Telegram
Drop-in replacementFreeThe same app, made by Telegram for Linux. Sign in and your chats are there.
Your files: Nothing to move. Chats and files are stored on Telegram's servers, not on the Windows PC.
Does Telegram run on Linux?
Verdict: Yes
Yes. Telegram builds a Linux desktop version itself and offers it from its own download page, through both the Flatpak and Snap app stores.
Telegram Desktop is the same program on Linux as on Windows. It sits on Telegram's download page next to the Windows and Mac versions, and installs from your Linux system's app store.
Your chats live on Telegram's servers, so when you sign in everything is already there. There is nothing to export from the Windows machine and nothing to copy across. Unlike most chat apps, the desktop version works on its own once it is set up, so your phone does not need to be switched on.
Telegram Desktop is open source under the GPL, so you are not relying on a single unofficial packager to keep it alive on Linux.
Telegram on Linux, and alternatives
Signal
Close matchFreeWorth adding if you want stronger privacy defaults. Also an official Linux app, but it must be linked to Signal on your phone.
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