How to Replace Windows or macOS with Linux Mint

Posted Jul 19, 2025 Updated Jul 30, 2025

By Matt Black 3 min read

This guide walks you through replacing your current operating system with Linux Mint. Following these steps will erase your entire hard drive and install Linux Mint as the only OS on your standard Intel or AMD (x86_64) computer.

This guide does not cover ARM-based computers (like Apple Silicon Macs). It’s based on the official Linux Mint Installation Guide.

IMPORTANT: THIS WILL ERASE ALL YOUR DATA

Back up your system before beginning. This process will permanently delete everything on your computer’s drive.

PC (Windows) users: Create a full disk image using something like Clonezilla. This copies your entire hard drive to an external disk for complete restoration if needed.
Mac users: You can create a clone with Disk Utility. Boot into Recovery Mode (Command + R at startup), open Disk Utility, and use “Restore” to copy your internal drive (Source) to an external drive (Destination).

Disclaimer: This guide was developed with AI assistance and reviewed by the author. Provided “as-is” without warranty. Mac steps tested on 2012 MacBook Pro; different models may need additional research. You proceed at your own risk.

What You’ll Need

USB flash drive (at least 4 GB)
Reliable internet connection
External hard drive for backup (large enough for full system clone)

Step 1: Download the Linux Mint ISO

Go to linuxmint.com
Choose your edition:
- Cinnamon edition: Best for modern computers. Polished, feature-rich desktop that’s intuitive for new users.¹
- XFCE edition: Best for less powerful computers. Lightweight, fast desktop for smooth performance.
Download the 64-bit version (correct for nearly all modern computers)

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

Download and install Etcher (free tool for Windows and macOS)²
Open Etcher:
- Click “Flash from file” and select the Linux Mint ISO
- Click “Select target” and choose your USB drive
- Click “Flash!” to create the bootable drive

Step 3: Boot from Your USB Drive

Plug in the bootable USB drive
Restart your computer and press the key for Boot Menu as it powers on:³
- Windows PCs: F1, F2, F10, F11, F12, Delete, or Escape (search online for your specific model)
- Intel Macs: Hold Option (Alt) key immediately after startup sound
Select your USB drive (may be labeled “EFI Boot”) and press Enter
Choose “Start Linux Mint” and press Enter

TROUBLESHOOTING & MAC-SPECIFIC PREP

Windows PCs: If USB won’t boot, enter BIOS/UEFI settings and disable “Secure Boot”⁴
Newer Intel Macs (2018-2020 with T2 chip): Disable security features before booting from USB:
1. Boot into Recovery Mode (Command + R)
2. Open Startup Security Utility from Utilities menu:
- Set Secure Boot to “No Security”
- Set Allowed Boot Media to “Allow booting from external or removable media”
  1. Open Terminal from Utilities menu and disable SIP:⁵
    1 csrutil disable
  2. Restart and boot from USB (hold Option key at startup)

Step 4: Install Linux Mint

Double-click “Install Linux Mint” icon on desktop
Select language and keyboard layout
Connect to Wi-Fi and check the box to install multimedia codecs
At “Installation type” screen, choose “Erase disk and install Linux Mint”
Click “Install Now” and confirm when prompted
Choose timezone and create user account with strong password. Optionally check “Encrypt my home folder”
Click “Restart Now” when finished and remove USB when prompted
PCs only: After reboot, GRUB bootloader menu appears. Linux Mint starts automatically after a few seconds.

Step 5: Final Setup

After logging into your new Linux Mint system:

Open Driver Manager from the main menu
Install any recommended drivers for graphics cards or Wi-Fi adapters to ensure optimal performance
Run system updates to get the latest security patches and software. Open Terminal and run: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Enjoy your new Linux Mint system! :-)

Additional Help

Linux Mint Forums: Ask questions and find solutions
Official Installation Guide: Detailed troubleshooting tips