Currently stuck on Windows 10, I'd like to know how to switch to Linux and keep Poser.

I'd recommend installing Linux Mint https://linuxmint.com/,  the Cinnamon desktop is a lot like Windows, then installing Wine https://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=application&iId=115

You can install Wine from the software manager in Mint

https://jurn.link/dazposer/index.php/2025/05/18/poser-13-on-linux-with-wine-some-findings/

I’m using GNOME under Ubuntu 25.10. Overall, it doesn’t make much difference which of the major distributions you use. You’re on the safe side with any Debian-based distro (like Mint or Ubuntu). The WINE software, needed for Windows support, runs well on all major distributions.

However, I strongly recommend running all Windows apps inside a sandbox. That makes your system safer and easier to manage. I suggest using “Bottles” (a nod to “Wine”). It not only provides sandboxing but also makes configuration and module management easier. Bottles can be installed on nearly any distribution (Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, etc.). It handles Wine installation automatically—which can take a little while, as it downloads and installs everything.

Here’s the link to Bottles (just for info what can be done and how it works): https://usebottles.com/

Hint: Make a description of all hardware you will use with linux. In case something won't work.

This is a big challenge for me, but thank you for your quick responses.

I'm going to have to reassess what I have and what I want to keep.

Don't worry. It's easier than you may think. 

At the end of the year, many people will be looking for a way out of Microsoft's shackles. The internet will be full of help.
If you don't have exotic hardware, then you're already in a good position.
And if you can get an extra hard drive (128 gigabytes is enough, even external), then you can install Linux on it without touching your Windows installation. Once you've familiarized yourself a little with Linux, you can start with installing WINE and then Poser. Still without touching Windows. Once Poser is running, you can link your current Windows hard drive or SSD to Linux. It will then appear as a subdirectory on the smaller drive. Linux is specialized in this kind of thing.

For a start you need an USB-Stick with at least 8 Gig. Use Windows to install Mint or Ubuntu on it. This is a so called "Live System". You can have a look at Linux without doing any harm to your Windows.

https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/create-a-usb-stick-on-ubuntu#1-overview

I looked at the Linux Mint + Poser / Photoshop / DAZ option in detail, before opting for the Windows 11 'Ghost Spectre Superlight' version instead. An OS with all the bloat and privacy-invasion etc not just turned off, but ripped out.

And... with Wine & Bottles, can Poser use the nvidia card to compute?

https://linuxconfig.org/improve-your-wine-gaming-on-linux-with-dxvk

I didn't try that by myself.

I don't primarily use WINE/Poser for rendering. Furthermore, the machine on which I run Poser does not have a dedicated graphics card.