I am somewhere in between newbie and experienced with Linux. Currently I have this HP that I want to either dual boot or change entirely to LinuxMint. I was told by two persons that HP does not allow (or some HPs do not allow) installing Linux. Is this true?

Any help is appreciated.

I don't think so. But actually you can try to boot it from a live CD - without installation.

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I doubt that is true. I have 3 Linux systems installed on my HP along with windows 10 and it was no problem installing them.

Which windows version are you using?
Do you know if it is UEFI/GPT or a Legacy install?
In any case, you should first shrink your largest windows partition with the windows Disk Management tool to create unallocated space on which to install your Linux system, reboot and run chkdsk to verify you can still boot windows.

If you are using 8 or 10, you need to disable fastboot and anything related to hibernation on windows 10 before attempting to install because the partitions will not be mounted by the installer if they are hibernated.

Some detailed info on your HP hardware might help.

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They don't allow it in the sense that they will not support it. If you have any problems you will get no help from HP. I have heard of unconfirmed reports of hardware manufacturers denying support for even hardware fault, but again, it's hearsay.

You'll likely have to disable SecureBoot in UEFI (and this is not always true as many distros now have signed stubs). As pan stated, try a live USB or CD, and if it does not work at first, try (in order):
- check boot order
- making sure secure boot is disabled
- look for CSM (Legacy BIOS) in the UEFI settings and enable it

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yes disable fastboot in power settings advance, and in bios if it exist there also. to get into bios settings keep pressing either the esc or f10 key when you first turn on the computer. What do you have for a wifi adaptor?

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This is what I have:
Product name : HP Laptop 15-db0xxx
Product number : 4JB82UA#ABA
Processor name : AMD A9-9425 RADEON R5, 5 COMPUTE CORES 2C+3G

It has Windows 10. I have already disabled fast boot.

I think I remember it is UEFI.

I appreciate your answering - and all other answers here. Currently getting ready to move to another place in a few hours. When I get there I will answer more.

Shrink windows partition with windows disk management to make room for the linux install