I'm new to Linux and want to replace everything on my computer with a full-disk Linux installation rather than set up a dual boot. I don't have a USB drive available, so I'm wondering whether I can install from another source, such as network booting, an ISO stored on the internal drive, or a CD/DVD. Does the installation method affect whether I can use the entire disk?
4 Answers
Creating a temporary partition for the installer can work, but the installer may need to overwrite the same drive it is running from. That makes the process more complicated and increases the chance of losing access to the machine. A removable installer or network boot is much safer for a beginner.
Correct—the installation method and the final disk layout are separate choices. However, once you select the whole disk, the temporary ISO partition and all other data on that drive will be erased, so verify your backups and make sure the installer has fully loaded into memory or is otherwise able to continue.
Yes, a full-disk install is independent of the installation medium. Whether you boot the installer from USB, a network connection, optical disc, or an ISO on the internal drive, you can still choose to erase the disk and install Linux over everything. Just make sure anything important is backed up first.
The simplest option is to borrow or buy any basic USB flash drive. Installing from an ISO placed on the internal disk is possible with tools such as GRUB, but it requires partitioning and boot configuration, and a mistake could make the existing system unbootable. Network booting with a service such as netboot.xyz is another option if your computer and network support it.
You can also use a CD or DVD if the computer has an optical drive. If you plan to use full-disk encryption, it’s worth starting with a normal unencrypted installation first. Encryption adds another layer of setup and troubleshooting, especially when booting the installer through an unusual method.
So the fact that I’m creating a partition for the ISO doesn’t prevent me from later selecting the entire disk during installation?