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A linux gamer asks, "How do I install windows for just one game?" (piefed.blahaj.zone)
submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by sem@piefed.blahaj.zone to c/linux_gaming@lemmy.world
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There is a game I am considering getting; it has been out for a few months now, and the devs are specifically blocking it from running under proton with a Kernel Level Anticheat which specifically blocks linux.

Folks on the discussion boards made the point tht it is technically possible to install windows for just one steam game, so I am looking for a guide on how to do that?

I've heard that if you don't activate windows, you can still use it, and if you get the LSTC (?) Version of windows, it is not so annoying.

Does anyone have a guide for how to install windows alongside linux for one game?

If we have a discussion in the comments about whether it is tactically appropriate to give money to a game corporation that requires windows, i guess we can, but i would rather learn how to install windows in the least annoying way possible.

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[-] Arcane2077@sh.itjust.works 11 points 1 month ago

Put the installer on a USB, remove your Linux drive (because you should install it on a separate drive, and Microsoft will infect your boot partition otherwise), and run it. That’s it.

Then follow the instructions on massgrave to activate it.

[-] cRazi_man@europe.pub 10 points 1 month ago

I've had Windows cause enough problems with wrecking my Linux boot partition to not want to try this again. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. It works fine most of the time. But I'm not willing to risk that rare occasion when windows renders my Linux drive unbootable. Maybe there's a way to fix the boot partition and I haven't figured it out. But restoring my whole system is so annoying that I wouldn't risk it.

So i would recommend that the best option is to consider just ignoring that game and playing the endless number of great games out there that run on Linux already.

[-] Bronzie@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 month ago

I was recommended rEFInd and it's worked wonders. Never had another boot issue since, and I did like you: physically disconnected all drives except the one I wanted Windows on. Still messed up my boot settings.

Recommend you give it a try if you dare go again.

this post was submitted on 10 Jul 2026
111 points (100.0% liked)

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