What you'll need

• A computer capable of running HyperionOS  (See system requirements)
• A USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage (16 GB recommended) 
• (Optional) An external hard drive or cloud backup to save your personal files

System Requirements

HyperionOS is based on the latest Ubuntu Budgie LTS and runs well on both modern and older systems:

• Processor: Dual-core 2 GHz or faster (64-bit Intel or AMD)
• RAM: 4 GB or more
• Storage: Minimum 25 GB free disk space

• Graphics: VGA capable of 1024×768 resolution
• Boot Mode: Legacy BIOS is fully supported and tested, UEFI is experimental and may not boot on some systems
• Mac Compatibility: Works with most Intel-based Macs

Tip: Make sure Secure Boot is turned off in your BIOS/UEFI settings.

Download HyperionOS

If you haven’t already, download the latest HyperionOS ISO file from the link above.

• Keep the .iso file in your Downloads folder — you don’t need to extract or move it.
• You’ll use this file in the next step to create a bootable USB.

Tip: Verify the SHA-256 checksum of your downloaded ISO against the official file (available on SourceForge⁠) to ensure the file wasn’t tampered with.

Back Up Your Files (Optional)

While installing HyperionOS won't delete your files unless you choose to erase the entire disk, it’s always a good idea to back
up important data to a cloud service or external drive before continuing.

Create a Bootable USB

You will need to write the HyperionOS .iso file to your USB flash drive using an app called balenaEtcher. The computer that you use to do this can be different from the computer you plan to install HyperionOS onto.

Warning: All contents on the USB drive will be erased. We recommend that you use an empty USB drive or back up the contents of your USB drive now.

Steps

• Plug in your USB flash drive (8 GB or larger).
• Open balenaEtcher.
• Click "Flash from file" and select your downloaded HyperionOS iso
• Click "Select target" and choose your USB drive.
• Click "Flash!" and wait for the process to complete.
• Once done, your USB is ready to boot HyperionOS.

Having issues with this step?

Instead of using balenaEtcher, try writing the HyperionOS file to a USB flash drive with one of these alternatives:

• Rufus (Windows)
• Popsicle (Linux)
• USBImager
• EtchDroid (Android)

Boot from USB & Install

Now that your bootable USB is ready, follow these steps to install HyperionOS:

• Shut down the computer you want to install HyperionOS on.
• Insert the USB stick.
• Power it on, and immediately press the key for the Boot Menu:
  • On most PCs: F12, Esc, F2, or Del
  • On Macs: Hold the Option (⌥) key during startup  
  • For some wireless keyboards you may need to use a USB keyboard instead.
• In the Boot Menu, choose the option that mentions USB, EFI, or the flash drive's brand.
  • On Macs, the install drive my incorrectly identified as “Windows”, which is normal.
• Press Enter to boot from the USB.
• At the boot menu, select “Try or Install HyperionOS” and press Enter.