How could one implement a linux installer that runs on windows? (programming.dev)

submitted 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) by onlinepersona@programming.dev to c/linux@programming.dev

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A linux installer for windows that works just like a normal installer on windows. You download the .exe, double click it, it opens a wizard you can walk though, and by the end of the process, after it reboots, you're in a linux distro.

How could something like this be implemented?

My idea:

Best case scenario where multiple data partitions exist and can accommodate the user data stored on C:/ + there's a swap partition -->

download a linux iso
deactivate swap
replace swap partition with ISO contents
modify contents to auto install linux with settings from wizard
add boot entry to boot from old swap / modified ISO
reboot
install linux with a nice progress animation
- move user data from C:/ to other partition
- replace C:/ with linux
- install alternatives to programs found on windows (firefox for edge, gimp for paint, inkscape for ..., libreoffice for MS office, etc.)
- move user data to /home/$username
- configure DE with theme (gnome for macos look, kde with theme for windows look)
- other customisations
reboot into linux

Dunno if this is feasible in the best case scenario.

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[-] CameronDev@programming.dev 3 points 5 months ago

Looong time ago, and the linux world wasnt anywhere near stable and polished as it is now (neither was Windows either if we are being honest with ourselves).

While Wubi does not install Ubuntu directly to its own partition this can also be accomplished by using LVPM, the Loopmounted Virtual Partition Manager, to transfer the Wubi-generated Ubuntu installation to a dedicated real partition

I vaguely recall using something like that and trashing both OS installs.

Resizing partitions live is very dangerous, which is why normally its done from a bootable CD or USB. Doing it live from Windows wont be easy. And if you have to boot into a usb or dvd environment, may as well just use the regular installation media?

[-] elmicha@feddit.de 2 points 5 months ago

Recently I got a new PC with Windows, and it could resize its partition without problems. You can do it even with Powershell. I don't know how dangerous it is, but with the whole "copying user data" I would hope that the installer would advise users to create a full backup anyway.