Hey everyone! I've got this old Sony All-in-One that's not compatible with Windows 11, and I'm looking to switch it over to Linux Mint. I've already created a bootable USB drive that works perfectly on another laptop, but I'm struggling to access the BIOS on my AIO to boot from it. My plan was to boot from the USB, wipe the HDD, and then install Mint directly. If I can't get to the BIOS, does anyone have alternative suggestions?
6 Answers
You might want to try accessing the BIOS from Windows by going to Settings -> Update & Security -> Recovery, then select Restart Now. After that, navigate to Troubleshoot -> Advanced options -> UEFI Firmware Settings. That could get you into the BIOS to boot from your USB.
Try searching for your specific VAIO model to find the BIOS key. Alternatively, during startup, keep trying common keys like F1, F2, F10, or Del until you find the right one. Once you're in the BIOS, turn off the splash screen so you can see the BIOS boot keys in the future.
Just a heads up, when you finally boot from the USB, you’ll see an option to install Mint without needing to wipe the HDD beforehand! You can select "Erase disk and install Mint" directly in the installation wizard. Good luck with the transition!
If you're looking for an easier route, consider swapping your old HDD for a 2.5" SSD. You can connect the SSD to another laptop, install Mint there, and then just switch it over to your AIO. It should work like a charm!
Why are you having trouble with the BIOS? I've heard that Sony Vaios can be tricky, but there are ways to get to it. Keep trying to find the boot options; it can be a bit of a mystery sometimes!
Yeah, it turns out Vaios have a unique method to access the BIOS. After some digging and help, I eventually found a way to boot from the USB.