Installing other OS aside from windows

[eddieg4]

Is there anybody that have installed other OS other than windows on their HP mini desktop pc?

[Raj_05]

Hi @eddieg4,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

Yes, it is possible to install other operating systems (OS) besides Windows on an HP Mini Desktop PC. Many users install alternative OSes for different purposes, such as performance optimization, development, or specific use cases. Here are some common options and considerations.

Linux Distributions

• Popular Choices: Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Arch Linux, Mint, or lightweight distros like Lubuntu or Puppy Linux for older hardware.
• Why Linux?
  • Open-source and free.
  • Wide community support.
  • Lightweight and can enhance performance on older hardware.
  • Great for developers, servers, or as a daily driver.
• Steps:
  1. Download the ISO of the Linux distribution of your choice.
  2. Create a bootable USB stick using tools like Rufus or Balena Etcher.
  3. Boot from the USB and follow the installation instructions.

Chrome OS / Chromium OS

• Why Chrome OS?
  • Fast and lightweight for web-based tasks.
  • Great for minimalistic use or converting the mini desktop into a Chromebook-like experience.
• Steps:
  1. Use tools like Neverware’s CloudReady to install Chromium OS.
  2. Follow their installation process to replace or dual-boot with Windows.

macOS (Hackintosh)

• Why Hackintosh?
  • For enthusiasts who want to try macOS on non-Apple hardware.
• Challenges:
  • macOS installation on non-Apple hardware requires significant tweaks (EFI bootloaders like Clover or OpenCore).
  • Compatibility issues with hardware components like WiFi cards and GPUs.
• Steps:
  1. Research compatibility of your mini desktop's hardware with macOS.
  2. Create a bootable macOS installer using a macOS system.
  3. Use OpenCore to configure and boot the installer.

BSD Systems

• Popular Choices: FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD.
• Why BSD?
  • Known for stability, security, and efficient networking.
  • Suitable for servers or networking tasks.
• Steps:
  1. Download the BSD system ISO.
  2. Create a bootable USB and install similarly to Linux.

[Raj_05]

Android OS

• Why Android OS?
  • Convert the desktop into a large-screen Android device for media or gaming.
• Options:
  • Use Android-x86 or Bliss OS for desktop-optimized Android.
• Steps:
  1. Download Android-x86.
  2. Create a bootable USB, boot, and install.

Dual-Booting

• If you want to keep Windows, you can dual-boot with another OS.
• Partition your drive and install the second OS on the new partition.

Things to Check:

1. BIOS/UEFI Settings:
   • Disable Secure Boot if installing a non-Windows OS.
   • Enable USB Boot and check boot order.
2. Drivers and Compatibility:
   • Verify hardware compatibility with the OS.
   • Be prepared to manually install drivers if the OS doesn’t recognize your hardware.
3. Backup:
   • Backup all data as installing a new OS can erase everything.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support