What Does It Mean to Get a Laptop With No OS?
An operating system (OS) is software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer applications and programs (TechTarget). It acts as an intermediary between computer hardware and end users, handling tasks like managing files, network connectivity, and peripheral devices. The OS is a key component of a computer system, providing the foundation on which applications can be run.
Most new laptops come with a pre-installed operating system such as Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, or Linux distributions. Getting a laptop with “no OS” means the laptop comes without any operating system pre-loaded. The hard drive is completely blank with no software installed.
Why Would You Want a Laptop With No OS?
There are a few key reasons why someone may want to buy a laptop without a pre-installed operating system:
Save money on the OS license – Laptops without Windows or macOS can be cheaper because you aren’t paying for the Microsoft or Apple license upfront. This saves $100-200 typically on the base cost of the laptop (Source: https://laptopwithlinux.com/laptop-without-windows-operating-system/).
Customize with your preferred Linux distro or other OS – Having no OS allows you to install exactly the software you want for your needs, whether that’s a lightweight Linux distro like Ubuntu or ChromeOS for simple web browsing (Source: https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-benefits-of-getting-a-laptop-without-a-Windows-operating-system).
Have more control over software and security – Without bloatware or restrictions from the OS vendor, you can fine-tune the OS, apps, and security settings as needed (Source: https://www.ebuyer.com/blog/2020/11/what-is-a-laptop-without-os/).
Where to Buy a Laptop With No OS
While most major manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Lenovo primarily sell laptops with Windows pre-installed, some models may be available without an operating system if you request it. However, options are often limited and it can be tricky to find on their sites. According to Reddit users, calling the sales department directly may yield better results if you want a specific model without an OS from these brands.
Large electronics retailers like Amazon and Newegg have dedicated sections for laptops without operating systems. These are often lower-end models intended for software development or installing Linux. For example, Newegg has a category for laptops with “No OS.” Sorting by specifications and price can help find suitable options.
For greater selection of higher-end Linux-focused laptops without Windows, check manufacturers like System76 and Slimbook. Their products are designed to run open-source software out of the box. While often more expensive, these companies cater specifically to the Linux community’s hardware needs.
How to Install an OS on a Blank Laptop
When you purchase a laptop without an operating system pre-installed, you will need to install your preferred OS yourself before you can start using the computer. There are several options to choose from:
- Windows – Most common choice, available in Home, Pro, and Enterprise versions. Download iso file and create bootable USB drive. Source
- MacOS – Only works with Apple hardware. Download from App Store and install.
- ChromeOS – Made by Google, very lightweight. Download image, write to USB, and boot.
- Linux distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, etc. – Open source OS, download iso and make live USB.
The general process to install an OS on a blank laptop is:
- Download the OS installation file and create bootable USB or DVD.
- Insert the bootable media and restart the laptop.
- Boot from the USB/DVD by selecting it in the boot menu.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to launch the OS installer.
- Select language, time zone, keyboard layout, etc.
- Choose which drive/partition to install OS to.
- Wait for files to copy and OS to configure.
- Eject installation media and reboot into new OS.
Be sure to check hardware compatibility, partition your drive, and have drivers ready before starting. With some patience, you can get any mainstream OS running smoothly on a blank laptop.
Choosing the Right OS for Your Needs
When selecting an operating system for a laptop with no pre-installed OS, you’ll want to consider a few key factors:
Usability – Some popular choices like Windows and macOS are designed for ease of use, while Linux distros like Ubuntu require more technical know-how. Consider your own comfort level.
Customization – Linux offers the most customization options, from UI tweaks to kernel updates. Windows 10 offers some personalization. macOS is quite locked down.
Compatibility – Windows has the widest compatibility with peripherals and software. Linux also has broad hardware support. macOS only works on Apple devices.
Some top options to consider include:
- Windows 10 – Most user-friendly and compatible (https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/best-operating-systems/)
- Ubuntu – Popular Linux distro that’s free and open source
- macOS – Simple but limited to Mac hardware
Evaluate your priorities like usability vs customization to choose the right OS for your needs.
Getting Device Drivers Without an Existing OS
Device drivers are critical for getting your hardware components to function properly. Without an operating system already installed, you will need to manually install drivers so that devices like your network card, graphics card, USB ports, and more will be compatible with whatever OS you choose to install later.
The most important driver you need is the chipset driver from the manufacturer of your laptop’s motherboard. This enables the basic functionality of your motherboard and CPU. You can typically find chipset drivers available for download from your laptop manufacturer’s support site if you search for your specific model.1
For other components like your network adapter, WiFi card, graphics card, and audio devices, you will need to identify the exact hardware models and search for the drivers online. The manufacturer’s websites usually offer the latest drivers. If not, sites like Station-Drivers allow you to look up drivers by the hardware ID or details. Once located, download the drivers to a USB drive.
With the necessary drivers on a USB drive, you can boot to the OS installation media and load the drivers during the OS installation process. The installation wizard in Windows, Linux, etc. will prompt you to load drivers if the OS doesn’t detect hardware automatically. This allows you to inject the drivers so that your devices will work properly once the OS is up and running.
Potential Challenges and Drawbacks
Purchasing a laptop without an operating system pre-installed does come with some potential downsides to consider:
No included technical support or recovery options – Unlike a laptop with Windows or macOS pre-installed, a blank laptop will not come with any technical support or built-in system recovery options from the manufacturer. If issues arise, you will likely need to troubleshoot and resolve them yourself.
Manual OS installation can be complex for some users – Installing an operating system yourself requires some technical knowledge and comfort with things like partitioning drives, formatting, and configuring system settings. Less tech-savvy users may find the OS installation process challenging. (Source)
Lack of bundled software – Without an OS, you won’t get any pre-loaded productivity or creative software. You’ll need to manually install everything you want, from office suites to photo editors and more.
FAQs About Laptops With No OS
Getting a laptop with no operating system installed can raise a lot of questions for first-time buyers. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What models allow you to customize with no OS? Many laptop manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Lenovo allow you to configure a laptop with no operating system during the ordering process.
Do I need an external disc drive? If you want to install an OS via disc, you’ll need an external USB optical drive, since most modern laptops don’t have internal disc drives.
How do I get device drivers? You can download drivers from the laptop manufacturer’s website and transfer them via USB drive. Some OS installations may detect and install some basic drivers automatically.
What if I want to return to factory settings? You would need to contact the manufacturer for OS restore media or recovery partition access. Having no OS prevents using built-in recovery options.
Is it hard to install an OS myself? With some technical know-how, installing an OS like Windows or Linux on a blank PC is very doable. But it’s more complex than a pre-installed OS you can setup out of the box.
Will I still get original software? Optionally removing the OS does not affect any other bundled proprietary software. You can install it yourself later if desired.
Do I get a discount for no OS? Models with no OS can be $50-$100 cheaper since the manufacturer doesn’t have to license the OS. Savings vary by vendor.
Recommended Laptops to Try Without an OS
When looking for a laptop to use without a pre-installed operating system, there are some models that are known to work particularly well for installing a fresh OS. Models from System76 and Dell are often recommended.
The System76 Lemur Pro is a lightweight Linux laptop that comes with either no OS pre-installed or System76’s own Pop!_OS Linux distribution [1]. The hardware is optimized for running Linux. You can order the Lemur Pro with no OS if you want to do a fresh install yourself.
Dell’s XPS 13 and XPS 15 Developer Edition laptops ship with Ubuntu Linux but let you install your preferred distro. These laptops are praised for having excellent Linux compatibility and support [2].
Overall, System76 and Dell laptops like the Lemur Pro, XPS 13, and XPS 15 provide a smooth out-of-box experience for installing and running Linux or another open-source OS.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Getting a laptop without an operating system pre-installed offers some unique benefits, but also comes with some challenges. On the plus side, choosing your own OS allows you to select the perfect one for your needs and avoid paying for an unwanted OS. You also get more control over the initial setup. However, installing an OS requires technical skill, and you’ll need to hunt down device drivers. Weighing the pros and cons will help determine if a blank laptop makes sense for you.
For those seeking flexibility and technical challenge, buying a laptop with no OS can be a great option. The System76 laptops we recommended offer a blank slate to then install Linux or whatever OS you prefer. For people wanting an out-of-box experience, a laptop with Windows or MacOS pre-installed will be a better fit. Evaluate your needs and technical skills to decide which route to take.
With the right research and preparation, getting a laptop without an operating system can give you more choice and control. But it does require extra effort upfront. Carefully consider whether the benefits outweigh the extra workload for your needs.