The Great Laptop Resurrection

Context

This old Surface Book had started giving me trouble. Maybe Windows’ regular updates (or bloatware) were too much for my 256GB SSD and 8 GB RAM system. It would hang up frequently, and booting took forever. With Microsoft set to discontinue Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, it was the perfect time to migrate to a Linux machine because it adapts to me, not the other way around.

Installing Linux Mint

Installing Linux Mint was smooth sailing for me—here’s a straightforward guide to help you do the same.

1. Backup Everything

   Before you begin, back up all important files from your current system. The Linux Mint installation will overwrite your existing OS, and all data on the selected drive will be erased.

2. Download Linux Mint ISO

   Head to the Linux Mint website and download the latest ISO file.

3. Prepare a Bootable USB Drive

   Have a bootable drive with space of at least 8 GB. All the data on this drive will be wiped out, so back up if necessary.

4. Flash the ISO Using Rufus

   • Download Rufus to create a bootable flash drive.

   • Plug in the USB drive and open Rufus.

   • Select the Linux Mint ISO and start the flashing process.

5. Boot into the USB Drive

   • Shut down your computer.

   • Plug in the bootable USB.

   • Turn it back on and enter the BIOS/UEFI menu or boot menu (depending on your system).

   • Choose to boot from the USB drive.

6. Begin Installation

   • Once Linux Mint boots, double-click the “Install Linux Mint” icon on the desktop.

   • On the partitioning screen, select “Erase disk and install Linux Mint” (assuming you’re okay wiping the entire drive).

After installation, you’ll be asked to reboot your machine. Remove the USB drive when prompted.

Congratulations, Linux Mint is successfully installed on your machine, and your machine has a new life.