If you have not used Linux before:

1. Check what programs you use and check if they are Linux compatible. For example, you will not be able to run Microsoft Outlook natively on Linux. There are Linux alternatives to Windows programs, but make sure they will fit your needs.
2. If you enjoy having full control over your computer and are reasonably technically capable than Linux is a great option. It offers security, stability, privacy, and customizability.
3. Check that any accessories you use will work with Linux. Support is increasing, but not everything will work with Linux.

At Lenovo we want to make sure you get the operating system that suits your needs. If you have any questions let us know on our forum at https://forums.lenovo.com/linux.

• Why Linux? Is it a right choice for me?
• Introduction to the GNOME desktop -Linux
• Linux Certification - What does it mean?

• Linux for Personal Systems

• How to install Applications - Linux
• How to configure networking - Linux
• How to reinstall the operating system - Linux
• How to update software on Lenovo Linux systems - Linux
• How to collect debug information - Linux
• How to install the Ubuntu OEM image on your Lenovo platform
• How to download a Linux Image from Lenovo Technical Support website
• How to install the Fedora image on your Lenovo platform
• Enabling Nvidia proprietary drivers on Fedora - Linux
• Select Linux products (Ubuntu and Fedora) can download a recovery image

Install and test Linux on your PC

Linux is popular for its low cost, simplicity, and ability to run on systems with minimal RAM, disk space, and other system resources. At its simplest, installing Linux on a PC takes four easy steps:

• Select and download your preferred Linux distribution
• Create your bootable installation media (CD/DVD, USB drive, etc.)
• Set your PC to boot from the CD/DVD or USB drive
• Run the installer and choose how to configure Linux

Note: There are many ways to install Linux, from loading it file-by-file onto a blank hard drive (sometimes called “Linux from scratch”) to installing it remotely over a network. However, to keep things simple in this article, we’ll assume you’re already using a Windows-based PC with which to download files, create boot media, and – ultimately – install Linux.

Select and download your preferred Linux distribution

Your first step in installing Linux, then, is selecting a Linux distribution (or “distro”) to try. Fedora or Ubuntu are the distributions that are available on certain Lenovo systems.

Create your installation media (disk, thumb drive, etc.)

Installing a new operating system typically erases any existing data on your hard drive, so without complex disk partitioning or other procedures, you can’t easily install Linux on a PC using files that are resident on that PC. Instead, experts suggest installing Linux from a CD/DVD or USB drive (thumb drive) on which you’ve imaged your downloaded .iso file. [The installer software for some distros will partition your drive for you, but the installer does the heavy lifting.]

This process of creating a Linux installation CD/DVD or USB drive (generically called “installation media”) is slightly more complicated than simply copying the downloaded .iso file(s), however. For the media to be recognized as a bootable installation tool, each file needs to be in a specific location and order, especially the so-called bootloader. Because of this, most Linux distributions recommend using a dedicated tool or utility to create proper, bootable installation media.

MX Linux and Mint – both highly popular Linux distributions – offer their own tools to create bootable USB drives. MX Linux also suggests a utility called Rufus, as does another popular distribution called Ubuntu. Other sources list tools such as usbimager, Etcher, and others.

Set your PC to boot from the CD/DVD or USB drive

With your bootable installation media created, the next step is telling your PC to boot from it. Normally, your PC starts up using the operating system files stored on the hard drive. But you can change the “boot order” so it looks elsewhere – such as the CD/DVD drive or USB drive – for its start-up data.

One method involves editing your PC’s BIOS file. It controls many aspects of how your computer operates, so it’s typically the domain of expert PC users only, and any changes you make remain in place until you edit the file again. Fortunately, most systems offer a simpler, visual interface to reset the boot order – an ideal option if you just want to boot from the CD/DVD or USB drive once (to install and test your new operating system), and then switch back again.

Note: Do not proceed further without backing up the important data and personal files on your PC. If you install Linux as your sole operating system, all currently saved data and files will be erased in the process. Even if you opt to run Linux alongside Windows, the partitioning process could affect some saved data.

To change your PC’s boot order one time, the first step is to start (or restart) it. Some systems will briefly show an on-screen prompt to “enter Setup mode” or something similar, while others require that you immediately press a specific key (F10, for example) to disrupt the normal boot and show the Setup menu instead. [If you’re not sure how your PC works in this regard, look it up before you start.]

Whatever method you choose, once you select the CD/DVD drive or USB drive to boot from, your PC will proceed to start up using the Linux distribution .iso file(s) on the installation media you inserted there.

NOTE: If you’re currently using Windows, a feature called Secure Boot Mode may block the above-described change to boot from the installation media rather than the hard drive. Most Linux distributions are designed to work around this feature, but if you encounter errors, Windows Help gives instructions to temporarily de-activate Secure Boot Mode.

Run the installer and choose how to configure Linux

Once you’ve changed the boot order, your PC will look to the designated CD/DVD or USB drive for its start-up information – and find your installation media’s bootloader file(s) instead. These files will determine what happens next and will differ based on the Linux distribution you chose.

Most, but not all, Linux distributions present a visual installation interface where you can make choices about how to install your new operating system. Typical options include:

• Run Linux from the CD/DVD or USB drive: Many Linux distros can run directly from the installation media, without being permanently installed on your hard drive. It’s a great way to try Linux, but performance will be slower than if the files were stored on your PC.
• Install Linux alongside Windows: Some Linux distributions can be installed on a partitioned piece of your hard drive. You can keep both operating systems available and choose between them at system start-up based on the tasks you’ll be undertaking.
• Install Linux as your sole operating system: If you already know you want Linux as your new operating system, or you’ve tested it through the installation media and are ready to take the plunge, all distros include the option to erase your hard drive and install Linux as your sole operating system.

One final note: If you opt to replace Windows with Linux, be sure to save your original Windows product key or proof of purchase details. If you wish to return to Windows – it can’t be re-installed without the product key or something similar.

Lenovo now offers a wide selection of ultra-reliable Think-brand laptops, desktops and workstations with the Linux OS preinstalled. Have the reliable portability of the latest ThinkPad laptop or mobile workstation, or the brawny business power of a ThinkCentre desktop – now with select models of each featuring the Linux OS right out of the box.

• LenovoPRO Small Business Store
• Product Specifications Reference

• Linux screen blurs after resuming from Standby/Sleep - ThinkStation
• Changing resolution using the system display panel in Red Hat may cause partial screen distortion - ThinkStation
• Cannot install Red Hat 8.4 with default GUI mode - ThinkStation
• No display and system may hang with Red Hat Linux - ThinkStation
• Multiple Nvidia GPU adapters may have display issues - ThinkStation

• Enable 4G function with Fibocom L850 - ThinkCentre M90n‐1
• Systems with AMD/NVIDIA GPU may show a blurred screen when switching users or rebooting in Ubuntu Linux - ThinkCentre M710t, M710s, M910t, M910s, M910x, M715t, M715s, M715q

• On-screen LCD Settings is not selectable after waking the system by opening the lid - ThinkPad L14 and L15 AMD Gen3
• System video may not display properly when resolution is set to 1024 x 768 4:3 - ThinkPad L14 and L15 AMD Gen3