Debian

I highly recommend using Fedora or another up-to-date distro instead of Debian-based ones. They generally offer better hardware and software compatibility with Asus laptops in general. However, if you still want to go with something like Ubuntu or Mint, that’s fine too,just follow this guide. Keep in mind that some Asus-specific features and software might not work as expected. Also, a quick side note: this guide includes links to video tutorials in case you prefer a visual walkthrough.

This guide includes links to video tutorials for visual learners.

1

Step 1: Distro Selection

Fedora is the preferred distribution for ASUS laptops. However, for those who prefer to stick with Debian-based systems:

Ubuntu and Linux Mint are among the most user-friendly distributions. I recommend using one of these, as the rest of this guide is based on these two specific distros,though it is also applicable to other Debian-based distributions.

2

Step 2: Prerequisites

Required Before You Begin

• USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage. • Bootable media tool: Rufus, Ventoy, or Balena Etcher. • Secure Boot must be disabled in BIOS. • BitLocker must be disabled in Windows. • Fast Boot should be disabled (for dual-boot users). • Set GPU mode to Ultimate or Standard in Windows.

**Secure Boot can prevent some distros from booting. Disable it in BIOS.**

**If BitLocker is not disabled, it can cause data loss or access issues during installation.**

3

Step 3: Bootable USB Creation and Partitioning

Video Tutorials

• Standalone Linux Installation

• Dual Boot Setup with Windows

Step 3.1: Download ISO

Download the latest version of your chosen Linux distribution:

Ubuntu Linux Mint

Step 3.2: Create Bootable USB

Rufus

1. Download Rufus.

2. Select “ISO Image” and choose your distro’s ISO.

3. Insert your USB drive.

4. Select the correct Partition Scheme (GPT for modern systems).

5. Click Start and wait for it to finish.

6. Safely eject the USB.

Ventoy

Ventoy allows multiple ISO files on one USB. It’s perfect for testing or switching between OSes.

1. Download Ventoy.

2. Extract and run Ventoy2Disk.exe.

3. Go to Options > Partition Style > GPT (Secure Boot support is optional; MOK keys are required on first boot if enabled).

4. Select your USB drive and click Install.

5. After setup, copy ISO files directly to the Ventoy partition.

Step 3.3: Partitioning (Dual Boot Only)

1. Open Disk Management in Windows.

2. Right-click on the C: drive and select Shrink Volume.

3. Enter the desired size for Linux (at least 50 GB recommended).

4. Do not format the new space; leave it unallocated.

4

Step 4: BIOS Setup

1. Restart your PC and press F2 (or your BIOS key).

2. In BIOS settings: • Disable Secure Boot. • Set the USB drive as the first boot device.

3. Save changes and exit BIOS.

4. Boot from the USB.

If the installer doesn't appear right away, wait 10–20 seconds or search for “Install...” in the menu.

5

Step 5: Begin Installation

Each distro’s setup may differ slightly, but the basics are the same:

• Enable third-party software (e.g., codecs, drivers).

• Choose:

  • Erase disk and install (for Linux-only users).

  • Install alongside Windows (for dual boot).

If your system has multiple drives, ensure the correct one is selected to avoid data loss.

• Disk encryption:

  • Optional for standalone Linux.

  • Not recommended for dual-boot systems, as it may cause bootloader issues.

Once confirmed, begin the installation process.

6

Step 6: Complete Setup

1. After installation, exit the Live Environment.

2. Remove the USB drive.

3. Reboot your system. You should now boot directly into Linux or see a bootloader menu.

7. Uninstalling Linux

7.1 For Dual Boot Users

1. Open Disk Management in Windows and delete the Linux partitions.

2. Launch Command Prompt as Administrator, then run:

diskpart
select disk X  # Replace X with your disk number
list partition
select partition 1  # The EFI partition on Windows is usually 1
assign letter=Z

1. Open a new Command Prompt window:

cd Z:
cd EFI
dir
rd /s /q ubuntu  # Replace "ubuntu" with your distro’s folder name

1. Return to the previous terminal and run:

remove letter=Z

1. Restart your system. Windows should boot normally.

7.2 For Standalone Linux Users

1. Boot from a Windows installation USB.

2. Press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.

3. Run:

diskpart
select disk X  # Replace X with the correct drive
clean
exit

1. Continue with the Windows installation process.

If you are using an Intel system and the Windows installer cannot detect your drive, disable **VMD** (Volume Management Device) in BIOS.