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Asked: 2024-09-25T20:00:16+05:30 In:

What steps do I need to follow to enable my Mac to boot from a USB drive that contains Ubuntu?

I’ve been trying to get my Mac to boot from a USB drive that has Ubuntu on it, and honestly, it’s been a bit of a headache. I’ve watched a bunch of tutorials and read some guides, but I still feel kind of lost. So, I thought I’d reach out to see if anyone here has gone through this process and can help me out.

First off, I’ve already created the bootable USB using Rufus on my Windows machine. I made sure to select the correct ISO file, and everything seemed to go smoothly, but I have no idea what the next steps are on the Mac side. I don’t want to mess anything up, so I need some guidance.

Once I plug in the USB drive, what should I do? I’ve heard something about holding down specific keys when I turn on the Mac, but I’m not sure which ones to press. I think I read something about the Option key, but then again, there are so many variations based on different Mac models.

Also, once I manage to get to that boot menu or whatever it is called, how do I know which drive to select? Is it clearly labeled as the USB, or will I have to do some digging? I’ve heard that sometimes Macs can be picky when it comes to booting from USB drives, so I don’t want to be sitting there scratching my head if it doesn’t show up right away.

After I get it booted up, what are the steps for installing Ubuntu? I know there are some partitions I need to consider, but I want to make sure I don’t accidentally wipe my Mac’s hard drive in the process. I really don’t want to lose anything important, so any tips on that would be super helpful.

If anyone has been through this process and can break it down step-by-step or share any tricks they learned along the way, I’d really appreciate it! Thanks in advance!

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    2 Answers


    1. To boot your Mac from the USB drive containing Ubuntu, first, make sure the USB drive is properly connected to your Mac. Then, turn off your Mac and turn it back on. Immediately hold down the Option (⌥) key as soon as you hear the startup chime. This will bring up the boot manager, which will display all available startup disks. Your USB drive should appear as an option, usually labeled as “EFI Boot” or similar if formatted correctly. If the USB does not show up, make sure that it was created properly with a compatible format and that the USB port you are using is functional. You may want to try different USB ports or a different USB drive if issues persist.

      Once you successfully select the USB drive and Ubuntu begins to boot, you will be taken to the installation interface. During the installation process, you will reach the partitioning step. It’s critical at this stage to select the correct option to avoid wiping your Mac’s hard drive. Choose “Something else” when prompted regarding the installation type, which allows manual partition management. Ensure you identify your Mac’s primary drive (usually named as “Macintosh HD”) and leave it untouched. You can create a partition on an external drive or resize your existing partitions if you want to dual boot. Always back up your important data before proceeding with installation, just in case something goes wrong.




    2. How to Boot Mac from USB Drive with Ubuntu

      Booting Your Mac from a USB Drive with Ubuntu

      Sounds like you’re on a bit of a rollercoaster ride trying to get Ubuntu up and running on your Mac. Don’t worry, it’s a common hurdle! Here’s a straightforward breakdown for you:

      After Creating the Bootable USB

      So you’ve got your bootable USB, great! Here’s what you need to do on your Mac:

      1. Plug in the USB Drive: Just connect it to your Mac.
      2. Shut Down Your Mac: If it’s on, turn it off completely.
      3. Boot from the USB: As you turn it back on, immediately hold down the Option (⌥) key. Keep holding it until you see a screen with boot options.

      Selecting the USB Drive

      Once you’re in the boot menu, you should see a list of drives. Look for something that’s labeled like “EFI Boot” or named after the USB drive or even the brand (like “SanDisk” or “Kingston”). It might not explicitly say “USB,” so just check for any unfamiliar names that look different from your usual Mac options.

      If the USB Doesn’t Show Up

      Sometimes, Macs can be picky. If your USB doesn’t show up:

      • Double-check if the USB is formatted properly (use FAT32).
      • Try re-creating the bootable USB, maybe using a different tool like Balena Etcher, as it can be easier and more Mac-friendly.
      • Make sure your Mac is compatible with the version of Ubuntu you’re trying to install.

      Installing Ubuntu

      Once you get it to boot from the USB, you’ll be taken to the Ubuntu installer. Here’s what to consider:

      1. Choose to Install Ubuntu: Follow the on-screen prompts.
      2. Partitioning: This part can get tricky. You’ll have options like “Erase disk and install Ubuntu” or “Something else.” If you just want to try it out, you can sometimes choose “Try Ubuntu without installing” first.
      3. Manual Partitioning: If you go the manual route, ensure you don’t touch the macOS partitions. You can install Ubuntu on a separate partition if you make space for it. Just be very careful here!

      Final Tips

      Before you make any changes, it might be a good idea to back up anything important from your Mac. Just in case, you know? And always take your time during the installation process; if you’re unsure about anything, look it up or ask around.

      Good luck! You’ve got this!


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