How should I install Zorin OS on a modern Windows 11 laptop?
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MellowCedar47
I'm trying to replace Windows 11 with Zorin OS on a recent ASUS ROG Strix laptop. I created a bootable USB, but the installer skips the usual installation-type screen and goes straight to partitioning. The bootloader location dropdown lists the USB drive and /dev/sda1, and I'm not sure which option is correct—the USB obviously doesn't seem right, but I'm also unsure whether /dev/sda1 is the proper target.
When I try to make the installation options available, the instructions mention changing BIOS settings related to Intel storage mode, possibly disabling a feature such as VMD or switching from RAID/AHCI. After changing those settings, the USB no longer appears in the boot menu. The laptop also has BitLocker enabled, which I'm currently working on removing.
I'm willing to erase Windows completely rather than dual-boot, but I'd appreciate some guidance on the correct BIOS settings, bootloader location, and installation method.
Answers
Before installing, back up anything important and save your BitLocker recovery key. If you’re wiping the machine, disconnect other external drives so you can’t accidentally select the wrong disk. Boot the USB in UEFI mode, then use the automatic erase-and-install option if you don’t need Windows. The USB should only be used to boot the installer; the bootloader belongs on the internal drive.
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First decide whether you want to keep Windows. If you’re replacing it entirely, the easiest and safest route is to choose the installer’s option to erase the disk and install Zorin. That avoids manual partitioning. If you do partition manually, the bootloader should normally be installed to the whole internal drive, such as /dev/sda—not to the USB and not specifically to /dev/sda1. The exact drive name may also be /dev/nvme0n1 on newer laptops, so identify the internal disk carefully before confirming anything.
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The storage setting you’re referring to is probably Intel VMD, RAID mode, or something similar. Linux installers may not see the internal drive correctly while that mode is enabled. Check the laptop’s firmware settings for VMD or storage-controller mode and switch to AHCI if the manufacturer supports it. After changing that setting, recreate or recheck the USB’s UEFI boot entry and make sure Secure Boot and the boot mode match what Zorin supports. Firmware menus differ, so it’s worth checking the laptop’s manual before changing storage settings.
SilverKite81: Changing storage modes can make an existing Windows installation fail to boot, which is another reason to back up your files and remove or suspend BitLocker first if Windows data still matters.
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MellowCedar47: I’m planning to remove Windows completely, so using the erase-disk option sounds like the better approach. I’ll make sure I select the internal drive rather than the installer USB.