How to Install Linux Mint on Lenovo IdeaPad S215 (Step by Step)

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Learn how to install Linux Mint on the Lenovo IdeaPad S215 with this complete, SEO-friendly step-by-step guide. Includes BIOS settings, USB creation, installation steps, troubleshooting, and performance tips.

Instal Linux Mint on old IdeaPad S215

Table of Contents

1. Prerequisites & Warnings

Before installing Linux Mint on the Lenovo IdeaPad S215, make sure to:

  • Back up all important files, as installation may overwrite data.
  • Charge the laptop to at least 50% and keep it plugged in.
  • Use Linux Mint Xfce or MATE for best performance on older hardware.
  • Decide if you plan to dual-boot with Windows.

2. Download Linux Mint & Create Bootable USB

Download the latest Linux Mint ISO (recommended: Xfce or MATE edition) and create a bootable USB drive.

Windows (Rufus)

  • Partition scheme: GPT (UEFI) or MBR (Legacy)
  • File system: FAT32

Linux (dd method)

sudo dd if=/path/to/linuxmint.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress oflag=sync

3. Configure BIOS / UEFI on IdeaPad S215

Enter BIOS by pressing F2 or using the Novo Button.

  • Disable Secure Boot.
  • Enable USB Boot.
  • Set Boot Mode to UEFI (recommended).
  • Disable Fast Boot.
  • Save changes and restart.

4. Boot Into Live Session

  1. Insert USB, press F12, and choose the USB drive.
  2. Select Start Linux Mint.
  3. Test Wi-Fi, audio, display, and touchpad.

5. Install Linux Mint

  1. Open the installer: Install Linux Mint.
  2. Select language and keyboard layout.
  3. Enable third-party drivers (recommended).
  4. Choose installation type: Erase disk, Install alongside Windows, or Something else.

Recommended UEFI Partitioning

  • EFI System Partition (ESP): 512 MB FAT32
  • root ( / ): 20–40 GB ext4
  • /home: remaining space
  • swap: optional (necessary for hibernation)

6. Post-Install Setup

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
  • Open Driver Manager and apply recommended drivers.
  • Configure language settings, themes, and touchpad.

7. Drivers, Wi-Fi & Optimization

Improve Battery Life

sudo apt install tlp tlp-rdw
sudo systemctl enable --now tlp

Check Hardware Info

lspci -nnk | grep -iA3 net
lspci -nnk | grep -iA3 vga

8. Dual-Boot With Windows

  1. Shrink Windows partition using Windows Disk Management.
  2. Disable Fast Startup in Windows.
  3. Install Linux Mint using the free space.
  4. If Windows is missing in GRUB:
sudo update-grub

9. Troubleshooting

Black Screen After Boot

Add nomodeset to GRUB temporarily:

nomodeset

No Sound

sudo apt install pavucontrol

Check System Errors

sudo journalctl -b -p err

10. Useful Commands

# System update
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

# Reinstall GRUB (UEFI)
sudo grub-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/boot/efi --bootloader-id=linuxmint
sudo update-grub


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