How to Install Pop OS (Pop!_OS) – Complete Beginner’s Guide (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide to installing Pop OS, a user-friendly Linux distribution. The tutorial walks viewers through essential preparations such as backing up data, downloading the correct Pop OS ISO, creating a bootable USB, and adjusting BIOS settings. It covers both the clean install process and important configuration steps, ensuring a smooth installation. Once Pop OS is installed, users are guided through basic setup, including customizing the desktop and exploring the app store. Ideal for beginners seeking a free alternative to Windows 10, this video makes Linux installation easy and accessible.

Takeaways

• 💾 Back up all important data before installing Pop!_OS because the process will erase the main drive completely.
• 🌐 Download the correct Pop!_OS ISO file from the official System76 website, choosing the Nvidia version for Nvidia GPUs or the standard version for Intel/AMD systems.
• 🔍 Verify the ISO file integrity using SHA-256 checksum (with tools like 7-Zip) to ensure the download is not corrupted.
• 🧰 Use a tool like Balena Etcher, Rufus, or Ventoy to properly flash the ISO file onto a USB drive instead of simply copying it.
• 🔌 Prepare a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage and ensure it contains no important data since it will be erased.
• ⚙️ Adjust BIOS/UEFI settings by disabling Secure Boot and Fast Boot, and switching SATA mode from RAID/Intel RST to AHCI if necessary.
• 🚀 Boot from the USB drive using the boot menu key (such as F12, F10, Esc, or Del depending on the manufacturer).
• 🖥️ Choose between Demo Mode to test Pop!_OS or Clean Install to fully replace the existing operating system.
• 👤 Create a user account with a secure password and optionally enable disk encryption for better data security.
• ⏳ Wait for the installation process to complete, then shut down or restart and remove the USB drive before first boot.
• 🎨 Complete the first-time setup by selecting appearance, time zone, online accounts, and other preferences.
• 📦 Explore the Pop!_OS environment, including the Cosmic desktop, Pop Shop app store, and system settings after installation.
• 🆓 Pop!_OS is presented as a free and user-friendly Linux alternative for users who cannot upgrade to Windows 11 due to hardware limitations.

Q & A

Why is the video recommending Pop OS as an alternative to Windows 10 or 11?

The video recommends Pop OS because Windows 10 support is ending and Windows 11 has steep hardware requirements. Pop OS is a free, user-friendly Linux distribution that can run on older hardware.

What is the first essential step before installing Pop OS?

The first essential step is to back up all important data, as installing Pop OS will erase the main drive. Users should save documents, photos, and files to an external drive or cloud service.

Where can you download the Pop OS ISO file?

The Pop OS ISO can be downloaded from the official website at system76.com/pop. The website provides different versions depending on your hardware.

How do you choose the correct version of Pop OS for your computer?

If your computer has an Nvidia GPU, download the Nvidia version. If it has Intel or AMD graphics, download the standard version. There is also a Raspberry Pi version for specialized use.

Why is it important to verify the ISO file after downloading?

Verifying the ISO ensures the file was downloaded correctly and is not corrupted. This is done using a tool like 7zip to check the SHA 256 checksum against the website's provided value.

What software is recommended to create a bootable USB for Pop OS?

Balena Etcher is recommended for flashing the ISO to a USB drive. Alternatives include Rufus or Ventoy, which allow multiple ISOs on one USB drive.

Which BIOS/UEFI settings need to be changed before installing Pop OS?

Three key changes are recommended: disable Secure Boot, disable Fast Boot, and change SATA operation from Intel RST/RAID/Optane to AHCI mode. Booting from the USB drive should also be enabled.

What are the installation options for Pop OS and who should choose them?

There are two options: Clean Install, which erases the entire drive and is recommended for beginners, and Custom/Advanced, which allows dual booting or manual partitioning for advanced users.

What should users do after the installation of Pop OS is complete?

After installation, users should remove the USB drive, reboot the computer, and go through the initial setup, including configuring the toolbar, appearance, keyboard layout, time zone, and connecting online accounts.

What is the Cosmic Desktop in Pop OS?

The Cosmic Desktop is the user interface for Pop OS. It includes intuitive navigation, a top bar for system settings and notifications, and the Pop Shop, which functions as the app store for installing software.

Why might a user want to encrypt their Pop OS installation?

Encrypting the drive adds an extra layer of security by protecting data from being accessed by others with physical access to the computer. Users must enter an encryption password at each startup.

What should a user do if they want to install Pop OS alongside Windows or manually create partitions?

For dual booting or manual partitioning, the user should follow a separate guide for advanced installation. This involves creating root, home, swap, and other partitions instead of doing a clean install.