# Installing NixOS {#sec-installation}

## Booting from the install medium {#sec-installation-booting}

To begin the installation, you have to boot your computer from the install drive.

1.   Plug in the install drive. Then turn on or restart your computer.

2.   Open the boot menu by pressing the appropriate key, which is usually shown
     on the display on early boot.
     Select the USB flash drive (the option usually contains the word "USB").
     If you choose the incorrect drive, your computer will likely continue to
     boot as normal. In that case restart your computer and pick a
     different drive.

     ::: {.note}
     The key to open the boot menu is different across computer brands and even
     models. It can be [F12]{.keycap}, but also [F1]{.keycap},
     [F9]{.keycap}, [F10]{.keycap}, [Enter]{.keycap}, [Del]{.keycap},
     [Esc]{.keycap} or another function key. If you are unsure and don't see
     it on the early boot screen, you can search online for your computers
     brand, model followed by "boot from usb".
     The computer might not even have that feature, so you have to go into the
     BIOS/UEFI settings to change the boot order. Again, search online for
     details about your specific computer model.

     For Apple computers with Intel processors press and hold the [⌥]{.keycap}
     (Option or Alt) key until you see the boot menu. On Apple silicon press
     and hold the power button.
     :::

     ::: {.note}
     If your computer supports both BIOS and UEFI boot, choose the UEFI option.
     You will likely need to disable "Secure Boot" to use the UEFI option. The exact steps vary by device manufacturer but generally "Secure Boot" will be listed under "Boot", "Security" or "Advanced" in the BIOS/UEFI menu.
     :::

     ::: {.note}
     If you use a CD for the installation, the computer will probably boot from
     it automatically. If not, choose the option containing the word "CD" from
     the boot menu.
     :::

3.   Shortly after selecting the appropriate boot drive, you should be
     presented with a menu with different installer options. Leave the default
     and wait (or press [Enter]{.keycap} to speed up).

4.   The graphical images will start their corresponding desktop environment
     and the graphical installer, which can take some time. The minimal images
     will boot to a command line. You have to follow the instructions in
     [](#sec-installation-manual) there.

## Graphical Installation {#sec-installation-graphical}

The graphical installer is recommended for desktop users and will guide you
through the installation.

1.   In the "Welcome" screen, you can select the language of the Installer and
     the installed system.

     ::: {.tip}
     Leaving the language as "American English" will make it easier to search for
     error messages in a search engine or to report an issue.
     :::

2.   Next you should choose your location to have the timezone set correctly.
     You can actually click on the map!

     ::: {.note}
     The installer will use an online service to guess your location based on
     your public IP address.
     :::

3.   Then you can select the keyboard layout. The default keyboard model should
     work well with most desktop keyboards. If you have a special keyboard or
     notebook, your model might be in the list. Select the language you are most
     comfortable typing in.

4.   On the "Users" screen, you have to type in your display name, login name
     and password. You can also enable an option to automatically login to the
     desktop.

5.   Then you have the option to choose a desktop environment. If you want to
     create a custom setup with a window manager, you can select "No desktop".

     ::: {.tip}
     If you don't have a favorite desktop and don't know which one to choose,
     you can stick to either GNOME or Plasma. They have a quite different
     design, so you should choose whichever you like better.
     They are both popular choices and well tested on NixOS.