In this article, you will learn how to replace your computer's operating system with Linux Mint. This system can be installed on computers running Windows and Mac OS X.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: How to Prepare for Installation
Step 1. Create a backup copy of the data stored on your computer
Since the current operating system will be removed, back up important files and settings, even if you don't plan on storing them on Linux. This way, if something goes wrong during the installation process, you can restore your computer.
Step 2. Increase the bit capacity of the processor
Skip this step on a Mac. The processor bit (32-bit or 64-bit) will help you choose the version of Linux Mint you need.
Step 3. Find out which processor is installed on your Mac
Linux can only be installed on a Mac computer with an Intel processor. To check this, open the Apple menu
, click About This Mac and look for the Processor section. If you see the word "Intel" in this section, feel free to install Linux on your Mac.
Skip this step on Windows
Step 4. Download the Linux Mint image (ISO file)
Go to https://linuxmint.com/download.php, to the right of "Cinnamon" click "32-bit" (32-bit) or "64-bit" (64-bit) (depending on the processor bit), and then click on the regional link in the Mirror section.
For Mac, select the 64-bit option
Step 5. Download the program for burning images (ISO files) to a flash drive
It depends on your operating system:
- Windows - Go to https://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/, scroll down and click “Download UUI”;
- Mac OS X - Go to https://etcher.io/ and click Etcher for macOS at the top of the page.
Step 6. Connect your flash drive to your computer
Connect the drive to a USB port on your computer, located on the front, side, or back of your computer case.
For a Mac, you need a USB-C flash drive (or a USB3 to USB-C adapter)
Step 7. Format your flash drive
All information stored on it will be deleted. Don't forget to select the appropriate filesystem:
- Windows - choose "NTFS" or "FAT32";
- Mac - Select Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
Step 8. Do not disconnect the flash drive from the computer
You have formatted the drive and downloaded the Linux image, so you can proceed with the Linux installation.
Part 2 of 4: How to Boot Linux on a Windows Computer
Step 1. Install the program for burning images (ISO files) to a flash drive
Double-click the Universal USB Installer (flash drive) icon, click Yes when prompted, and then click I Agree. The main program window will open.
Step 2. Create a bootable flash drive
Open the Step 1 menu, click Linux Mint, and then follow these steps:
- click “Browse”;
- select the downloaded image (ISO file) of Linux Mint;
- click "Open";
- open the "Step 3" menu (Step 3);
- click on the letter of the flash drive;
- click “Create” in the lower right corner;
- click “Yes” when prompted.
Step 3. Close the UUI program
Click the Close button when it becomes active. Linux Mint can now be installed from a flash drive.
Step 4. Restart your computer
Click Start
> "Nutrition"
> Reboot. The computer will restart.
Step 5. Press the key to enter BIOS
This key is usually one of the F keys, such as F2, but it can also be Esc or Del. Press this key before Windows starts loading.
- The desired key will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.
- To find out which key to press, read the instructions (paper or online) for your computer or motherboard.
- If the login screen appears on the screen, restart your computer and try again.
Step 6. Find the Boot Order section
To do this, use the arrow keys to navigate to the Advanced or Boot tab.
In some BIOS versions, the boot order can be found on the start page
Step 7. Select the flash drive connected to the computer
It should be named as “USB Drive”, “USB-disk”, “Removable Storage” or similar. Use the arrow keys to select the appropriate option.
Step 8. Move the drive to the top of the boot device list
Select the USB Drive option (or similar), and then press the + key until it is at the top of the bootable device list.
If that didn't work, look at the list of keys and their functionality on the right (or bottom) of the screen to see which key moves the selected option
Step 9. Save the changes and exit the BIOS
To do this, you need to press a certain key - to find out which one, look at the list of keys and their functionality on the right (or bottom) of the screen. Now you can boot Linux.
On some computers, you need to press an additional key (when prompted) to confirm your actions
Step 10. Select the "Linux Mint" option
For example, if you are installing Linux Mint 18.3, select the Boot linuxmint-18.3-cinnamon-64bit option.
- The name of this option depends on the Linux Mint version and the processor bit.
- Do not select the "acpi = off" option.
Step 11. Press ↵ Enter
The Linux boot process will begin (from the flash drive).
Step 12. Wait for Linux to boot
This will take a few minutes. Linux can now be installed on your computer's hard drive.
Part 3 of 4: How to Boot Linux on a Mac OS X Computer
Step 1. Install the Etcher program
Double-click its DMG file, allow the installation of programs from unknown developers (if prompted), and then drag the Etcher icon to the Applications folder.
Step 2. Start the Etcher program
It is located in the Applications folder.
Step 3. Click on ⚙️
This icon is located in the upper-right side of the Etcher window.
Step 4. Check the box next to “Unsafe mode”
It's near the bottom of the page.
Step 5. Click Enable unsafe mode when prompted
In this mode, the ISO file can be burned to any disc.
Step 6. Click Back
It's in the upper-right side of the window.
Step 7. Click Select image
This blue button is on the left side of the Etcher window.
Step 8. Click on the downloaded Linux Mint ISO image
Step 9. Click Open
It's in the lower-right corner of the window.
Step 10. Click Select drive
You will find this blue button in the middle of the page.
Step 11. Select a flash drive
Click on his name and then click "Continue" at the bottom of the window.
Step 12. Click Flash
(Write down).
This blue button is on the right side of the Etcher window. This will create a bootable Linux Mint flash drive, which means you can install it directly from the drive.
Step 13. Restart your computer
Open the Apple menu
, click Restart, and then click Restart when prompted.
Step 14. Press and hold the ⌥ Option key
Do this until the boot options are displayed on the screen.
Press and hold this key as soon as you hit Restart
Step 15. Click on EFI Boot
In some cases, you need to click on the name of your flash drive or on the "Linux Mint" option. The Mint Linux installation screen will open.
Step 16. Select the "Linux Mint" option
For example, if you are installing Linux Mint 18.3, select the Boot linuxmint-18.3-cinnamon-64bit option.
- The name of this option depends on the Linux Mint version and processor bit.
- Do not select the "acpi = off" option.
Step 17. Press ↵ Enter
The Linux boot process will begin (from the flash drive).
Step 18. Wait for Linux to boot
This will take a few minutes. Linux can now be installed on your computer's hard drive.
Part 4 of 4: How to Install Linux
Step 1. Double click Install Linux Mint
This disk-shaped icon is on the desktop. A window will open.
Step 2. Select the language of the installer
Select your preferred language and click “Continue” in the lower right corner of the window. Step 3. Connect to a wireless (Wi-Fi) network.
Click the name of your wireless network, enter your password in the Password field, and then click Connect> Continue.
Step 4. Check the box next to the "Install third-party software" option
It's at the top of the page.
Step 5. Click Continue
6 Click Yes, when prompted.
This will remove all partitions on the hard drive and leave a single free space on it.
Step 7. Indicate that you want to replace the current operating system with Linux
Check the box next to Erase Disk and Install Linux Mint, click Continue> Install Now, and then click Continue again when prompted.
Step 8. Select your time zone
Click on the vertical strip that covers your settlement, and then click Continue in the lower right corner.
Step 9. Select the language of the operating system
Click on the desired language on the left side of the window, select the keyboard layout on the right side of the window and click "Continue".
Step 10. Enter your personal information
Enter your name, computer name, username and password, and then click Continue. The process of installing Linux on your computer will start.
Step 11. Disconnect the flash drive from the computer
Most likely, the computer will not try to reinstall Linux on reboot, but it is better to limit the number of boot devices during the initial installation phase.
Step 12. Click Restart Now when prompted
The computer will reboot and the Linux system will remain on the hard drive. Now this system can be used like any other.