How to Install or Use Linux on a Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

Updated:July 26, 2024

Running Linux on a Mac can provide a flexible and powerful dual-boot setup, allowing you to leverage the strengths of both macOS and Linux. This guide will cover the necessary steps to install Linux on a Mac, both by dual-booting and using virtual machines (VMs). We will focus on ensuring hardware compatibility and system stability.

1. Dual-Boot Installation

1. Preparing for Installation

Backup Your Data: Ensure you back up all important data from your Mac. Use Time Machine or another backup solution to safeguard your files in case anything goes wrong during the installation process.

Choose a Linux Distribution: Select a Linux distribution known for good hardware compatibility with Macs. Popular choices include:

Ubuntu

Fedora

Linux Mint

Download the ISO: Visit the chosen Linux distribution's official website and download the ISO file.(apple silicon please download the ISO file for arm)

Create a Bootable USB: Use a tool like balenaEtcher to create a bootable USB drive from the ISO file.

Use Balenaetcher Create A Bootable Usb Drive

2. Partition Your Disk

You will need to partition your Mac’s disk to allocate space for Linux.

Open Disk Utility: Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.

Open Disk Utilities From Macos Utilities

Partition the Drive:

Select your main drive (usually named “Macintosh HD”).

Click on the “Partition” button.

Click the “+” button to add a new partition and allocate the desired amount of space for Linux (at least 20GB is recommended).

Format the new partition as “MS-DOS (FAT)” to prepare it for Linux installation.

3. Installing Linux

Boot from Live USB: Restart your Mac and hold the Option key during boot to select the USB drive.

Start the Installation: Once the Linux Live environment loads, click on “Install Linux.” Follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted, select the partition created earlier for the installation.

Partitioning Scheme: During the installation process, you might need to reformat the partition to ext4. Create swap space if needed (recommended size is 2-4GB).

Complete Installation: Follow the remaining installation steps to complete the Linux setup. Once the installation is complete, restart your Mac.

4. Setting Up a Boot Manager

To easily switch between macOS and Linux, you will need a boot manager like rEFInd.

Install rEFInd:

Boot into macOS.

Download the rEFInd installer from rEFInd’s website.

Open Terminal and navigate to the downloaded installer directory.

Run the installation script:

sudo ./refind-install

Restart Your Mac: After installation, restart your Mac to see the rEFInd boot menu, which allows you to choose between macOS and Linux.

5. Post-Installation Configuration

1. Hardware Compatibility

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Some Mac models may require additional drivers. Check your distribution's documentation for instructions on installing proprietary drivers. For Ubuntu, you can install additional drivers via the "Software & Updates" tool under the "Additional Drivers" tab.

Graphics: Integrated graphics (Intel) should work out of the box. For dedicated GPUs (NVIDIA or AMD), you might need to install proprietary drivers. This can usually be done through your distribution’s package manager.

Audio: Linux generally supports most audio devices out of the box, but some advanced features might require additional configuration.

Touchpad and Keyboard: Basic functionality should work, but for advanced features (e.g., multi-touch gestures), you might need to install or configure additional packages.

2. System Updates and Drivers

Update System: After installation, update your system to ensure you have the latest patches and drivers. For Ubuntu, open Terminal and run:

sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade

Install Additional Drivers: Check for any additional drivers needed for your Mac’s hardware. These can usually be found in the distribution's driver management tool.

2. Installing Linux Using Virtual Machines

If you prefer not to partition your disk or risk any potential issues with dual-booting, you can use virtual machines to run Linux within macOS.

Using UTM

UTM is a free and open-source virtual machine software designed for macOS, which supports a wide range of operating systems, including Linux.

Download and Install UTM: Go to the UTM website and download the latest version of the application. Open the downloaded file and move UTM to the Applications folder.

Download a Linux Distribution: Choose a Linux distribution (such as Ubuntu or Fedora) and download the ISO file from its official website.

Create a New Virtual Machine in UTM: Open UTM and click on the "+" button to create a new virtual machine. Select "Virtualize" to create a new VM using QEMU. Choose "Linux" as the operating system and continue.

Configure the Virtual Machine:

System Configuration: Allocate memory (RAM) for the VM. It is recommended to assign at least 2GB. Configure the number of CPU cores (at least 2).

Storage Configuration: Add a new drive and specify the size (at least 20GB). Select "Import Drive" and choose the downloaded Linux ISO file.

Network Configuration: Use the default settings for the network configuration.

Install Linux: Start the virtual machine by clicking on the "Play" button. The VM will boot from the ISO file, launching the Linux installer. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Linux. Once the installation is complete, restart the VM and remove the ISO file from the boot order.

Post-Installation Configuration: After the VM restarts, you can log in to your new Linux system. Install any necessary updates and additional software as needed.

3. Conclusion

Installing Linux on a Mac can be done via dual-booting or using virtual machines, each method offering unique advantages. Dual-booting provides the full performance of your hardware, while virtual machines offer convenience and flexibility without modifying your existing system. By carefully selecting your Linux distribution, ensuring hardware compatibility, and following the installation steps, you can create a stable and efficient Linux environment on your Mac. Regular updates and community support can help maintain and troubleshoot any issues, ensuring a smooth experience with your dual-boot or virtual machine setup.