Pop!_OS 21.10 was released and saw the introduction of GNOME 40, Linux kernel 5.15. This Pop!_OS release also introduces a New App Library, and a more excellent search window replaced the full-screen app menu and all the regular updates seen in Ubuntu 21.10 short-term release.
In the following tutorial, you will learn to install Pop!_OS 21.10 on a fresh PC using a USB Bootable Disk.
Table of Contents
Prerequisites
- RAM: 1GB Minimum / 4GB+ Recommended
- Storage: 8GB Minimum / 16GB+ Recommended
- Display: Minimum 1024 x 768 / 1440 x 900 or higher Recommended
- Bootable Media: Bootable DVD-ROM / Bootable USB Drive
- Internet connection
Download Pop!_OS 21.10 Disk Image
The first task is to visit the official site and download the desktop version of Pop!_OS 21.10. You have three choices, and most would elect for the standard 21.10 version.
However, if your PC has a dedicated NVIDIA graphics card, the second option would be better suited.
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Create Bootable USB Drive
The next step after you have downloaded your choice of Pop!_OS 21.10 disk image is to create it into a bootable USB so you can proceed with the installation. Currently, a lot of options exist with Rufus or balenaEtcher.
The tutorial will use balenaEtcher as it is free, well supported, and straightforward. Another benefit is that the program is supported on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
First, visit the downloads page and download the latest version that suits your operating system.
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Next, install the application. For Windows and macOS users, the installation process is easy and automated. However, for users that are on existing Linux distributions, it is a little more complicated.
Download the .zip archive and extract the file, leaving you a folder. Enter this folder and right-click the App Image.
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Different Linux distributions may look other with “run” replaced by “open with archive manager” but with the same principle. Also, this tool can be installed using various repositories, but for the tutorial’s sake, the manual method is shown only.
Once you have opened the balenaEtcher select flash from file:
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Next, click on “Select Target” and choose the USB drive. If a boot disk already exists, belenaEtcher will wipe it during the process.
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Once done, click on the Flash button to create the Pop!_OS 21.10 USB boot disk.
A progress bar will show. Usually, depending on the speed of the USB, this process takes 1 minute to 5. The process should be over quickly, and a notification will appear along with the USB being renamed.
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Restart PC and Enter BOOT Mode.
The next step is to insert the USB into the target PC and turn it on. Some PCs have dedicated hotkeys to launch from USB, but this is on the manufacture, and there are many different types out there. A hint would be to research your make and module about loading from bootable drives.
Another handy tip usually is F1, F2, F10, F11, or F12 can lead into the boot settings, if not the bios, and change the boot sequence. Some designs are dead set easy, and others are complicated, again make sure to do some research first.
Install Pop!_OS 21.10 From USB Bootable Drive
Once you have the USB bootable drive-in, start your PC, which will eventually take you to the first optional choice window.
Select a Language
Select your “Language” by scrolling down the list if needed. Once chosen, click the Select button.
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Select a Region
Select your “Region” by scrolling down the list if needed. Once chosen, click the Select button.
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Select Keyboard Layout
Select your “Keyboard Layout” by scrolling down the list if needed. Once chosen, click the Select button.
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Select Install Method
For most users, selecting “Clean Install” should be adequate and recommended.
For users that require custom configuration, select “Custom (Advanced),” which will allow you to set partitions.
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Select Hard Drive
Select the Hard-Drive to which you will install your Pop!_OS 21.10 image. Once selected, click on the “Erase and Install” button.
Users who created partitions must select the correct partition and not wipe out existing ones you are planning to keep.
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Create User Account
For creating a new username, enter your full name or any name. Automatically this will suggest a username, and however, you can modify it afterward.
Once done, click on the Next button.
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Create Password for User Account
Next, create a unique and strong password for the user account.
Once done, click on the Next button.
Drive Encryption
Drive encryption is offered for users with sensitive data from being read by others with physical access, but this comes with drawbacks in read and write performance slowdowns when performing intensive tasks.
This should only be used if you require the utmost security. For most users, select “Don’t Encrypt.”
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Installation & Restart the Device
Once the Don’t Encrypt or Encrypt options have been chosen, the installation will proceed, and the process can take several minutes.
Once done, click on the Restart Device.
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Pop!_OS 21.10 First Time Setup
Welcome to Pop!_OS (Start of Setup)
The following section deals with the post-installation configuration options to customize your Pop!_OS desktop experience.
If you are in a hurry and skip most of the configuration options, you can go back on these and adjust them in the future.
To begin, click the “Next” button.
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Typing – Keyboard Setup
Next, select your keyboard method, which you can preview. This should be already set to your desired option, but you can confirm or adjust here.
Once done, click on the Next button.
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Select Dock Option
The dock option setting allows you to customize by dock by keeping it as the default, extending it further, or disabling it altogether. The most popular option is to select Dock extends to Edges.
Once done, click on the Next button.
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Configure Top Bar
Select the options you want to be seen or disabled with the top bar configuration. This can be changed later on, like the majority of the settings.
Once done, click on the Next button.
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Configure Applications Launcher
Select and configure the Applications Launcher options, this can be skipped, but for those with applications they are constantly using, this may be an option to set up.
Once done, click on the Next button.
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Configure Gestures
For users who can use finger swipe, you can configure the options for easier access here. For the majority, you will skip this part.
Once done, click on the Next button.
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Select Appearance.
Select an appearance, which can be previewed when selected in the window you are using. Traditionally, many will elect to keep the dark theme with the Pop!_OS look, but this is user choice.
Once done, click on the Next button.
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Configure Privacy Setting
By default, Location services are turned off, but if you require or want this on, you have the option here to do so.
Once done, click on the Next button.
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Select Time Zone
Set your time zone by either typing your city name in the search bar or select your location on the map by left-clicking. This will place a marker and automatically set your timezone.
Once done, click on the Next button.
Configure Online Accounts
Set up any online services listed for better integration with your Pop!_OS system. This can be skipped and is optional.
Once done, click on the Next button.
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All Done
With the post-installation complete, you can now use your Pop!_OS 21.10 system, and at this point, you have finished the installation. All options covered above post-installation can be modified or configured later on.
Once done, click on the Start Using Pop!_OS.
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Update Pop!_OS 21.10 (Highly Recommended)
Now that you are finally on your Pop!_OS 21.10 desktop, you are eager to use your system. First, open your terminal, clicking the terminal box in your navbar.
Optionally, use the search function in your show applications menu to find the terminal.
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Now that you are in your terminal, you will use the following commands below to check for updates.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeNote, you may be prompted to enter your password.
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Type Y, then press the ENTER KEY to proceed with the update.
A handy application to install is the “needrestart package” for users new to Linux. This will inform you if any updates require services to be automatically rebooted and will proceed to do it for you or if you need to reboot your PC.
In your terminal, use the following command.
sudo apt install needrestart -ySituational – Install Open VM Tools
For users installing Pop!_OS distributions on a virtual machine, you will need to install the package VMware tools. In your terminal, use the following command.
sudo apt install open-vm-tools-desktop -yOnce installed, you will need to restart your PC, which you can do instantly by using the following command in your terminal.
sudo rebootComments and Conclusion
The tutorial has shown you how to install the latest Pop!_OS 21.10 release that follows Ubuntu release cycles. Overall, Pop!_OS 21.10 is the last short-term release before Pop!_OS 22.04 LTS which is expected a mid-next year and is looking good this release for users seeking better performance UI Improvements from Pop!_OS 21.04.
