Starting Your Computer from the FreshMint Stick
If your computer normally starts Windows instead of the FreshMint Stick, don’t worry. This is perfectly normal.
Most computers are set to start from the internal hard drive first. To use the FreshMint Stick, you simply need to tell your computer to start from the USB drive instead.
This process only takes a few minutes.
Step 1 – Insert the USB
- Turn your computer completely off.
- Insert your FreshMint Stick into a USB port.
- Turn the computer back on.
Step 2 – Enter the BIOS / UEFI Settings
As soon as you switch your computer on, repeatedly press the correct key until the BIOS (sometimes called UEFI) opens.
The correct key depends on your computer manufacturer.
| Manufacturer | BIOS / UEFI Key | Boot Menu Key |
|---|---|---|
| Acer | F2 | F12 |
| ASUS | F2 | Esc or F8 |
| Dell | F2 | F12 |
| HP | Esc then F10 | Esc then F9 |
| Lenovo | F1 or F2 | F12 |
| MSI | Delete | F11 |
| Toshiba | F2 | F12 |
If your computer starts Windows, simply restart and try again.
Don’t worry if it takes a couple of attempts. Even experienced users sometimes miss the correct timing.
Step 3 – Disable Secure Boot
Some computers include a security feature called Secure Boot.
Secure Boot is designed to stop unauthorised operating systems from starting. Unfortunately, it can also prevent Linux Mint from booting.
This setting is often found under one of these menus:
- Security
- Boot
- Authentication
- Advanced
Change Secure Boot from Enabled to Disabled.
If you cannot find this option, don’t panic. Every computer manufacturer places it in a slightly different location.
If necessary, search online for:
Disable Secure Boot + your computer model
For example:
- Disable Secure Boot Dell Inspiron 5515
- Disable Secure Boot HP Pavilion 15
Step 4 – Start from the USB Drive
While still in the BIOS or UEFI settings, find the Boot section.
Your computer may provide one of several ways to start from the USB:
- A one-time Boot Override
- A Boot Priority list
- A Boot Order menu
Select your Stick Lane USB, or move the USB drive to the top of the boot list.
Save your changes and restart the computer if required.
Your computer should now start from the FreshMint Stick
Step 5 – Linux Mint Starts
If everything has gone well, Linux Mint will now load.
Nothing has been installed on your computer yet.
At this stage you can safely:
- Explore Linux Mint
- Browse the internet
- Recover important files
- Check that your hardware works
- Decide later whether you want to install Linux Mint permanently
Simply running Linux Mint from the USB does not change your existing Windows installation.
Troubleshooting
My computer still starts Windows
- Make sure the USB was inserted before switching the computer on.
- Check that the USB is recognised in the BIOS.
- Try a different USB port.
- Save any BIOS changes before exiting.
- Restart and try again.
I cannot find Secure Boot
Every manufacturer places this setting in a different location.
If you’re unsure, search for:
Disable Secure Boot + your computer model
or visit the Stick Lane Support Centre for more help.
The USB still will not start
Some computers require additional BIOS settings to be changed.
Visit the Stick Lane Support Centre where we are building manufacturer-specific guides with screenshots and step-by-step instructions.
As our support library grows, this page will be updated with more detailed guides for Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, ASUS and many other manufacturers.