Support & FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Explore answers to frequently asked questions to help you get the information you need

Which Linux distro will I be installing?

Linux Mint 22.2 Cinnamon, a user-friendly, secure desktop supported until 2029.

Which is C: drive, install or copy drive?

Either. Setting it as the copy drive is fastest as it only requires copying once. It also leaves you with another backup of your data.

What if Windows is across multiple hard drives?

Select a large enough install drive to consolidate the data from all of the Windows drives. Then set C: drive as copy drive so other drives can be found from there. Otherwise, only Users directory will be copied (without following major links).

Should I run a SMART check on my hard drive?

Yes, check your drive’s health in Windows with wmic diskdrive get status. If it’s failing, install a new drive for Linux and select the old drive as the copy drive. Also, run chkdsk /f. See Hard Drive Health.

Will BitLocker encryption be disabled automatically?

No, disable BitLocker in Windows (Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption) before using the tool to avoid data loss risks.

Should I back up my data?

Yes, back up all data with a service like Backblaze to protect against hardware failures or power outages.

Why isn’t install drive valid?

Probably because you need to run chkdsk /f. Or both install drive and copy drive have Windows.

Why isn’t copy drive valid?

Probably because you need to run chkdsk /f. Or format it. Or rename jackjump directory from prior use.

Which web browsers are supported?

Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi, Opera, and Chromium bookmarks, history, cookies and web data are migrated. Run the post-install script to install and configure them. Note: Some browsers require adding third-party repositories.

Will my wallpaper transfer?

Yes, the post-install script sets the Windows wallpaper for each user it can find it for. If saved in Pictures/Wallpaper it'll definitely work.

Will Windows .URL shortcuts work?

Yes, the post-install script converts .URL desktop icons to Linux-compatible .desktop files.

Does it handle multiple users?

Yes, run the post-install script for each user to configure settings and set a password.

How long will migration take?

Depends on hardware speed and amount of data to transfer. USB drives copy at ~300 Mbps; internal drives are faster.

Which Windows versions are supported?

Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and 11 (after disabling BitLocker and running chkdsk /f on Windows). Windows XP and Vista are not supported.

Does it support macOS or Linux to Linux migration?

No, only Windows to Linux Mint is supported.

Does it support network or cloud drives?

No.

Does it support manual partitioning?

No, only automatic partitioning is supported.

How do I request a feature?

Post publicly on social media (@migratepc or @jackjumpinc on X, reddit, etc.).

Can another user run the post-install script?

No, only the main user (who installed Linux) can run it.

Will my Windows programs work on Linux?

Many cloud-based apps (e.g., email, office suites) work in browsers. Linux Mint includes LibreOffice, and thousands of games are supported via Steam.

Which USB creator do you recommend?

Ventoy for its ease and reliability.