[plug] Linux on Surface Pro

[Chris McCormick]

Hi Russell,

If you would like to try out Linux on the Surface Pro before an 
installfest rolls around where you can get help, one thing you can do is 
use a "live USB". This is a low commitment way to test how Linux runs on 
your device.

A live USB lets you try out Linux without changing Windows or your 
files. Anything you do when booted in the live session disappears when 
you shut down.

A reasonable place to start is with Ubuntu (one of many Linux 
distributions). Here are some instructions:

- Start with a blank 8-16Gb USB drive. NOTE: THIS WILL BE ERASED.
- Go to <https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop>
- Download the current Ubuntu Desktop ISO file.
- Download and open Rufus on a Windows machine from `rufus.ie`.
- Insert the USB drive and make sure Rufus has selected the correct drive.
- Click Select and choose the downloaded Ubuntu ISO.
- Leave the default settings unchanged.
- Click Start.
- When asked, choose Write in ISO Image mode.
- Confirm the warning that the USB will be erased.
- Wait until Rufus shows READY, then close Rufus.

Then you can put the USB stick into your Surface Pro and boot from it.

More information and detailed instructions here:
<https://ubuntu.com/desktop/docs/en/latest/how-to/create-a-bootable-usb-stick/>

Cheers,

Chris.


On 06/09/2026 18:35, Daniel Di Rado via plug wrote:
> Russell,
> 
> Alternatively, it would be ideal to get it installed during an 
> installfest; the next one is in Bunbury (20 Sept), not sure if that's 
> too far away for you.  Perhaps we can do it during the next Cannington 
> Library meetup (6 Oct)?
> 
> Regards
> Daniel
> 
> On 2026-09-06 3:57 PM, Ivan Fetwadjieff via plug wrote:
>> Hi Russell
>> I haven't personally installed Linux on a Surface Pro however if you 
>> search online there are plenty of resources.
>>
>> https://duckduckgo.com/?t=fpas&q=linux+surface+pro&ia=web <https:// 
>> duckduckgo.com/?t=fpas&q=linux+surface+pro&ia=web>
>>
>> https://linuxvox.com/blog/linux-for-surface-pro/
>>
>> https://github.com/linux-surface/linux-surface
>>
>> https://windowsreport.com/install-linux-ubuntu-surface-pro-devices/
>>
>> My suggestion is that you start off by installing Linux on an old PC 
>> or Mac.
>> That's how I started.
>>
>> Cheers Ivan
>>
>>
>> On Mon, 3 Aug 2026, at 11:26 AM, russell morecroft via plug wrote:
>>> Good Morning All
>>>
>>> I am after some advice, I am a 60 yr old of limited computer 
>>> experience who has recently gone across to a Graphene os Pixel 8 due 
>>> to privacy reasons and not wanting to be tracked via every app, also 
>>> concerned about security having switched email to Proton.
>>>
>>> The next step I am contemplating is to have my Windows Surface pro 
>>> changed to Linux, Im lead to believe this will bring my device closer 
>>> to the same level of security and privacy that I now have on my 
>>> phone, It would appear that many computer shops do not have the 
>>> technical ability or experience to adequately carry out this procedure.
>>>
>>> My research  has directed me to this group, can anyone please give me 
>>> advice on how I should best approach this concern?
>>>
>>> Kind regards
>>> Russell
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> PLUG discussion list: plug at plug.org.au
>>> https://lists.plug.org.au/mailman/listinfo/plug
>>> Committee e-mail: committee at plug.org.au
>>> PLUG Membership: http://www.plug.org.au/membership
>>>
>>
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> PLUG discussion list: plug at plug.org.au
> https://lists.plug.org.au/mailman/listinfo/plug
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