Trying Linux

You don’t have to replace your current system to see what Linux is like. Many distros let you try the desktop straight from a USB stick.

What is a live USB?

A live USB starts Linux from a USB stick instead of your computer’s drive. You can explore the desktop, open apps, and check whether your hardware works.

Starting a live session doesn’t install Linux. Leave the installer closed while you’re looking around.

What do you need?

• A USB stick you can erase. Check your distro’s guide for the size it needs.
• The distro’s desktop download, usually a file ending in .iso.
• A USB writing app recommended by that distro.

Choose a download that offers a live desktop or try option. Some downloads only start an installer.

Make the USB

Download the ISO from the distro’s official website. Follow its instructions to check the download and write it to your USB stick. With a normal USB stick, copying the ISO onto it like a regular file isn’t enough.

Writing the image erases the selected USB stick. Copy anything you need off it first, and double-check which drive you’ve selected.

Need a USB tool? See Etcher, Rufus, or Ventoy. Ventoy works differently: once it’s set up on the stick, you can copy ISO files straight onto it.

These guides walk you through making a USB to try Linux:

Ubuntu’s try-it guide (opens in a new tab)
Linux Mint’s USB guide (opens in a new tab)

Start Linux from the USB

1. Keep the USB plugged in and restart your computer.
2. Open its boot menu by pressing the key as the computer starts. This is often F12, F11, or Esc. Delete or F2 usually opens the BIOS/UEFI settings, where you can also find boot options. The key depends on your computer.
3. Select your USB stick from the list.
4. Choose Try or Start if offered. Some distros take you straight to the desktop.

If your usual system starts instead, the computer probably didn’t start from the USB. Restart and try the boot menu again.

These steps are mainly for regular PCs. Macs can need different steps, especially models with Apple chips; check compatibility before making a USB for one.

What should you check?

• Internet: Connect to Wi-Fi and open a website.
• Sound: Try your speakers, headphones, and microphone.
• Screen: Check brightness, text size, and any extra monitors.
• Controls: Try the keyboard, mouse, and touchpad.
• Everyday devices: Connect anything you rely on, such as a webcam or Bluetooth headset.

Have a look through the menus and settings too. Does the desktop feel comfortable to use?

A USB session can feel slower than an installed system. Some hardware may also need extra drivers, so a problem here is something to investigate before installing.

Go back to your usual system

Shut Linux down from its menu. Once the computer is off, unplug the USB and turn it on again. Your usual system should start as before.

There’s no rush to install. You can come back to the USB whenever you want another look.