Hello, My Windows 10 Surface Book 2 (2018) sunsets on October 14. I'm wondering if I can replace the Windows OS with Ubuntu so that I can still use the laptop for writing with LibreOffice and FocusWriter. The laptop is a 2 in 1. I can detach the monitor to use it as a tablet. I don't care if I can still do that after switching to Ubuntu. I'd just like to be able to log in safely, do basic internet searching, and type on the laptop. I love the keyboard.
Replace Surface Book 2 Windows 10 with Ubuntu
- Thread starter Zeque
- Start date
Welcome to the forums
YES
see links below in my signature
YES
see links below in my signature
Condobloke
Well-Known Member
G'day Zeque, Welcome to Linux.org
No doubt you will still have lots of questions. Ask away. The more the merrier.
No doubt you will still have lots of questions. Ask away. The more the merrier.
I don't know much about the Surface models. I do know that I've heard that they can be tough to get a fully-functional Linux distro installed. It may be a bit interesting for a new user.
For example, see this page (which is a dedicated kernel just for Surface devices):
github.com
So, you'd install Linux. Things wouldn't necessarily work properly. So, you'd then install the special kernel. Fortunately, they're packaged for various distros. (Click on the releases on the left and scroll down. The 'assets' can be expanded to show the different current versions for the various distos.)
Now, things may work just fine and that step wouldn't be required. You'd have to test first. If things work out of the box, you're good to go. That's not always the case.
If it was up to me, I'd stick to the major distros. They're going to have the most people behind them and going to hopefully have kernels with all the important bits tucked into them.
For example, see this page (which is a dedicated kernel just for Surface devices):
GitHub - linux-surface/linux-surface: Linux Kernel for Surface Devices
Linux Kernel for Surface Devices. Contribute to linux-surface/linux-surface development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
So, you'd install Linux. Things wouldn't necessarily work properly. So, you'd then install the special kernel. Fortunately, they're packaged for various distros. (Click on the releases on the left and scroll down. The 'assets' can be expanded to show the different current versions for the various distos.)
Now, things may work just fine and that step wouldn't be required. You'd have to test first. If things work out of the box, you're good to go. That's not always the case.
If it was up to me, I'd stick to the major distros. They're going to have the most people behind them and going to hopefully have kernels with all the important bits tucked into them.
This is also worth a read
linuxvox.com
Linux on Surface Pro: A Comprehensive Guide
The Surface Pro, a versatile 2 - in - 1 device by Microsoft, offers a sleek design and powerful performance. While it comes pre - installed with Windows, many users are interested in running Linux on it to take advantage of the open - source ecosystem, customizability, and various software...
theLegionWithin
Well-Known Member
one thing to be aware of with the 2-in-1's is that you may lose auto-rotate - there was some discussion on that a few months ago --> https://www.linux.org/threads/screen-autorotate-for-2-in-1-laptop.56654/
otherwise it should absolutely handle just about any distro you throw at it.
otherwise it should absolutely handle just about any distro you throw at it.
