I've been using my HP Pavilion Gaming TG01-2019ns PC for a while now, primarily with Windows 10/11. I'm trying to switch it up and install Debian to see how Linux compares. However, I can't get any Linux distribution to start the installation process; I only see the GRUB menu. I've verified that my installation media is working by testing it on my Steam Deck. I've also tried tweaking some BIOS settings, like disabling Secure Boot and TPM, but nothing seems to help. Is there something specific in the BIOS that I might be missing?
3 Answers
You might want to check the disk controller setting in your BIOS. It should be set to AHCI, as running it in RAID or Intel RST mode can cause installation problems with Linux.
Have you tried both the regular installation option and the 'Safe graphics' or 'fail-safe mode'? Sometimes those options can bypass certain issues during installation.
I tried both the regular and the graphical install options, but now I'm stuck in the language selection part. I even replugged everything to see if that would help, but no luck.
Some HP PCs, especially certain models, may not allow changing from RAID to AHCI directly in the BIOS. You might need to follow a specific process that involves Windows before you can boot Linux properly. I found this guide that might help you out: [Enable AHCI Mode Without Reinstalling Windows](https://hetmanrecovery.com/recovery_news/how-to-enable-ahci-mode-for-sata-in-the-bios-without-reinstalling-windows.htm)
I checked that guide, and I did manage to switch to AHCI, but it still gets stuck at the language selection.
I found out it was set to RAID initially. I switched it to AHCI, but now the installation hangs at the language prompt.