it teaches you some valuable skills.

so you can install that, upgrade to 10 and reformat with 10 and you are A for away

The Windows 10 upgrade doesn't apply to computers running Vista.

 

[waynegohl]

Thanks for the info guys

 

[Arthur]

You get Windows for free by installing the Insider Preview version. Join the slow ring.

 

[waynegohl]

Have another question regarding a laptop running XP and trying to get Windows 7 on it.

I went to the microsoft home page and it said I must run a programme to see if win 7 would run on my XP laptop, it said yes but I have to update a few programs but says nothing about upgrading straight from Microsoft home page. I assume it means I cannot upgrade straight off the website.

What do I need in order to upgrade to win 7? I am looking on Amazon to buy the package and I assume I need a new(ish) package with activation key, is this correct?

 

[KleinBoontjie]

Why don't you install.......oh, wait, mmmmm

 

[superfly]

Why are you asking Windows questions in the Linux subforum? Isn't there a Windows subforum?

 

[ginggs]

Isn't there a Windows subforum?

Weirdly enough there isn't.

 

[superfly]

Weirdly enough there isn't.

I've never bothered to check, to be honest.

 

[Dave]

Why are you asking Windows questions in the Linux subforum? Isn't there a Windows subforum?

Where is the Linux subforum? This section appears to be called "Software"...

 

[AirWolf]

Where is the Linux subforum? This section appears to be called "Software"...

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/forumdisplay.php/167-Linux

 

[Dave]

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/forumdisplay.php/167-Linux

But this thread isn't there, it's here...

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/forumdisplay.php/182-Software