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Surface Pro Ubuntu

By Ashley

November 15, 2024

3 min read

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Surface Pro Ubuntu

Embarking on the journey of installing Ubuntu on a Surface Pro can be an exciting adventure for tech enthusiasts. The Surface Pro Ubuntu combination offers a powerful and versatile computing experience, blending the portability of a Surface Pro with the flexibility and customization of Ubuntu. This guide will walk you through the process of installing Ubuntu on your Surface Pro, from preparation to post-installation tweaks.

Table of Contents

Preparation

Before diving into the installation process, it's crucial to prepare your Surface Pro and gather the necessary tools. Here are the steps to ensure a smooth setup:

Backup Your Data: Always back up important data to avoid any loss during the installation process.
Create a Bootable USB Drive: Download the latest Ubuntu ISO file and use a tool like Rufus or Etcher to create a bootable USB drive.
Enable Developer Mode: On your Surface Pro, go to Settings > Update & Security > For developers and enable Developer mode. This step is essential for booting from USB.
Disable Secure Boot: In the BIOS settings, disable Secure Boot to allow Ubuntu to boot properly.

Installing Ubuntu on Surface Pro

With your Surface Pro prepared, you can now proceed with the installation of Ubuntu. Follow these detailed steps:

Boot from USB

Insert the bootable USB drive into your Surface Pro and restart the device. Press and hold the volume-down button while powering on to access the boot menu. Select the USB drive from the boot menu to start the Ubuntu installation process.

Install Ubuntu

Once you boot from the USB drive, you will see the Ubuntu installation screen. Follow these steps:

Select Language: Choose your preferred language and click "Continue".
Keyboard Layout: Select your keyboard layout and click "Continue".
Updates and Other Software: Choose the option to install updates and third-party software for a smoother experience.
Installation Type: Select "Erase disk and install Ubuntu" if you want a clean installation. If you prefer dual-boot, choose "Something else" and manually partition your drive.
Time Zone: Set your time zone and click "Continue".
User Information: Enter your name, computer name, username, and password. Click "Continue" to start the installation.

The installation process will take some time. Once completed, your Surface Pro will restart, and you will boot into Ubuntu.

Post-Installation Tweaks

After installing Ubuntu on your Surface Pro, there are a few tweaks and adjustments you can make to optimize your experience. These include:

Installing Proprietary Drivers

To ensure all hardware components work correctly, install the necessary proprietary drivers. Open a terminal and run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo ubuntu-drivers autoinstall

This will automatically install the recommended drivers for your Surface Pro.

Enabling Touchscreen

Surface Pro devices come with a touchscreen, and you might need to enable it manually. Open a terminal and run:

sudo apt install xserver-xorg-input-wacom

Reboot your device to apply the changes.

Configuring the Trackpad

The trackpad on Surface Pro devices can be configured for better performance. Install the necessary packages:

sudo apt install xserver-xorg-input-libinput

Edit the configuration file to enable natural scrolling and other settings:

sudo nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/40-libinput.conf

Add the following lines to the file:

Section "InputClass"
    Identifier "libinput touchpad catchall"
    MatchIsTouchpad "on"
    MatchDevicePath "/dev/input/event*"
    Driver "libinput"
    Option "Tapping" "on"
    Option "NaturalScrolling" "true"
EndSection

Save the file and reboot your device.

Installing Surface Pro Specific Packages

There are specific packages designed to enhance the performance and compatibility of Ubuntu on Surface Pro devices. Install them using the following commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:yannubuntu/boot-repair
sudo apt update
sudo apt install boot-repair

This package includes tools to repair boot issues and optimize performance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While installing Ubuntu on a Surface Pro is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues. Here are solutions to common problems:

Boot Issues

If your Surface Pro fails to boot into Ubuntu, try the following steps:

Check Boot Order: Ensure the USB drive is selected as the primary boot device.
Disable Secure Boot: Make sure Secure Boot is disabled in the BIOS settings.
Use Boot Repair: If the issue persists, use the Boot Repair tool to fix boot problems.

Touchscreen Not Working

If the touchscreen is not functioning correctly, ensure you have installed the necessary drivers. Run the following command:

sudo apt install xserver-xorg-input-wacom

Reboot your device to apply the changes.

Wi-Fi Not Connecting

If you encounter issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, try the following steps:

Install Drivers: Ensure you have installed the necessary drivers for your Wi-Fi adapter.
Check Network Settings: Verify that your network settings are correctly configured.
Restart Network Manager: Restart the network manager service using the following command:

sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

If the issue persists, consider using a wired connection or a USB Wi-Fi adapter.

💡 Note: Always ensure your Surface Pro is fully charged or connected to a power source during the installation process to avoid any interruptions.

💡 Note: If you encounter any issues during the installation, refer to the Ubuntu forums or community support for additional help.

In conclusion, installing Ubuntu on a Surface Pro can significantly enhance your computing experience by combining the portability of a Surface Pro with the flexibility and customization of Ubuntu. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully install Ubuntu on your Surface Pro and enjoy a powerful, versatile, and efficient computing environment. The post-installation tweaks and troubleshooting tips provided will help you optimize your setup and resolve any common issues that may arise. With a bit of patience and the right tools, you can transform your Surface Pro into a Surface Pro Ubuntu powerhouse, ready to handle any task you throw at it.

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