Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Debian 12 for Beginners and Experts

There are two ways to get Debian 12: the first is to upgrade from Debian 11, which is fast; however, the second way is to perform a clean installation on the hard disk. This process can cause doubts that will be clarified in this post because you will learn how to install Debian 12 step by step.

Debian 12 has only been with us for a few days, but already some users are expressing their approval of the changes introduced. It is not surprising since Debian has always been characterized as stable and solid, and maybe it is time to take the leap.

For this reason, many users take the opportunity to do a clean installation of the system to avoid problems and enjoy it to the fullest. Others may even be making the leap from Windows or simply want to try a new system.

No matter the case, the important thing is that Debian 12 has a fairly simple installer that will guide you step by step through each of the processes. However, you might want to take a look at the whole process first.

Before we start…

As I said before, Debian 12 has a simple-to-use installer. However, if it is your first time on Linux, I advise you to do two things: first, try it in a virtual machine thanks to VirtualBox; the second thing is that if you would dare to make a clean installation on your computer, you can make a backup of your data; if something goes wrong, at least you will not lose your data.

Another essential thing has to do with Debian installation images. If you have a good internet connection, then using a NetInstall image may be a good idea.

This image is lightweight, and during the process, you will be able to download the necessary packages. Ideal for computers with stable and low-resource connections.

There are other different images, such as Lives, that will let you test the system before installing it. It is possibly an ideal solution for many users.

There are also more complete images, like DVD images, which are heavier (4 GB) but have all the necessary packages to do an installation. It is recommended to have one in case of an emergency or where the computers do not have a good internet connection.

You can use either the NetInstall or DVD image to do this post. It is up to you, given the circumstances, which one to use.

Install Debian 12 BookWorm

As soon as the image loads and becomes bootable, you will see the first screen where you will be welcomed to the installer. There you will find the options to use the graphical installer or the normal installer. You can also find an accessible installer if you need it.

Installer Main Menu
Installer Main Menu

Choose Graphical Install and the second screen will load.

1.- Select the installation language and the keyboard layout.

Next, you can select the installation and system language. Debian 12 is translated into many languages, so it is unlikely that you will not find the one that suits you best.

Select the Debian Language
Select the Debian Language

Depending on the language you have selected, you will be shown a list of localizations. If your locale is not listed, you can pick other and continue with the process.

Select the current location
Select the current location

Now it is time to configure the keyboard layout. There is also a very long list of options available. It is unlikely that you will not find one that suits your keyboard.

Keyboard Layout
Keyboard Layout

When you have selected it, press Continue.

2.- Configuring the Network

Debian also allows you to configure the network during installation. In this case, it is best if the computer is connected to a network so that Debian can automatically configure the network interfaces.

At this step, the installer will prompt you to enter the Hostname

Enter your hostname during the installation
Enter your hostname during the installation

And then the Domain Name

Set the Domain Name
Set the Domain Name

This last step, you can leave blank if you will not associate one. In the case of private networks, make sure that all computers are in the same domain.

3. Set users and passwords

Now it is time to set the root user password.

This step is important because the root user has permissions over the entire system. It is recommended that you use a strong password to avoid leaks.

Creating the root user
Creating the root user

Repeat the password to confirm it, and click Continue.

Next, you can create the regular system user. This user will not have the same permissions as the root user, but is the one who will manipulate the system.

Type the full name of the user

Full name of the regular user
Full name of the regular user

Then, type the username.

Create Regular user
Create Regular user

Now it is time to set the password for the newly created user. It is also recommended that it be strong, unless it is a personal computer, in which case it can be a little weaker.

The password for the user
The password for the user

4. Partition Disks

Now comes the most significant part of the installation. The hard disk.

In the partition’s menu, there are several options.

Disk partitions
Disk partitions

If you are going to install Debian 12 on the entire disk, regardless of partitions or sizes, then the easiest option is the first one Guided – use entire disk. If you click on it, the only thing you have to do is define the hard disk where the process will be done, and the installer will do the rest.

But you probably want to have a little more control over the partitions. In this case, you have to click on Manual.

Manual partitioning
Manual partitioning

There are multiple options on the screen, but in the middle you will notice the partitions that are created on the disk. For this example, there are two. A primary which simulates a partition where a system is located, and the logical for the Swap partition.

To install Debian 12 on that partition, double-click on it and access its options.

There, you will see something like this

Edit the partition manually
Edit the partition manually

To make it usable by Debian 12, you have to modify its values to the ones shown in the following image

Preparing the disk partitions for Debian 12
Preparing the disk partitions for Debian 12

Use as sets the file system to use. Remember that Debian 12 supports several, so you can choose the one you prefer, although Ext4 is guaranteed. If you want to do a clean install, then you must format the partition and mount it in / Finalize the changes with Done Setting up the partition and press Continue.

You will see this screen again.

Apply the changes on the disk
Apply the changes on the disk

To apply the changes, select Finish Partitioning and write changes to disk, and press Continue.

You will be prompted to confirm the changes

Confirm the changes on disk
Confirm the changes on disk

This will start the installation process.

Install Debian 12 progress
Install Debian 12 progress

5. Configure the package manager

During the installation process, you will be asked if you want to add more installation media. It is not necessary because this image is complete.

Scan extra installation media
Scan extra installation media

Next, you will be offered to use a network mirror to make more packages available and updated. Again, it is not necessary, but if you have a good connection, it might be useful.

Install Debian 12
Network Mirror

You will then see a screen where you can choose the software to install.

Install Debian 12
Software Selection on the installer

On that screen, you can decide whether to install one of the officially supported desktop environments. You can also install additional software.

Select what you need, but I recommend not selecting more than one desktop environment. Then press Continue.

6. Install GRUB boot loader

The installation will continue, and near the end, you will be asked if you want to install GRUB on the hard disk. Choose Yes.

Install GRUB on the disk
Install GRUB on the disk

And select the hard disk where you are going to install it. Click Continue.

Boot loader on the disk
Boot loader on the disk

This will continue the process until you see a screen like this

Debian 12
Installation Complete

In it, you will see that the whole process has been successful and that you have to reboot the computer to enjoy the system.

Debian 12 installed
Debian 12 installed

When you reboot, you will be able to enjoy Debian 12 in all its splendor.

Conclusion

In this guide, we have taken you step by step through a series of processes involved in a Debian 12 installation from scratch. As you can see, it is not too complex to do, and so you can have one of the most important Linux systems out there.

I hope you liked the post and can share it.

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