Hi everyone,
this is a simple guide for new users who want to install Zorin OS on a self-built desktop PC, gaming PC, or custom-built machine.
Many people build their own computers with different parts: motherboard, CPU, graphics card, RAM, NVMe SSDs, Wi-Fi cards, Bluetooth adapters, sound chips, RGB controllers, and sometimes special BIOS/UEFI settings.
That is great, but it also means that every custom PC can be a little different.
Before formatting anything or installing Zorin OS permanently, I strongly recommend testing the system first from the USB stick.
When you boot from the Zorin OS USB drive, choose the option to try Zorin OS first. This allows you to run Zorin from the USB without installing it on the computer.
Before installing, check these things in the live session:
Does the desktop load correctly?
Does the screen resolution look normal?
Does the mouse and keyboard work?
Does Wi-Fi work?
Does Bluetooth work?
Does sound work?
Can you see your internal drives?
Can you open the file manager?
Does the system freeze or crash?
If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, does the normal boot option work, or do you need the NVIDIA / safe graphics option?
This simple test can save a lot of trouble before touching your Windows installation or your partitions.
For self-built gaming PCs, it is also useful to make a small hardware checklist before asking for help. For example:
Motherboard model
CPU model
Graphics card model
RAM amount
SSD / NVMe / HDD setup
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth card model
BIOS/UEFI mode: UEFI or Legacy
Secure Boot: enabled or disabled
Fast Boot: enabled or disabled
Disk style: GPT or MBR
Graphics: NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel
Windows version, if dual boot is planned
This information helps the community understand the machine much faster.
A common problem with gaming PCs is the graphics card, especially newer NVIDIA cards. If the installer shows a black screen, freezes, or has display problems, try booting the USB with the NVIDIA driver option or safe graphics option if available. After installation, the correct NVIDIA driver can usually be installed or confirmed through Additional Drivers.
Also check your BIOS/UEFI settings before installing. For modern systems, UEFI and GPT are usually the cleaner setup. Legacy/MBR can still work, but it can create limitations, especially with partitions and dual boot.
If Windows is already installed and you want dual boot, disable Windows Fast Startup first. Also make a backup of important files before changing partitions.
Very important:
Do not format anything until you are sure which drive and partition you are using.
Do not delete Windows partitions unless you really want to remove Windows.
Do not continue if the installer shows warnings you do not understand.
Take a photo of the installer screen and ask the forum first.
The main point is simple:
With a normal factory laptop, the hardware is usually more predictable.
With a self-built gaming PC, the hardware combination can be unique.
So before installing Zorin OS permanently, test it from USB, check the hardware, write down the important system details, and only then continue with installation.
That way, if a problem appears, the community can help much faster and more safely.
Best regards,
Daniel
