Install Linux on Surface Book 2 by following the official setup guide, ensuring proper drivers and compatibility.
Install Linux on Surface Book 2 by following the official setup guide, ensuring proper drivers and compatibility.
Hello, I'm exploring dual booting on my SB2 PC. I'm new to Linux outside of technical settings but enjoy coding. My goal is to have both Windows and Linux installed since I rely heavily on engineering software. I'm using an i7 processor with a GTX 1060 and a 15-inch screen. I've heard some users face issues with the touchscreen, camera, and detachable keyboard or dedicated GPU. I'm seeking advice on getting Linux to work smoothly and the optimal method for installing both OSes. Could I install Linux from an SD card or external drive? The recent buzz around Linux is tempting, but my priority is just getting comfortable and experimenting.
If you're looking to experiment, a Linux VM is a great way to get started and have some fun. Using only slower storage like SATA or NVMe SSDs won't be very enjoyable. SD cards tend to be much slower than these options, especially in terms of IOPS. You might want to try dual booting or running a VM for a better experience.
The touchscreen presents a Linux challenge. Most desktop environments and window managers don’t fully support it, though popular ones do. For touchscreen use, I usually suggest using Gnome. It’s not the most lightweight option, but it has a polished look and some of the top touch interactions on Linux. The camera feature exists because Microsoft hasn’t provided compatible drivers. GPU problems stem from Nvidia drivers not working well with Linux. While you can try, performance may vary depending on your hardware. For beginner-friendly systems, dual-boot with Windows is often an option. Be sure to back up regularly, as Windows and Linux sometimes struggle to agree on bootloaders. If possible, using separate SSDs for each OS would be ideal.
Hello, if you're looking to run Linux on SB2 with a full OS, you might want to explore this GitHub link: https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-s...-and-Setup. It also provides guidance on compatible hardware and features: https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-s...d-Features. Thanks!