How should I install Zorin OS on a new Windows 11 laptop?
Asked by
MellowPine47
I have a recent ASUS ROG Strix laptop running Windows 11 and want to replace it with Zorin OS so I can play a game that does not work properly on Windows 11. When I boot from the Zorin USB installer, it does not show the usual installation choices and instead takes me to manual partitioning. The installer asks where to install the boot loader, with the USB drive and an internal partition such as /dev/sda1 listed as options. I assume the USB is not correct, but I am unsure which internal device or partition should be selected. I have also read that I may need to disable an Intel storage setting such as RAID/RST or switch to AHCI in the firmware, but doing so makes the USB disappear from the boot menu. BitLocker is also enabled, and I am currently working on disabling it. What firmware and installer settings should I use for a clean Zorin OS installation?
Answers
For a clean installation, the boot-loader selector should point to the whole internal drive, not the USB and not an individual Linux partition. On newer laptops the drive may be named something like /dev/nvme0n1 rather than /dev/sda. If you plan to dual-boot instead, do not erase the disk; shrink Windows from Windows' disk-management tools and create the Linux partitions manually.
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The missing installation choices often mean Windows is using Intel RST/RAID or another storage mode that Linux cannot access normally. In the UEFI settings, switch the storage controller to AHCI if the laptop provides that option, or disable RST/VMD according to the laptop's documentation. Make sure the installer USB is recreated correctly and booted as a UEFI device afterward. Firmware menus vary, so changing one setting may make the USB entry appear under a different boot name.
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If you are replacing Windows completely, the simplest route is to back up anything important, turn off or remove BitLocker protection, boot the installer in UEFI mode, and choose the option to erase the entire internal drive. Do not select the USB as the boot-loader destination. The boot loader should be installed to the internal disk itself, such as /dev/sda or the appropriate NVMe drive, rather than to a partition like /dev/sda1.
VelvetCactus3: Only use the erase-disk option if you are certain you do not need Windows or any files on that drive. It will remove the existing partitions and recovery data.
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SilverMango19: Before changing storage modes, suspend or disable BitLocker and save the recovery key. Otherwise Windows may demand the recovery key or fail to boot after the change.