[SOLVED] Can I install Linux on a Microsoft Surface Model 1645

Duglas · 07-12-2019, 04:30 PM

Can I install Linux on a Microsoft Surface Model 1645?
The Surface displays "Windows Installation cannot proceed. To install windows, click OK to restart the computer and the restart the installation."

If I cannot install Linux I will throw the computer in the trash can.
The processor is an Intel Atom x7-Z8700.

scasey · 07-12-2019, 04:37 PM

How big is the SDD? How much RAM?

Duglas · 07-12-2019, 04:52 PM

Reviews for the Surface say 2Gb, but no real idea, until I get the computer started.
It is big enough to run Windows 8 (maybe 10).

64Gb

Timothy Miller · 07-12-2019, 08:04 PM

That's a surface 3, yeah, linux can install on it. Not all the hardware works 100% (pen and touchpad if you have the cover), but it will install and work. Given it's a lower end surface, it's not going to be blindingly fast.

frankbell · 07-12-2019, 08:26 PM

When I first saw this thread, I did a web search for "Microsoft Surface Model 1645" and turned up a number of articles about putting Linux on a Surface 3. Since I wasn't sure whether this was a Surface 3, I didn't respond.

Anyway, what I'm getting to is a web search should turn up a lot of helpful information.

Duglas · 07-13-2019, 12:29 PM

Thanks to all the responders.
Holding "volume +" while pressing "power on", gave me the option to turn off "secure boot" and then I was able to install Deepin, (a distro with good support for the touch screen).

Now I have remember how to mark this thread as "solved".