I'm having a tough time transitioning from Windows 11 to Linux. I've been using Windows 11 Pro for quite a while and it's been nothing but frustrating. Now, I'm trying out Linux, specifically Zorin OS versions 17.3, 18, and the Lite version, but I'm running into major installation issues. I've verified the checksums for the downloads, and they're all good. However, after using different tools like BalenaEtcher, Rufus, and Ventoy to create a bootable USB, I always end up stuck either at the 'intel inside' screen or a black screen with a blinking cursor. I also experimented with different UEFI settings and turned off secure and fast boot, but no success. My laptop is a Coolby YealBook X 14" from 2023 with decent specs: an Intel Celeron J4005, 12GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD. I've also tried installing Ubuntu 25.10 and Resolute Mini without luck. I'm really hoping for some help since my current setup with Microsoft isn't working for me anymore.
6 Answers
It's confusing because your laptop should handle these Linux distros. Stick with UEFI and consider turning off secure boot to avoid problems – many distros support it, but it's often easier if it's disabled. If the boot just stalls, sometimes that means the USB isn't working right or you might need to try a different USB port, especially trying USB 2.0 if you can. You might also explore some Fedora or Arch-based distros, like CachyOS, just to see if they boot correctly; it could help troubleshoot the problem.
If you haven't tried yet, check out tutorials on Google or YouTube. Lots of people have posted their own experiences and solutions for similar installation issues. It could lead you to something you haven't tried yet!
Don't let anyone tell you your machine can't run Linux! I know plenty of folks who've run it on lower-end hardware. You might try connecting with a local Linux User Group (LUG) or check if they have forums where you can get more targeted help. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes can spot what we miss! And if you can, sharing your UEFI settings or setup pics might give others a better idea on how to guide you.
It sounds like you've done a lot of the right things already! For your BIOS/UEFI settings, make sure you set your USB as the first boot option and save those settings before restarting. Sometimes if you don't have a USB plugged in, it can revert, so double-check that each time! Since you're using an Intel Celeron, you might want to try a lightweight desktop environment like XFCE. That could help with performance too. Good luck!
Have you had any success running a Linux distro in live mode? If not, that could point to a different issue. I heavily recommend trying Linux Mint – it's user-friendly and I've personally had smoother installs with it compared to Zorin or Ubuntu. If you can't get Mint to work in live mode, that's a major red flag indicating something else is off. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need further guidance!
When you go into your Ventoy boot menu, try switching to 'grub2 mode.' I've found it resolves some booting issues. If you've still got problems, consider using another USB-burning tool like Unetbootin. It's worth a shot! Also, spamming F8, F9, or DEL when starting your laptop can help you get directly to the USB boot menu, which could be more reliable than the BIOS settings.
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