HP RST linux

[Varloq]

How to install Linux distros on HP Laptops

Had a heck of a time trying to get Linux installed on an old laptop of mine for a family member that I didn't use anymore and was barely usable for even web browsing when using Windows. After several crashes decided to switch to Linux Mint since it's fairly user friendly, I'm familiar with Linux to be able to help with any issues and lightweight enough to run on older hardware(even though this laptop was only bought in 2019)

Performed on a HP Pavilion x360 15 laptop but should be able to work on any HP laptop that has a "locked BIOS advanced utility" as well as when attempting to install Linux to the drive states that Intel RST(Rapid Storage Technology) needs to be turned off before installing and/or the RST option is displayed in BIOS and even with the option turned off and hard drive(s) wiped to prevent existing driver confliction

If BIOS option is already disabled/turned off and warning is still persisting the Intel optane drive needs to be removed. If you go into the boot drive menu for the BIOS firmware and it displays one drive as AHCI controlled and the other as an NVMe driver the m.2 NVMe drive needs to be removed from the hardware. Haven't completely found the reasoning but I am guessing that the M.2 drive has some built in firmware that only allows it to be booted as an Intel optane RST drive due to the low memory and only acting as a RAID 0 or RAID 10 device for the windows OS. After removing the drive from the motherboard as the location is displayed in the picture below (unscrew the small Philips screw and lift the adhesive heatsink cover from the connector on the right side as well as pull the storage board straight out of the port, no need to force it that's how you break things) then reattempt to install Linux. It should now have no issues and in my case the main storage 2.5" drive has 1TB of storage which is plenty for this laptop for my family given my personal work laptop only has 256GB of storage and is still plenty for what I use it for. Before finding the cause of the issues attempting to enter the "advanced BIOS" utility appeared fruitless with no contortionist levels of keyboard mashing doing anything just except give me the regular BIOS setup utility, boot menu or anything. With this solution I am loosing out on 16GB of storage which if anything might account for a few halfway decent sized programs but fixes a lot of windows problems of obsolescence and not wanting to update to the next bloatware loaded flea bag of an OS that tried to push all of their paid services on you

Also note that removing said drive can cause HP to void your warranty (crap according to right to repair movements but I'm not a lawyer) so do this at your own risk and/or if your warranty is already expired in my case since I haven't touched this laptop in at least 4 years and also if trying to dual boot windows this will mess up your current installation and brick an OS booting. If you have files/pictures anything make sure you backup on a stable safe drive before trying to remove any hardware from a computer (ask how I know from years of building and modifying computers).

 

 

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @Varloq,

Welcome to HP Support Community!

We noticed that this thread hasn't had any updates in a while since your original post; while this is rare, we didn't want this post to remain unanswered, so here's the solution to your query. We hope it helps you and everyone viewing this post 😊

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience and the detailed information you discovered while installing Linux on your HP Pavilion x360.

We appreciate you documenting the steps that worked in your specific case and the precautions you highlighted regarding data backup and hardware modifications.

For the benefit of other users, we would like to clarify that HP consumer notebooks are typically designed, tested, and supported with the operating system that ships with the device, most commonly Microsoft Windows. As a result, support for Linux installations, dual-boot configurations, storage controller modifications, and changes involving Intel RST/Optane technologies may be limited, and HP may not have validated Linux compatibility for all hardware configurations.

Additionally, removing or modifying internal hardware components can affect system functionality and may have warranty implications depending on the product, region, and terms of coverage. Users should always ensure that important data is backed up before making any software or hardware changes.

If a customer encounters issues related to hardware upgrades, storage configuration changes, or operating system installations and requires assistance beyond the supported configuration, we recommend contacting an HP Authorized Service Center in their region. Authorized technicians can help evaluate the device and provide guidance on supported hardware configurations.

Thank you again for sharing your findings with the community. Contributions like yours can be helpful for users exploring alternative operating systems on older hardware.

Thanks for being part of the HP Community!