## Installing Linux on Your Star Labs Laptop This guide covers installing **Ubuntu** and **Linux Mint** — two of the most popular Linux distributions. The steps are almost identical for other distributions as well. --- ## 🟠 Installing Ubuntu --- ### 1. Create a Bootable USB Drive Follow our guide to create a bootable USB stick: - [Create a bootable USB stick](https://support.starlabs.systems/hc/star-labs/articles/creating-a-bootable-usb-stick-on-linux) This guide also covers Windows and macOS. --- ### 2. Boot from USB 1. Insert your bootable USB drive. 2. Turn on your computer and **repeatedly tap the `F2` key** to open the boot menu. 3. Select your USB drive from the list and press `Enter`. ![Ubuntu Boot Menu](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/61d5b939dc-fd7ebef1c5b456f1c703.png?v=1613578465) 1. In the next menu, choose **Install Ubuntu** to start the installation process. ![Ubuntu Installer](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/58479822df-953205001d8272abd1e1.png?v=1613578510) --- ### 3. Select Keyboard Layout Choose your preferred keyboard language and layout. ![Keyboard Layout](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/e663ec6775-46abab73b3ee54457e54.png?v=1613578598) --- ### 4. Updates and Software Options You’ll see two installation types: **Normal installation:** Includes popular applications such as a media player and office tools. **Minimal installation:** Installs only the essentials. We recommend selecting: - ✅ _Download updates while installing Ubuntu_ - ✅ _Install third-party software_ > > 💡 **Tip:** A network connection is required for downloading updates. ![Software Options](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/b534526520-6162c76a0c51061cd548.png?v=1613578661) --- ### 5. Erase Disk and Install Select **Erase disk and install Ubuntu** to proceed. > > ⚠️ **Warning:** This will delete all data on your drive. ![Erase Disk](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/9fd8e03858-a0a21884468778f5f95b.png?v=1613578706) --- ### 6. Select Region Choose your region or time zone. ![Region Selection](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/7577cffc57-f6f32bb8a10f9d1d2058.png?v=1613578752) --- ### 7. Create Your User Account Enter your name, device name, and password. ![User Setup](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/191c42337a-a1f20cb86f8b4cb7543a.png?v=1613578800) --- ### 8. Wait for Installation to Complete Once installation finishes, remove your USB drive when prompted and press `Enter` to restart. ![Installation Progress](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/c7da05966a-977e11b615b99b3e2bd8.png?v=1613578842) --- ### 9. Installation Complete At the login screen, select your user account and enter your password to start using Ubuntu. ![Ubuntu Login](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/a1bd391a37-6086a1ee68bb463d0173.png?v=1613578924) --- ## 🟢 Installing Linux Mint --- ### 1. Create a Bootable USB Drive Follow our guide to create a bootable USB stick: - [Create a bootable USB stick](https://support.starlabs.systems/hc/star-labs/articles/creating-a-bootable-usb-stick-on-linux) This guide also covers Windows and macOS. --- ### 2. Boot from USB 1. Insert your USB drive. 2. Turn on your computer and **tap the `F7` key repeatedly** to open the boot menu. 3. Select your USB drive and press `Enter`. ![Mint Boot Menu](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/c5103d7134-64632af706daffa7b0ee.png?v=1613579124) 1. Choose **Start Linux Mint**, and once the desktop loads, double-click **Install Linux Mint** to begin. ![Mint Desktop](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/51ac6c21f6-91a7c68ca04b5ddcd5a2.png?v=1613579191) --- ### 3. Select Keyboard Layout Choose your preferred keyboard language and layout. ![Keyboard Layout](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/84c7e954f2-87f834a4f03bc439e0b9.png?v=1613579219) --- ### 4. Connect to the Internet and Updates You’ll be prompted to connect to a network. While optional, it’s recommended to do so for updates and driver installation. If connected, enable **Install third-party software** for better hardware compatibility. ![Network Setup](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/b56b798300-48ecd3abc39765146500.png?v=1613579256) --- ### 5. Erase Disk and Install Select **Erase disk and install Linux Mint** to proceed. > > ⚠️ **Warning:** This will delete all data on your drive. ![Erase Disk](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/f8f977b52e-15441002f49f104977d4.png?v=1613579305) --- ### 6. Select Region Choose your region or time zone. ![Region Selection](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/867df7b2b2-d26fe46c9bca91516b01.png?v=1613579339) --- ### 7. Create Your User Account Enter your name, device name, and password to create your user account. ![User Setup](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/0fab8a1152-64d5057882130293d41d.png?v=1613579363) --- ### 8. Complete the Installation Once installation finishes, click **Restart Now**. When prompted, remove the USB drive and press `Enter`. ![Restart](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/ada106d6de-93243def573b3864fd9c.png?v=1613579407) --- ### 9. Installation Complete You’ll arrive at the login screen. Select your username and enter your password to start using Linux Mint. ![Linux Mint Login](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2059/5897/files/b7c5a4fa80-ea3996cda9800fa47c2f.png?v=1613579447) --- ✅ **That’s it!** You’ve successfully installed Linux. You can now begin personalising your system, installing updates, and exploring your new OS.