ManxOS

Simple install guide

Download, write a USB, boot the live session, and install ManxOS in under 10 minutes.

This guide explains how to download, write, and install ManxOS on a PC.

System requirements

ResourceMinimumRecommended
CPU64-bit x86 (Intel/AMD)Dual-core or better
RAM2 GB4–8 GB
Disk25 GB free50 GB+ SSD
Display1024×7681920×1080
FirmwareBIOS or UEFIUEFI with Secure Boot optional

ManxOS includes common firmware packages for reclaimed business laptops and desktops (Intel/AMD microcode, linux-firmware, SOF audio firmware).

1. Get the ISO

  1. Download the latest hybrid ISO from the Download page when public builds are published (coming soon).
  2. Download the matching .sha256 file.
  3. Verify the checksum.
sha256sum -c manxos-*.iso.sha256

2. Create a bootable USB

Linux

# Identify the USB device carefully (e.g. /dev/sdX — not a partition)
sudo wipefs -a /dev/sdX
sudo dd if=manxos-0.1.0-alpha-amd64.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress oflag=sync

Or use Ventoy, KDE ISO Image Writer, or balenaEtcher.

Windows

Use Rufus or balenaEtcher. Select DD / Image mode if prompted.

macOS

# diskutil list  → identify diskN
sudo dd if=manxos-*.iso of=/dev/rdiskN bs=4m

3. Boot the installer media

  1. Insert the USB and power on.
  2. Open the boot menu (often F12, F10, or Esc — vendor specific).
  3. Select the USB device (UEFI entry preferred).
  4. Choose ManxOS Live from the boot menu.

Troubleshooting boot

IssueWhat to try
Secure Boot blocks USBTemporarily disable Secure Boot in firmware, or use a signed media path when available
No USB in boot menuEnable legacy/CSM if needed; try another port (USB 2.0)
Wi-Fi missing in live sessionConnect Ethernet if available; note model for a hardware issue report

4. Try before installing

The live session runs KDE Plasma without changing your disk. Explore apps and check Wi‑Fi/hardware. Launch ManxOS Welcome from the menu for links and tips.

5. Install ManxOS

  1. From the application menu, open Install ManxOS (Calamares).
  2. Follow the steps: language, keyboard, partitions, user account.
  3. For dual-boot, use “Alongside” / manual partitioning carefully.
  4. When finished, reboot and remove the USB.

Partition tips

  • Erase disk — simplest for dedicated ManxOS machines.
  • Manual — create EFI System Partition (≈512 MB, FAT32) on UEFI systems, plus root (ext4) and optional home/swap.
  • Encryption is available via Calamares when enabled in the partition module.

6. First boot

  • Sign in with the user you created.
  • The welcome experience may offer to enable the firewall (UFW).
  • Run updates:
sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade
  • Optional Flatpak apps:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
flatpak search <app>

Locale & keyboard (Isle of Man)

Set language, region, and keyboard in System Settings → Regional Settings / Input Devices. British English layouts cover most Island use; add other layouts as needed.

Privacy-oriented defaults

  • Crash reporting (Apport) is off by default.
  • Snap is minimized; prefer APT and Flatpak.
  • Firefox ships with tracking protection and telemetry-related policies disabled.

You can change any of these after install.

Getting help

Download ManxOS ← All docs