Garuda Linux: My Unexpected Return to Windows

Why I Left, Why I Came Back

Switching operating systems is a rite of passage for tech enthusiasts. There's an allure in exploring new environments, in customizing every pixel and script to create the perfect workflow. Garuda Linux, with its stunning aesthetics and cutting-edge performance tweaks, seemed like a dream come true—a system that celebrated the power of Arch Linux while making it accessible with flair.

But here I am, back on Windows. And it's not just nostalgia pulling me in.

The Honeymoon Phase

At first, Garuda Linux was everything I wanted. The gaming performance, the rolling-release updates, the Btrfs snapshots—all combined into a system that felt futuristic and empowering. The Dragonized KDE edition, in particular, gave me a desktop experience unlike any other.

I loved the community support and the ease of installing packages through the AUR. The ability to tweak every aspect of my system made it feel uniquely mine.

The Challenges

However, the deeper I got into daily use, the more I started facing hurdles.

• Software Compatibility – While Linux gaming has improved, there were still quirks. Certain games, especially those with anti-cheat mechanisms, refused to run properly.

• Professional Tools – Windows-exclusive programs (Adobe suite, some proprietary software) often required complex workarounds, and even then, they didn't always function at full efficiency.

• Updates & Stability – The rolling-release nature of Garuda meant that sometimes, an update could introduce unforeseen problems. As much as I loved cutting-edge software, I needed stability for work.

Returning to Windows

Eventually, practicality won out. Windows, for all its quirks, remains reliable for my needs—especially with gaming, work software, and overall stability. With WSL improving Linux compatibility, I can still access some Linux features without fully committing to a dual-boot setup.

Garuda Linux taught me a lot. It made me appreciate the power of Linux, the customization, the speed—but it also highlighted why Windows remains dominant for many users.

For now, I’m back in the Windows ecosystem. But who knows? The beauty of tech is that we’re always evolving, always experimenting, and maybe someday, I’ll be back in the world of Linux once again.

Have you ever experienced a similar OS dilemma? Let’s discuss!