Step by Step Guides to Install Linux on Mac

To install Linux on your Mac is a relatively lengthy process but the step by step guides discussed here would walk you through the process of installing Linux on your Mac so easily.

I understand that MacOS is an extremely polished, beautiful OS. It is also secured, too. But if you want an OS that is super-powerful, secured, polished, flexible and on top of it all, free! You would not be talking about MacOS rather, you'd be looking for Linux.

Linux is an open-source operating system that you can install on your computer for free. It offers several advantages over Windows and Mac, such as flexibility, enhanced privacy policies, better and improved security, and more customization options.

If you are currently a MacOS fan and have a Mac, but would like to explore a new, open-source OS, this step by step guides are for you as they simply guide you on how to install Linux on Mac, from "A" to "Z".

The prerequisites for installing Linux on Mac

Before you proceed to installing Linux on your Mac, these are the things you need to make ready:

1. Make A Space for Linux OS to Reside on your Mac

   If you're willing to tryout Linux on your Mac, it is recommended that you dual-boot your Mac with Linux. Don't understand what Dual-boot means?

   
   

   What is Dual-boot?

   Dual-boot refers to a situation whereby two operating systems (OS) such as Windows and Linux reside or are installed on a single PC such that you are given an option to choose the OS to boot each time the PC is turned ON.

   
   

   
   

   To dual-boot your Mac, the best option to use is to create separate partition for each OS on the Mac. In other words, you'll need to create a separate partition for Linux on your Mac.

   
   

   In case you don't know how, we already have detailed tutorial on how to partition your Mac hard drive here.

   
   

2. Download your Linux OS ISO File

   Because Linux is an open-source OS, there are several beautiful flavours of Linux operating system out there.

   
   

   Ubuntu, being one of the most popular Linux OS. But there are Mint Linux OS, ElementaryOS, Deepin etcetera.

   
   

   If you would prefer a stable and absolutely free Linux OS that would also give you an extremely smooth, sleek and beautiful visual; I would recommend that you go for Mint Linux. But if you prefer to go for what the majorities are using, I think Ubuntu is a go as it is likely the most popular Linux OS and it is also based on Debian.

   
   

   You can just visit the website of any of your preferred Linux flavour's website and download the Linux OS ISO file. Some of the website are already linked in the previous paragraph.

   
   

3. Make A Bootable Linux USB Flash Drive

   Okay. I think this is self explanatory but then, let me try to expanciate it.

   
   

   The .ISO you supposedly have downloaded is supposed to be flashed onto a disk. You can use USB flash drive or DVD disk but it is recommended that you use USB flash drive as it is faster, safer, more portable and durable.

   
   

   To make completing the task ahead easier, we already published a detailed step by step tutorial on how to make a bootable USB flash drive on Mac here, too. You can check it out.

   
   

4. Get A Mouse and A Keyboard

   Yes. This is necessary because if you are using a later model of Mac, most likely; Linux would not detect your drivers.

   
   

Once you have gotten everything listed from above ready and set, you may now proceed to installing Linux on your Mac as explained in the step by step guides below.

How to Install Linux on Mac

1. Switch off your Mac

   If your Mac is still switched "ON", turn it off. This is a requirement to make the bootable USB flash drive usable.

   
   

2. Plug the Bootable USB Flash Drive to your Mac

   If you have created it and have had it ready, with the Mac turned off, attach the bootable USB flash drive you created with the Linux .ISO file to your Mac.

   
   

3. Boot to the Bootable USB Flash Drive

   To boot to the bootable USB flash drive, turn on your Mac while holding down the option key on your Mac.

   
   

   In few minutes, you will then see the boot manager with a list of available devices you can boot from.

   
   

4. Select your USB Flash Drive from the List

   From the list of bootable devices displayed, select your USB flash drive. It could be labeled as EFI drive or EFI boot.

   
   

5. Now, Select Install

   From the USB Grub menu, select install. Alternatively, you can select "Try Without Installing. This option allows you see or test-run the entire OS flashed on the bootable USB flash drive before it is installed.

   
   

6. Select "Normal Installation"

   From the on-screen installation instructions, select normal installation.

   
   

7. Choose "Something else" for Installation Type

   Here, you need an option that will allow you choose a partition for the Installation apart from your current operating system. And this is an option that will let you choose the partition you made earlier for installing your new Linux OS.

   
   

   NOTE:

   If you choose any other option apart from "Something else", you risk installing Linux over your current operating system, which would also erase all your currently saved files and folders.

   
   

8. Select the Partition you Created for your Linux

   Here, ensure you select the actual partition you created for your Linux or choose a partition that does not contain anything serious because, whichever partition you select here would be erased.

   
   

   Hint:

   You can identify the partition by the size of the one you created for your Linux. For example, if you created 40GB, select the partition that is 40GB or its equivalent in size.

   
   

   
   

9. Now, Click "Change"

   Look under the list of devices displayed, you will see "change", click on it.

   
   

10. In the "Use As", Select "ext4 journaling file system"

    For Linux, ext4 journaling file system is what works. So, from the Use As drop-down, select ext4 journaling file system..

    
    

11. In the "Mount Point", Select the Forward "/"

    A mount point is a directory in a file system where additional information is logically connected from a storage location outside the operating system’s root drive and partition.

    
    

    From the Mount Point drop-down option, select the forward "/" as your mount point.

    
    

12. Next, Click "Continue" and then, "Install"

    Now, when prompted, click continue and then, click "Install Now".

    
    

13. On Subsequent Pop-ups, Click "Continue"

    Throughout the entire processes, you may be faced with several warning pop-ups, just click "continue".

    
    

14. Setup your PC

    Next, you'll be asked to setup your PC. Enter your time zone, choose your keyboard layout, and then, click continue.

    
    

15. Set up your Linux Account

    Next, setup your Linux Account. You'll be asked to type in your name, computer name, username, and password then, click continue.

    
    

16. Wait While Linux is Being Installed

    Now, all you need to do is hold on, watch while Linux is being installed on your Mac.

    
    

    Depending on the speed of your Mac, the installation process may take between ten to twenty-five minutes. Whichever the case, wait till the installation is complete.

    
    

17. Restart your PC and Boot Linux

    Once the installation is complete, restart your Mac. While your Mac is being restarted, before it comes on at all, press and hold down the Option key.

    
    

18. Choose your Linux OS from the Options

    To start using your newly installed Linux OS, simply select it from the options that is being displayed on your Mac screen.

    
    

19. You Now Have Linux Installed on your Mac

    Congratulations! You now have Linux installed on your Mac. Feel free to explore your new installation, experience the new possibilities that come with Linux.

    
    

    Test-run the pre-installed applications and all other programs on your Linux installation.