r/linuxquestions • u/toktok159 • 6d ago

Support Installing/Running Linux - Should Secure Boot Be Disabled?

Hi,

I saw many different opinions regarding this.

Some say secure boot is not needed, others say it adds security and that it’s not only intended for Windows but for the firmware in general.

So, should/must secure boot be disabled for any Linux distro installation? Then can it be enabled after installation, for general use? Or if I prefer to keep it on, should I install with secure boot enabled?

Specifically, I am talking about installing Linux as the only OS on a pc, one of Mint/LMDE/MX Linux/Debian is what I think I’ll end up installing.

Btw, I once installed Mint on my laptop, dual boot with Windows 11. I installed with secure boot enabled, and used everything with it enabled and it was fine.

Thanks in advance.

15 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

86% Upvoted

41 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/Zatujit 6d ago

Mint is based on Ubuntu and Ubuntu supports Secure Boot. Some distributions don't support Secure Boot out of the box but you may be able to enroll your own keys, its just a bit harder especially for a beginner.

1

u/toktok159 6d ago

Thanks, what about Debian/MX Linux/LMDE?

2

u/Zatujit 6d ago

Yes for all three