How to Download and Install Qubes OS for Maximum Security (For Beginners)

This guide will take you step by step through downloading and installing Qubes OS. We will focus on the most secure setup possible for beginners who have no prior knowledge. If you're an advanced user, you might find more value in reading the official Qubes OS documentation here, which covers more complex configurations.

What is Qubes OS?

Qubes OS is a security-focused operating system that separates programs and processes into isolated virtual machines (VMs). This means your work in one "qube" won't affect the others, giving you an extra layer of security against malware or hacking, usually this is isolated by hardware not a software layer.

What You Need:

A USB stick (minimum size: 16GB):
- This will be used to install Qubes OS.
A second USB stick (minimum size: 8GB, recommended: 16GB):
- This will hold your Qubes OS installer.
A computer that supports Qubes OS:
- Qubes requires specific hardware (details below).
An internet connection:
- You'll need to download the Qubes OS image.

Hardware Requirements

Qubes OS is resource-intensive. Here's what your computer should have:

64-bit processor: Intel or AMD.
At least 16GB of RAM: 32GB is recommended for smooth operation.
SSD with at least 256GB of storage: Qubes needs space for multiple VMs.
Graphics compatibility: Qubes supports Intel, AMD, and some NVIDIA GPUs.

To check if your computer is compatible, visit the Hardware Compatibility List, you may need to by specific hardware in order to use Qubes OS.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Download Qubes OS

Go to the Qubes OS website:
- Open your browser and visit https://www.qubes-os.org/downloads/.
Choose the latest stable version:
- Select the most recent stable version of Qubes OS. Download the ISO file.
Verify the Qubes ISO file (Important):```
NOTE: Verifying files can seem intimidating, but the instructions are clear and detailed. Don't skip this step—it's essential for security.
```
- Follow the instructions on the Qubes website to verify the authenticity of the file you downloaded. This is critical to ensure you’re not installing a tampered file.

Step 2: Create a Qubes OS Installation USB Stick

Insert your second USB stick:
- Plug the second USB stick into your computer. This stick will hold the Qubes installer.
Use Rufus (Windows) or Balena Etcher (macOS/Linux):
- Windows: Download Rufus to create a bootable USB.
- macOS/Linux: Download Balena Etcher.
Create the bootable USB:```
WARNING: This will erase everything on the USB stick, so ensure it's empty or contains nothing important.
```
- Open Rufus or Balena Etcher.
- Select the Qubes ISO file you downloaded earlier.
- Choose the second USB stick as the destination.
- Start the process to create the bootable USB stick.
Wait for the process to finish:
- This may take a few minutes, depending on your USB stick’s speed.

Step 3: Boot from the USB Stick

Reboot your computer:
- Leave the USB stick plugged in and restart your computer.
Access the boot menu:
- As your computer restarts, press the key to enter the boot menu. This is usually Esc, F12, F10, or Del. Refer to your computer’s manual if unsure.
Select the USB stick:
- In the boot menu, choose the USB stick you just created and press Enter to boot from it.
Start the Qubes OS installer:
- Your computer should now boot into the Qubes OS installer.

Step 4: Install Qubes OS

Choose your language:
- On the first screen, select your preferred language and click Continue.
Partitioning (Leave it default):
- The installer will guide you through the disk partitioning process. For beginners, it’s best to leave everything as default.
Select installation target:
- Choose the disk you want to install Qubes on. If your computer has only one disk, it will be selected automatically.
Encryption (Highly Recommended):```
NOTE: Encryption will require you to set a password. Choose a strong password that you can remember, but is difficult to guess.
```
- You should enable full-disk encryption. This will protect all your data, even if someone physically steals your laptop.
Start installation:
- Click Install to begin the process. This will take some time depending on your computer’s speed.
Set up root password:
- During the installation, you'll be asked to set up a root password (administrator account). Choose something secure.

Step 5: Set Up Qubes OS

Reboot your computer:
- After the installation completes, remove the USB stick and reboot your computer.
First-time setup:
- After rebooting, Qubes will guide you through some additional setup steps:
  - Configure network settings (optional).
  - Set up default qubes (recommended).
Understand the basics of qubes:
- Each qube represents an isolated environment. By default, you'll have a few essential qubes, such as:
  - Work qube: For work-related activities.
  - Personal qube: For personal use.
  - Tor Browser qube: For anonymous browsing.
  - Disposable qube: For temporary activities that don’t leave traces.

Security Tips for Beginners

Keep Qubes updated:
- Regularly update Qubes and all your qubes for the latest security patches.
Separate tasks into qubes:
- Use different qubes for different activities (e.g., work, browsing, sensitive data) to maintain strong security practices.
Enable backups:
- Set up regular backups of your qubes to an external drive or secure location.

Troubleshooting

Issue: Qubes won’t boot from USB?

Ensure your USB stick is properly inserted.
Try another USB port.
Restart and check the boot order in your BIOS/UEFI settings.

Issue: Installation fails?

Verify your hardware meets the Qubes OS requirements.
Try creating the bootable USB again.

What’s Next?

In this guide, you’ve installed Qubes OS. In future guides, you will learn how to manage qubes, set up secure workflows, and install applications with proper isolation. Stay tuned for more!

If you’re an advanced user, check out the official Qubes OS Installation Guide for more in-depth instructions.

You are now ready to use Qubes OS, one of the most secure operating systems available today. 🎉