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I'm interested in installing the latest version of Ubuntu (e.g. Ubuntu 24.04) on my MacBook. However, I'm a bit confused about the steps, especially since it's my first time trying Linux on a Mac.

My device specs:

MacBook Pro 2017 Intel chip 256GB SSD Current OS: macOS Monterey

What I'd like to know:

  1. How do I create a bootable Ubuntu USB from macOS?
  2. Is it possible to dual boot with macOS? If yes, how should I manage the partitions?
  3. Do I need to use a boot manager like rEFInd?
  4. Are there common issues on Macs after installing Ubuntu (e.g. Wi-Fi, trackpad, audio)?
  5. If I had an Apple Silicon Mac (M1/M2), would the process be different?

Thanks in advance!

lxtoto
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1 Answers1

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How do I create a bootable Ubuntu USB from macOS?

See below

Is it possible to dual boot with macOS? If yes, how should I manage the partitions?

Yes, possible, install macOS first, then create empty partition with macOS and install Ubuntu there

Do I need to use a boot manager like rEFInd?

No, I have several dual booting macs, and the default boot manager works great with Ubuntu (restart, hold option key)

Are there common issues on Macs after installing Ubuntu (e.g. Wi-Fi, track pad, audio)?

Only issue may be WiFi or sound. I believe the WiFi works on your model. There are also easy fixes to the audio if needed via google. Check out https://t2linux.org/ for more details.

If I had an Apple Silicon Mac (M1/M2), would the process be different?

VM: Run the ARM version of Ubuntu from https://ubuntu.com/download/server/arm

Dual boot: Check out the Ubuntu Asahi and Asahi Linux projects. They provide a single command, which you run within Mac OS to automatically set up dual boot.

Here are the steps to install and run Ubuntu on your Mac:

  1. Download the latest iso from ubuntu

https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop choose the Intel or AMD 64-bit architecture

  1. You'll need a usb stick/drive with at least 7GB of space.

  2. Create a bootable USB drive with the following steps:

    1. Launch Disk Utility
    2. Select the USB stick device select Erase from the tool bar (or right-click menu) Set the format to MS-DOS (FAT) and the scheme to GUID Partition Map. Check you’ve chosen the correct device and click Erase.
    3. Install and run Etcher After downloading, Etcher can either be run in-place or dragged into your Applications folder.
    4. Etcher configuration: Select image then select drive, replaced by the name of your USB device Click Flash, and will write to the drive
    5. Restart or power-on the Mac with the USB stick inserted while the Option/alt key is pressed. This will launch Apple’s ‘Startup Manager’. Your USB stick should appear. Selecting this will lead you to the standard Ubuntu boot menu.

I would do the full boot (Ubuntu only, no macOS) first and make sure you are comfortable with the process. Then try the dual boot. Many articles how to dual boot are out there.

Here is a nice dual boot video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIgxEEzT9ek

Good luck.

Archisman Panigrahi
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lensboard
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