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    Install Ubuntu on a Mac (Intel & M1/M2) – 2025 Guide

    Team_TGHBlogBy Updated:No Comments4 Mins Read

    Installing Ubuntu on a Mac can breathe new life into older Intel machines or give you access to powerful Linux tooling alongside macOS on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3). In 2025, the process is easier than ever, but the method differs depending on whether your Mac is Intel-based or running Apple Silicon.

    👉 Quick answer:

    • Intel Mac → Create a bootable USB and install natively (dual-boot or full).
    • Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) → The easiest path is virtualizing with UTM; advanced users can experiment with Asahi Linux for native dual-boot.

    This guide walks you step by step through both setups.

    Requirements

    Before you begin, make sure you have:

    • A Mac (Intel or Apple Silicon)
    • Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ISO (choose amd64 for Intel, arm64 for Apple Silicon)
    • A USB flash drive (8 GB or larger)
    • balenaEtcher (free tool to flash ISO to USB)
    • Optional (Apple Silicon): UTM app or Asahi Linux installer
    • Optional: External SSD for more storage and performance

    💡 Tip: Always back up your data before partitioning. On laptops, plug into power during the install.

    A) Installing Ubuntu on Intel Macs — Native Dual-Boot

    Older Intel-based Macs are well supported by Ubuntu, and you can install it natively either alongside macOS or as the only OS.

    1) Download & Verify Ubuntu

    1. Go to the official Ubuntu website and grab Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Desktop, amd64).
    2. (Optional) Verify the checksum to ensure your download isn’t corrupted.

    2) Create the Installer

    1. Install balenaEtcher on macOS.
    2. Select Flash from File, choose the Ubuntu ISO, select your USB stick, and click Flash.

    3) Boot from USB

    1. Restart your Mac and hold Option (⌥).
    2. Select the USB labeled EFI Boot.

    4) Install Ubuntu

    • Choose your language and keyboard.
    • Select Try Ubuntu if you want to test without changes, or Install Ubuntu to proceed.
    • For dual-boot, select Install alongside macOS. The wizard will resize your macOS partition safely.
    • For Linux-only, back up macOS first, then choose Erase disk and install Ubuntu.

    5) Post-Install Setup

    • Open Software & Updates → Additional Drivers for Wi-Fi or graphics firmware.
    • Improve battery life by installing tlp, dimming the keyboard backlight, and disabling unused services.
    • For Retina displays, enable HiDPI scaling: Settings → Displays → Scale (e.g., 200%).

    B) Installing Ubuntu on Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3)

    Apple’s M-series chips use a different architecture (ARM), which makes native Linux installation more complex. You have two main paths:

    Option 1 — UTM Virtualization (Recommended for Most)

    UTM uses Apple’s virtualization framework to run Linux smoothly inside macOS.

    1. Install UTM from its official site.
    2. Create a new Virtualize → Linux VM and attach the Ubuntu arm64 ISO.
    3. Allocate 6–8 GB RAM and 4–6 vCPUs depending on your Mac’s resources.
    4. Install Ubuntu inside the VM.
    5. Enable shared folders and clipboard sync for convenience.

    👉 Why UTM? It’s simple, fast, and doesn’t risk your macOS installation. Perfect for coding, testing, or experimenting.

    Option 2 — Asahi Linux (Advanced Dual-Boot)

    Asahi Linux is a community project that brings native Linux to Apple Silicon.

    • GPU drivers are now stable enough for daily use.
    • Power management, audio, and some macOS-only features may still differ.
    • The Asahi installer guides you through partitioning and setting up dual-boot with macOS.

    👉 Choose this path only if you’re comfortable with potential trade-offs.

    Common Fixes

    • USB won’t boot (Intel): Re-flash with Etcher and try a different USB port or stick.
    • No Wi-Fi/BT (Intel): Install proprietary drivers from Additional Drivers.
    • Battery drains fast: Install tlp, update kernel/firmware, and close background apps.
    • HiDPI too small: Increase scaling to 150–200% in display settings.

    Recommended Gear (Optional)

    • External SSD (USB-C) → faster performance for VMs or dual-boot installs
    • USB-C hub with HDMI + Ethernet → for reliable connectivity
    • Linux-friendly keyboard & mouse → avoids driver issues

    Why Install Ubuntu on a Mac in 2025?

    • Extend lifespan: Older Intel Macs get a second life with Linux.
    • Developer tools: Native Docker, containerization, and open-source stacks.
    • Performance: Linux is lightweight and often faster on aging hardware.
    • Flexibility: Dual-boot lets you keep macOS while exploring Linux.
    • Security & freedom: No locked ecosystem—you control your system.

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