Can I Remove Windows 10 from a new computer?

[michael diemer]

If I buy a new Lenovo Ideapad 110, which comes with Windows 10, and I want to put Linux on it, can I remove the Windows 10 and install Linux? Would I need to wipe the drive first, or just install Linux, removing W10 in the process? I have no experience with UEFI, which is why I'm asking.

 

[Barty1884]

If you want to reuse Windows 10 on another machine, ensure it's running the latest update and register it with your account:
http://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

As for installing Linux, you can either format to remove Windows (can be done during the installation process for Linux), or you could create a new partition to install Linux & run with a dual-boot system.

 

[R_1]

setup the system to boot to the linux thumb drive. boot to thumb drive. install linux, tell installer to use entire drive.
wait for install and enjoy linux

 

[michael diemer]

If you want to reuse Windows 10 on another machine, ensure it's running the latest update and register it with your account:
http://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

As for installing Linux, you can either format to remove Windows (can be done during the installation process for Linux), or you could create a new partition to install Linux & run with a dual-boot system.

I thought that I could only use Windows on this machine, since it would be an OEM version. Am I wrong?

If I really want W10, I could just make a system image. But I have no interest in W10. W7 was the last MS OS I liked. They lost me after that. I would buy a used machine with no OS, but this a birthday present, so I want new. So I have to pay for an OS I don't want and plan to trash. Oh well, you do what feel you must. And for me, preventing unwanted snooping is a must.

 

[bboym]

You can always dual boot it, or just run virtual box with linux on it if your system supports virtualization. Just some other options if you want to keep windows 10 around.

doesn't matter if your machine has oem or not you can still format it and install linux

 

[michael diemer]

setup the system to boot to the linux thumb drive. boot to thumb drive. install linux, tell installer to use entire drive.
wait for install and enjoy linux

This is probably what I'll do, except I'll use a DVD. Old school here. I'm making a nice little collection of Linux DVD's

Never ceases to amaze me how fast you get an answer here. Tom, you're the best. Assuming there actually is a Tom.

 

[Barty1884]

I thought that I could only use Windows on this machine, since it would be an OEM version. Am I wrong?

If I really want W10, I could just make a system image. But I have no interest in W10. W7 was the last MS OS I liked. They lost me after that. I would buy a used machine with no OS, but this a birthday present, so I want new. So I have to pay for an OS I don't want and plan to trash. Oh well, you do what feel you must. And for me, preventing unwanted snooping is a must.

The OEM aspect essentially went out the window with Windows 10. You can now undertake "major hardware changes" and reactivate (so, changing a motherboard that used to mean a new 'system' and new license requirement), provided you're on the latest build & have registered it with your account.

As for the Lenovo it comes with, once Windows 10 is activated, you can reinstall in future & skip the part where it asks for a license. It'll activate automatically once you're online & it can contact MS's server.

Anyway, proceed with your Linux install - but it can't hurt to tie the W10 to your account incase you decide to use it on something else in future.

 

[michael diemer]

I thought that I could only use Windows on this machine, since it would be an OEM version. Am I wrong?

If I really want W10, I could just make a system image. But I have no interest in W10. W7 was the last MS OS I liked. They lost me after that. I would buy a used machine with no OS, but this a birthday present, so I want new. So I have to pay for an OS I don't want and plan to trash. Oh well, you do what feel you must. And for me, preventing unwanted snooping is a must.

The OEM aspect essentially went out the window with Windows 10. You can now undertake "major hardware changes" and reactivate (so, changing a motherboard that used to mean a new 'system' and new license requirement), provided you're on the latest build & have registered it with your account.

As for the Lenovo it comes with, once Windows 10 is activated, you can reinstall in future & skip the part where it asks for a license. It'll activate automatically once you're online & it can contact MS's server.

Anyway, proceed with your Linux install - but it can't hurt to tie the W10 to your account incase you decide to use it on something else in future.

Thanks, I didn't know that. I never use Windows anymore, so I'm not up on these things.

 

[Barty1884]

It's a fairly recent development in fairness, so no big deal.

I know it wasn't the original discussion of the thread, but worth noting & tying to your account. Ultimately, a Windows license (should you choose to use it elsewhere in future) will save you ~$100 USD. If you don't use it, you haven't lost anything. If you do, you've just saved $100.

 

[michael diemer]

I don't think I want a Microsoft account. I had one when I had Outlook and One Drive. Then they changed their Privacy Policy. I couldn't close my account fast enough. Literally. It took months to do it. They don't like to let go their greasy little fingers. I'm just going to nuke Windows 10. Give me a tin foil hat if you want, but I'm old enough to have read 1984 and Brave New World.

 

[pankajverma_87]

If I buy a new Lenovo Ideapad 110, which comes with Windows 10, and I want to put Linux on it, can I remove the Windows 10 and install Linux? Would I need to wipe the drive first, or just install Linux, removing W10 in the process? I have no experience with UEFI, which is why I'm asking.

Dear Michael, I am going to buy Lenovo Ideapad 110 (80TJ00BNIH AMD A8-7410/8GB/1TB/DOS/2GB Graphics).
Please tell me that can it run linux/kali linux ?

If no, then please suggest me a quad core laptop(I prefered AMD as it is cheap) with minimum 8 gb RAM and 1-2 gb graphic card .I have to make a 1-3/Master-Slave architecture of HADOOP in this laptop.

I am purchasing this laptop only for Hadoop/Kali Linux so please reply fast.
I want to buy this laptop this month only as Diwali sale is on !

Thanks in advance..........

 

[michael diemer]

If I buy a new Lenovo Ideapad 110, which comes with Windows 10, and I want to put Linux on it, can I remove the Windows 10 and install Linux? Would I need to wipe the drive first, or just install Linux, removing W10 in the process? I have no experience with UEFI, which is why I'm asking.

Dear Michael, I am going to buy Lenovo Ideapad 110 (80TJ00BNIH AMD A8-7410/8GB/1TB/DOS/2GB Graphics).
Please tell me that can it run linux/kali linux ?

If no, then please suggest me a quad core laptop(I prefered AMD as it is cheap) with minimum 8 gb RAM and 1-2 gb graphic card .I have to make a 1-3/Master-Slave architecture of HADOOP in this laptop.

I am purchasing this laptop only for Hadoop/Kali Linux so please reply fast.
I want to buy this laptop this month only as Diwali sale is on !

Thanks in advance..........

I am sure you can run Linux on this machine. About the only place you run into problems is with Chrome OS, but even there you canb install Linux, you just can't remove the Chrome.

I actually changed my mind, and decided against the Lenovo 110. I did some more resarch, and found that you can't replace the battery. It is integrated. So when the battery goes, inn all likelihood, the machine is dead. So you might want to reconsider.

In general, stay away from the low-end stuff which doesn't have a real hard drive, just a flash drive. If I decide to go through with my plan, I will probably buy a refurbished machine. Just make sure you can replace the battery. Otherwise, it's just a throw-away when the battery dies.