How to install Linux on a Mac

If you’re ready to feed your older Mac to the sharks or feel as though you could use a little more customization with the standard macOS, installing Linux on a MacBook could be the solution you’ve never thought of. 

In this guide, I’ll discuss Linux, why you might want to consider installing it, how to prepare your Mac for this big overhaul and provide a step-by-step guide to the installation process.

What is Linux?

Just like Windows and macOS, Linux is an operating system. What makes it different is that it’s an open-source operating system, which means anyone can access and modify the code for it. Thanks to these qualities, it’s much more flexible and customizable, letting users personalize their experience entirely. Linux has a range of what’s called distributions (or distros) that each serve a different purpose — there are some dedicated to programming and others for gaming, for instance. Since it’s compatible with so many devices, including the older Intel and ARM-based Macs, it can totally refresh an older computer without needing any upgrades.

Reasons to Install Linux on Mac

Don't get me wrong — the macOS is one of the most superior operating systems out there because of its intuitive user experience. But there are countless reasons why someone might want to make the switch and install Linux on Mac:

• Revive an older Mac: Linux helps bypass macOS updates that strain older Macs, offering a lightweight alternative for smoother performance.
• Improve performance: Linux uses fewer resources than macOS, leading to better hardware efficiency and less strain on your system. 
• Access open-source software: Enjoy a vast selection of free, open-source tools without being tied to Apple's apps like Numbers or Pages.
• Gain control over the OS: Customize Linux by installing only the software you need, avoiding unnecessary macOS built-ins.
• Create a better development environment: Linux supports various programming languages and package managers, making it ideal for development compared to macOS's closed ecosystem.

If someone manages to convince you of these reasons and you're seriously thinking about making the switch, just calling it quits on macOS and diving into the Linux download process won't cut it. It's important to maintain your Mac's performance before or after (or both!) you download Linux for Mac. 

CleanMyMac X is arguably the handiest tool in my digital arsenal. I use it for just about everything regarding MacBook cleanups, optimization, and protection against malware and other vulnerabilities. Since you’ll be partitioning your drive once you install Linux, it’s the best tool to use when you want to clean up system junk, fully delete unneeded applications, and improve your Mac’s performance.

While you can click into individual features using the sidebar, you can also simply hit the Scan button. The app will automatically detect junk and threats and see if there are any tasks that can be done to optimize your device.

Preparing your Mac for Linux installation

If you're new to installing a new operating system, it can seem intimidating, especially with all the technical terms. But let’s start by preparing your Mac for Linux.

First, back up all your data using Time Machine or an external hard drive. Big changes always carry some risk, and you don’t want to lose important files if something goes wrong. Time Machine is great for automatic backups, keeping hourly, daily, and weekly versions of your files.

Next, check if your Mac is compatible with the Linux distro you want to install, like Fedora or Ubuntu. Ensure it supports dual-booting, Mac hardware drivers, and works with your specific Mac model, especially if it's an older one.

Creating a Bootable Linux USB

To maintain your existing macOS operating system and have a working Linux operating system simultaneously, you'll need to create a bootable Linux USB. It's essentially a USB flash drive that contains your Linux installation file so your computer can boot directly from it. Lots of Linux distros let you run the OS right from the USB without having to install anything, which makes it a super-flexible, portable environment you can use on different computers if you want to.

To create one of these, you'll need to:

1. Download a Linux distribution ISO from the official website of your chosen distro, such as Linux Mint or Ubuntu.
2. Prepare a USB drive with at least 4 GB of space (8 GB or more is recommended for most distributions).
3. Create a bootable USB using a tool. On macOS, you can use tools like balenaEtcher (recommended for its simplicity) or UNetbootin.
4. Start the download and make sure you've chosen a compatible version for your system architecture.
5. Create a bootable USB to "flash" the ISO file to your USB drive.
6. Restart your Mac, hold down the Option key as it boots, and choose your USB drive from the startup menu. Most Linux distros allow you to run directly from the USB without installing.

How to Install Linux on Mac

Without further ado, here’s how to install Linux on Mac:

1. Go to Finder > Applications > Utilities and click Disk Utility.
2. Select a volume in the sidebar.
3. Click the Partition icon at the top of the window.

1. Click the plus button below the pie chart.
2. Click Add Partition.
3. Choose a name for the volume.

1. Click Format and choose a file system format.
2. Drag the resize control to change the volume's size, or enter the size manually, then click Apply.
3. Click Partition.

When you want to start the installation process or boot directly from USB, simply hold the Option key while restarting the Mac. Then, follow the on-screen installation steps for dual-boot or complete Linux installation.

Tip: Partitioning drives for Linux installation or toying with your computer’s operating system can be nerve-wracking, as you might worry about lost files or things going wrong during the process. Disk Drill is a data recovery tool that can practically restore and repair any file or folder and create byte-to-byte backups regardless of what-ifs.

Installing Linux on MacBook for greater flexibility

Installing Linux is a lot like getting ready for a big job interview or packing for an exciting trip — it takes a lot of preparation, but the more prep work you do, the more rewards you’re likely to reap. Backing up your data, creating a bootable USB, and using third-party apps to help safeguard your files are all essential steps that’ll help you successfully make the transition (or addition). Once you grasp how to use Linux on Mac, you can enjoy faster speeds and flexible control and completely tailor your environment.

Be sure to explore the vast world of Linux distributions as part of your journey, and don’t forget to check out the many apps mentioned in this guide. ChronoSync Express, CleanMyMac X, and Disk Drill are all available through a 7-day free trial of Setapp — a subscription service that gives you access to 250+ useful iOS and macOS apps.

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