I Replaced Windows with CachyOS — My Week on Linux

• Key Takeaways:
• CachyOS quickly got a desktop running for daily work, gaming, and printing with minimal tinkering.
• Nvidia GPU drivers installed without major headaches; one gaming mouse had a quirky, game-only behavior.
• The goal was to test whether Linux can be a "wingable" alternative to Windows without heavy research.
• CachyOS is optimized for modern hardware and aimed at an easier out-of-the-box gaming experience.

Why I switched: simplicity over slog

Nathan Edwards, a senior reviews editor, set out to see if a Linux desktop could replace Windows without becoming a new hobby. The experiment was deliberately low-effort: minimal prior research, a single-week trial, and the explicit intent to use the system for real work and a bit of gaming.

He chose CachyOS rather than a mainstream distro because it advertises optimizations for modern hardware and gaming, aiming to reduce the usual setup friction associated with Linux.

Quick install, immediate productivity

Installation happened quickly and the system reached a usable desktop state the same evening. Edwards reports being able to do regular work tasks during the week with no crippling gaps in functionality.

Even peripherals that often cause trouble, like desktop printers, worked — a notable practical win for anyone considering a daily-driver switch from Windows.

Nvidia and gaming: mostly painless

One of the most common worries for desktop Linux users is GPU support. In this trial the Nvidia graphics card was set up without major issues, and the system ran at a level that supported at least one gaming session during the week.

There was one unexpected quirk: a gaming mouse behaved oddly, only functioning fully while a game was running. It’s a reminder that hardware edge cases still exist, even on distributions focused on gaming.

What this means for would-be switchers

If your needs are mainstream — web, office work, occasional gaming — CachyOS can be a practical alternative to Windows for users who want to avoid extensive setup. The distro’s focus on modern hardware and gaming convenience helps reduce friction.

However, the experience isn’t guaranteed to be flawless. Some peripherals and niche workflows may still require troubleshooting or workarounds.

Conclusion: Linux is a viable, low-fuss option

After a week, the verdict is that a well-chosen distribution like CachyOS can let you replace Windows without plunging into hours of tinkering. Nvidia support, printing, and basic gaming all worked, with only a few minor annoyances.

For users curious about trying Linux, this diary-style test suggests you can get far with a pragmatic approach: pick a distro built for modern hardware, accept small oddities, and you may find the desktop freedom you’re after.