Not able to install Linux on HP

[GoncaloPT]

Hi, I just want to tell you that you or Microsoft forced me to quit Windows forever.

I used Fedora Linux KDE, and when I bought the new desktop, it was impossible to install Linux on that ssd drive, as the first and last bytes of the disk were reserved for the Windows OS and it didn't allow me to use the disk unless I formatted its partition.

I had no choice.

I would enjoy using Fedora 99,9% of the time and occasionally booting to Windows to compile and test my software for Windows (I'm a programmer).

Now I'll only have Linux, I deleted its partition, installed Fedora Linux, and won't use Windows for software testing anymore.

It's a pity that Microsoft or HP(?) does this to your products.

It should be easy to install Linux on them, not being stuck to Windows forever.

Anyway Windows is gone here.

But please try to let us install Linux without deleting Windows in the Future, as there's no point in having to delete Windows forever.

Please provide this feedback to Microsoft, because if we have to choose between using only Windows or only Linux, we may choose the second.

Best regards,

Gonzalo

[Raqeeb26 · Accepted solution]

Hi @GoncaloPT ,

Welcome to The HP Support Community.

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

I recognize your frustration and value you sharing this situation. It’s disheartening when new hardware disrupts a dual-boot configuration.

💻 Understanding the Installation Issue

The problem you faced while attempting to install Fedora Linux to Windows on your new desktop is very likely connected to the way Windows sets up and safeguards the drives layout, particularly the GPT (GUID Partition Table) format along, with the Recovery/OEM partitions.

GPT Protective Areas: Contemporary systems employ GPT, which positions a Master Boot Record (MBR) at the start and a secondary GPT header/table at the drives end. The Windows installer frequently allocates system-critical partitions (such as the Microsoft Reserved Partition (MSR) and the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) partition) that are safeguarded complicating the process, for other OS installers to automatically resize or manage the drive safely without a mandatory format.

OEM/Vendor Practices: -assembled computers (such as those from HP) typically have their drives fully occupied by Windows and multiple vendor-related recovery partitions resulting in no available space, for Linux.

The " Last Bytes" Lock: This appears to indicate that the Linux installer recognized the safeguarded backup GPT header located at the disks end and declined to write its own elements (such, as GRUB) without verifying GPTs integrity, something a complete reformat would fix.

Although your choice to fully eliminate Windows and rely on Fedora is a conclusive approach here is a broad overview of the typical steps to set up a dual-boot configuration on a system, with Windows pre-installed for future guidance:

Resize Windows: Within Windows utilize the Disk Management utility to reduce the size of the Windows partition (C: drive) generating unallocated space. The Linux installer is unable to shrink an NTFS partition.

Turn Off Fast Startup: This is essential. Fast Startup (also known as Hybrid Shutdown), in Windows keeps the NTFS filesystem in a "hibernated" condition stopping Linux from mounting or accessing the disk which may cause data corruption or installation problems.

Turn off Secure Boot: Although numerous current Linux distributions are compatible, with Secure Boot deactivating it within the UEFI/BIOS configuration frequently resolves issues related to installation and the boot loader.

Your Feedback is Valid

Your main argument is entirely justified: the method for setting up an OS on new devices ought to be simple and making a user decide, between giving up their favored OS or fully deleting the default one results in a bad user experience.

For many developers and technical users, dual-booting is essential for testing and compatibility.

The challenge of configuring dual-boot systems can lead users to opt for the option and as you noted that option might eventually be solely Linux.

I recommend sending this feedback to HP (the hardware manufacturer) and Microsoft (the creators of the Windows OS and its partitioning method) via their official support or feedback platforms. Feedback like this is crucial as it can influence adjustments, in their policies and pre-installation procedures.

Enjoy your full-time Fedora Linux experience! It's great to hear you are committed to the open-source platform.

[GoncaloPT]

Hello and thank you for your help.

I only came here now but meanwhile I didn't have the courage to delete Windows and at the same time I thought it would be cool to have a 2 TB SSD instead of the 1 TB one, so I bought and installed a 2 TB SSD and used the 1 TB one as an outside usb boot Windows if by chance I need to use Windows one day to boot from the USB, and as a backup disk.
So I didn't delete Windows, I just put it on the shelf for some time.
And the problem was solved but I decided not to install anything besides windows on that disk anyway as I have a 2 TB just for Fedora. 🙂

But thanks and hope your answer will help others.

Best regards.