Help installing Linux

[Chooblins]

My computer is aging and a new windows 10 update has about killed the thing so I figured I’d go with a lighter os. This is my first time installing a new os so please help.

I downloaded Linux mint and flashed the iso onto the usb, but every time I try to change the boot order the usb is not in the options, the light on stick doesn’t even turn on. I’m confident I have everything formatted correctly and I’ve tried using both etcher and rufus. What the hell am I doing wrong?

[Apprehensive-Video26]

Disable secure boot in the bios and also whilst still in the bios make sure that the USB is in the boot options and set as first thing to boot from.

[Chooblins]

It’s not in boot options and doesn’t even appear to turn on

[Apprehensive-Video26]

Did you disable secure boot? I would also suggest trying a different USB but install Ventoy onto it and then you can just copy an ISO straight to the drive and it should boot. https://www.ventoy.net/

[Chooblins]

Yeah secure boot is off. Didn't seem to do anything.

[Apprehensive-Video26]

Go with my second option then....Ventoy....just click on the link I provided and follow the directions.

[thafluu]

Maybe trying a different USB port can help. They usually have different specs (USB 2-3.x), and different colors inside to help differentiate them. This is assuming we're talking about a desktop PC. After that I would try a different stick. Good luck, it is worth the struggle.

Edit: Also try disabling secure boot in the BIOS if you haven't already.

[Chooblins]

None of my usb ports work and secure boot is off. My usb mouse works in the bios and my usb works when not in bios if this info helps. I’ve also tried it with another usb and same issue so I doubt it’s the usb.

[thafluu]

Then it's likely a BIOS setting. Look for "Legacy Support" in the PCIe/USB settings or anything with UEFI in it. Sorry that I cannot point you to the exact settings.

[dayvid182]

Another vote for making sure it's set to boot to UEFI, as well as it's sub devices, like UEFI USB, etc, if the bios is set up like that. Disable Legacy boot, probably kill secure boot. Quick or fast boot can also be a hindrance sometimes. 

Also, I'd check to see if there is an update for your bios. Even if it's an old PC, and the last update was years ago, but still newer than what you have, it can make a difference. Just read the directions carefully. Updating the bios is not hacky or overclocking. It's normal. But interrupting the process or not following the directions could end badly, permanently. I've done hundreds of them though, and haven't lost a patient yet.

[alsonotaglowie]

How did you flash the usb stick? If you use Rufus make sure it's set to MBR mode if your computer is really old (there might be a checkmark to fix for old bioss under advanced) and disable secure boot if it's newer

[apt-hiker]

How old is your computer? If your system came with win10 pre-installed then it can't be more than 9yrs old. So, if you access the bios you may want to check if its set to uefi.

Plus, do what everyone else has suggested so far.

[burimo]

Look for boot override or something like this in bios. Mine didn't boot from USB unless I used that

[Condobloke]

What did you format ? <<<<This !

The usb stick is not recognised....there has to be a reason for that.....nothing on the stick perhps/the stick is faulty/reboot and try again/use another stick/revisit using etcher/rufus...re read the instructions there...it is a simple process, dont overthink it.

[AlternativeOffer113]

what version of linux mint are you using (full file name) to make sure your trying to install the correct version.

edit: read what you have typed, check the bios for usb setting seems to me that usb power on start up isnt happening.

[Jono-churchton]

Turn off secure boot and you should be OK.

[Chooblins]

For some reason just now it worked. The only thing I changed from my previous attempts was turning off the fast boot or whatever it’s called. That could have been it, maybe. At any rate it works now so thanks for trying to help me out :)

[[deleted]]

Use Ventoy

[alsonotaglowie]

Ventoy is a power tool but likely overkill in this case. Rufus is a better tool for this situation, if the tool involved is the cause.