How to install Gentoo from a USB drive
This guide covers installing Gentoo from a bootable USB drive. Gentoo expects some comfort with documentation. If this is your first Linux system, try a beginner-friendly distribution on a live USB first, then come back. Because this is a rolling release, run a full update right after installing and keep doing so regularly. Make a backup before large updates.
Before you begin
- Back up anything you care about. See how to back up before installing Linux.
- Check you have about 4 GB of RAM or more, and a spare 20 GB or more of disk space for a desktop install.
- Plug a laptop into power so it cannot shut down part-way.
- Have your Gentoo bootable USB drive ready.
Install steps
- Insert the USB drive and restart. Open the boot menu (see boot menu keys by brand) and choose the USB drive.
- When Gentoo starts, use a manual installation to begin. If it offers a live session, test Wi-Fi, sound and graphics first.
- Choose your language, keyboard layout and time zone.
- Choose where to install. To keep another system, see dual booting. To use the whole disk, pick the erase-disk option and confirm only when you are sure.
- Create your user name and a strong password, then start the installation.
- When it finishes, remove the USB drive and restart into Gentoo.
After installing
Rolling releases never need a big upgrade, but they do need regular updates.
To update Gentoo from a terminal, run:
sudo emerge --sync && sudo emerge --ask --update --deep --newuse @world
If it will not start
- Try turning off Secure Boot if the drive is ignored.
- Check UEFI vs Legacy settings.
- Read how to fix a USB drive that will not boot.
Want to know more first? Read what Gentoo is and who it is for.
Installing software on Gentoo
Gentoo uses Portage. These commands search for a program and install it (replace name with the program):
emerge --search name sudo emerge --ask name
Most desktop systems also have a graphical software store. See how to install software on Linux.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the installation take?
Most installs take 20 to 40 minutes, plus time to start from the USB drive and apply updates afterwards. Older computers and USB 2.0 drives take longer.
Will installing Gentoo delete my files?
It depends on the option you choose. The erase-disk option removes everything on that disk. Installing alongside another system keeps it, but you should still back up first.
What size USB drive do I need?
A drive of 8 GB or more is enough for most distributions, and 16 GB gives room for extras. See how to pick the right USB drive size.
Do I need to turn off Secure Boot?
Many mainstream distributions start with Secure Boot on, but not all do. If the USB drive is ignored or you see a security error, turn Secure Boot off temporarily in your firmware settings.
How do I update Gentoo afterwards?
Run sudo emerge --sync && sudo emerge --ask --update --deep --newuse @world in a terminal, or use the graphical update tool.