📗Install elementary OS

In the beginning was the Image

This guide will walk you through the procedure of elementary OS installation, from downloading the ISO file to booting into the installed system.

Prerequisites

System Requirements

While elementary OS does not have a strict set of minimum system requirements, the following specifications are at least recommended for the best experience:

• Recent Intel i3 or comparable dual-core 64-bit processor

• 4 GB of system memory (RAM)

• Solid state drive (SSD) with at least 32 GB of free space

• Internet access

• Built-in or wired mouse/touchpad and keyboard

• 1024×768 minimum resolution display

You will also need a spare USB flash drive with at least 4 GB of storage for installation.

Installation on virtual machines is not recommended as they don't perform as well as a full install.

If you are attempting to install in a virtual machine, enable EFI if possible but understand you may encounter other issues.

Back Up Your Data

Make sure to back up your important data to an external location such as a cloud service or an external hard drive. Installing a new operating system may overwrite your existing data.

1. Download elementary OS

Download the latest elementary OS version from the official home page. You will need to write the downloaded ISO file to a USB flash drive.

2. Verify Your Download

Verifying your download is highly recommended. Verification indicates whether the checksum of the downloaded ISO file matches the one generated for elementary OS image, and thus you can be sure that your downloaded ISO file is complete and not corrupted.

Select the operating system you are currently using to view tailored installation instructions below.

Windows

Assuming you downloaded elementary OS to your Windows Downloads folder, open the Command Prompt in Windows and run the following command:

CertUtil -hashfile Downloads\elementaryos-7.1-stable.20230926rc.iso sha256

It should produce the output:

SHA256 hash of Downloads\elementaryos-7.1-stable.20230926rc.iso:
5c7f6b388e5787c366587985301ea05ab16e4cc0de3be2b3d6a559ce81a2f102

macOS

Assuming you downloaded elementary OS to your macOS Downloads folder, open the Terminal app in macOS and run the following command:

shasum -a 256 ~/Downloads/elementaryos-7.1-stable.20230926rc.iso

It should produce the output:

5c7f6b388e5787c366587985301ea05ab16e4cc0de3be2b3d6a559ce81a2f102

Linux

From the folder where you downloaded the ISO file, open your terminal and run:

sha256sum elementaryos-7.1-stable.20230926rc.iso

It should produce the output:

5c7f6b388e5787c366587985301ea05ab16e4cc0de3be2b3d6a559ce81a2f102

If the checksum does not match, re-download your copy of elementary OS and ensure the download is complete before re-verifying it.

3. Create Install Drive

To create an elementary OS install drive, you need a USB flash drive that is at least 4 GB in capacity, and an app capable to write the ISO image. One of the recommended apps is Etcher.

You cannot just copy the ISO image to the USB flash drive like a regular file via your file manager. A proper app is required for the task.

4. Boot from Install Drive

To start the installation process, boot your computer from the install drive.

1. Insert your install drive and restart the computer.

2. Right at the moment the computer starts, press F12 on the keyboard to select your USB drive as the first boot device.

3. After you are presented with the elementary OS splash screen, follow the on-screen instructions which will guide you through the rest of the process.

Mind the following:

• The key for changing the boot order may differ. Refer to your computer documentation to be sure.

• If you choose the wrong drive, your computer will likely continue to boot as usual. Just restart and pick a proper drive in the menu.

5. Complete Installation

To complete the installation, follow the on-screen guide. It's pretty clear and simple, and almost all you have to do is "select" and "go next".

1. Choose the language for the installer.

2. Select your preferred keyboard layout.

3. Proceed with one of the installation modes:

4. Wait for the installation is finished and click Restart Device.

5. Remove your USB drive when asked, and press Enter to reboot.

6. Perform Initial Settings

After rebooting, you need to perform some initial settings to start using elementary OS.

1. Set the system language.

2. Select the keyboard layout.

3. Create a user account. Fill out all the fields required, and click Finish Setup.

When you see the system Greeter screen, enter your password to login.

7. Set up Some Features for a Start (optionally)

Upon the first login, you will be offered to quickly set up a few features, such as visual style, nightlight mode, online accounts, and so on.

You can set up these features right away, or skip them all. Do not worry, you can always configure the entire functionality in the System Settings.

All done. You have successfully installed elementary OS on your computer. Go on with the system settings, desktop customization, and using applications.

Enjoy! 😉

📕Installation Issues