How to Test Linux Before Installing (Live USB Boot Guide)

Welcome back to The Crosswalk.

I previously shared why I switched to linux to save money, for more freedom, a better user experience, and more. But I know what you're thinking: "What if I mess up my computer? What if I lose my files?"

That's why today, I'm showing you how to try Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. without installing it at all. You can test it out from a USB stick, you know, those little sticks where you can save stuff? You can see if you like it, and only install it when you're ready. No risk. No data loss. Just don't click "Install Now" on the desktop.

See my last post about data backup, in case you're worried you'll accidentally click the "install" button while exploring. It'll be on the desktop and may also be in the start menu.

When your computer boots up from the USB stick, you may have some small text with choices, and here is another place to be cautious. Click "Try" and AVOID "Install"

Mint

Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. Mint is a popular Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. distribution (or distro Bundles the Linux kernel with other software components for a complete operating system ) that is often recommended for beginners.

Here are my posts about what each Mint choice looks like: Cinnamon and Xfce

Mint's installation page looks like the one shown below. I recommend the Linux Mint Cinnamon edition for most people. Cinnamon is the default desktop environment for Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. Mint and has a look and feel that is familiar to Windows users, making it an easy transition for people coming from Windows.

It has the following choices, and it will automatically boot after a certain period of time.

Start Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. Mint <-- Most people will want this choice
Start Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. Mint in compatibility mode
OEM install (for manufacturers)
Hardware Detection
Boot from local drive
Memory test

It loads Mint for you to try. Just don't click "Install Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. Mint" on the desktop.

Zorin

Zorin is my favorite distro.

The following image shows what you might see for Zorin, and on your computer it could be very small text up in the corner rather than the large text you see here.

You see the following choices for Zorin 18, and it will automatically boot after a certain period of time:

Try or Install Zorin OS <-- Most people will want this choice
Try or Install Zorin OS (safe graphics)
Try or Install Zorin OS (modern NVIDIA drivers a software that allows the hardware (like WiFi) communicate with a system )
Power Off

The next screen is where you will want to be careful when trying out Zorin.

When you choose "Try or Install," You'll be faced with another set of prompts, starting with a "Try Zorin OS" vs "Install Zorin OS":

Choose "Try Zorin OS" on the left.

What You'll Need to Try Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers.

A USB stick: Their website says you only need 4GB - Install Zorin OS - Zorin OS Help

A computer: Any Windows, Mac, Chromebook computer (for Chromebooks and some special Apple or Microsoft computers, you may need to do a couple of steps beforehand - Zorin OS system requirements

About 30–60 minutes: Depending on your internet speed.

A willingness to experiment: That's it.

I would also recommend you back up files on your computer. I have a post about ways to do this, and I would strongly recommend backing up things before doing this. If you have files you don't want to lose on your computer, back them up.

Step 1: Download Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. (Zorin or Mint)

I recommend Zorin OS or Linux Mint. Both look familiar if you're coming from Windows, and both are beginner-friendly.

Zorin OS: zorin.com/os (Free Core version)

Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. Mint: linuxmint.com (Cinnamon edition)

Download the "ISO" file. It's just the Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. installer. It could take a few minutes depending on your internet.

💡 Zorin may ask you for your e-mail, but you can select "skip."

Step 2: Download a USB Creator Tool

You need a program to put the Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. file onto your USB stick. Two options work well:

Rufus (Windows only): rufus.ie
Balena Etcher (Windows, Mac, Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. ): etcher.balena.io

Both are free. I've used both. Balena Etcher is a more intuitive program to work with, and I would recommend that to someone who doesn't want to see a lot of config, and that program makes it clearly obvious what to do.

Step 3: Plug In Your USB Stick

⚠️ Important: This will wipe your USB stick clean. Any files on it will be deleted. If you have anything important on that USB, move or copy it somewhere else first.

Plug the USB into your computer.

Step 4: Create the Bootable USB

This is the part that feels scary, but it's actually straightforward.

If you're using Rufus:

Open Rufus.
Under "Device," select your USB stick.
Click "SELECT" and find the Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. ISO file you downloaded.
Click "START."
Wait for it to finish (it'll show a progress bar).

If you're using Balena Etcher:

Open Etcher.
Click "Flash from file" and select your ISO.
Click "Select target" and choose your USB stick.
Click "Flash!"
Wait for it to finish.

💡 Pro tip: If you're nervous, watch a video tutorial first. Search "how to create Zorin USB" or "how to create Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. Mint USB" on YouTube. Seeing it done visually helps a lot.

Step 5: Boot from the USB

Now comes the fun part.

Restart your computer. If you're on Windows, there is a menu where you can tell it to boot up from a USB.

As it boots up, press the key to enter the boot menu.
UNLESS you told it to boot from USB in a setting already.

(Common keys to access the boot menu: F12, F2, Esc, or Del depending on your computer. Search "[your computer model] boot menu key" if you're not sure.)

Select your USB stick from the list.

Choose "Try Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. " or "Live Session" (NOT "Install").

Your computer will load Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. from the USB stick. It might take a minute or two.

Step 6: Test Everything

Now you're in Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. ! Here's what to check before you decide to install:

Note: Some hardware (like touchscreens or fingerprint readers) might not work perfectly on a live USB. That's normal. If the basics work, you're probably good to go.

That's not a guarantee, so gauge your risk tolerance. You'll have to use your own judgement if you're ready to make a switch. If you're not sure this will be ok, don't let me push you.

Step 7: Decide What's Next

⚠️ Installing Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. will wipe your hard drive clean. Make sure you have backed up files.

If everything works and you like what you see, you can install Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. permanently.

If not, just shut down, pull the USB stick, and boot back into Windows. Nothing on your computer changed.

This is the beauty of "The Crosswalk": You're not committing to anything until you're ready.

A Few Notes

It might feel slow on an older USB stick. That's normal.

Some apps won't work on Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. (like Microsoft Office). But Chrome, Firefox, and LibreOffice (a free alternative to Microsoft Office) will.

Your files are safe. As long as you don't click "Install," your Windows files stay untouched.

What's Holding You Back?

This post is a lot. But I promise you that you can do this.

If you're still nervous, what's scaring you? Is it the boot menu? The USB creation? Losing files?

And if you try it, let me know what you think. Did it work? What surprised you?

This is your journey. I'm just walking you safely across the crosswalk.

See you in the next post.