Question How to Install Qubes OS?

[dude54121]

So I have an SSD with Windows 10 that I intend to keep as it is.

I also have an old HDD that I backed up with Google Drive and wiped, that I plan on installing Qubes onto. Here’s the video I followed to wipe my HDD (I did 1 pass): How to Wipe a Hard Drive - Permanently Delete All Data :: Windows 10 - YouTube

I wiped my HDD as a safety precaution. But I was told on Reddit that my HDD would need an operating system to download Qubes. According to File Explorer > This PC, My HDD has 0GB on it, so I’m sure the Windows 10 it used to use is gone.

So in my situation, how do I install Qubes with a new USB from start to finish? Should I remove my SSD before I begin?

Also, let’s say I have Qubes. Windows is only on my SSD, and Qubes is only on my HDD.
If I wanted Windows, would I unplug my HDD (Qubes) and install my SSD, so my PC automatically boots Windows?
If I wanted Qubes, would I unplug my SSD (Windows) and install my HDD, so my PC automatically boots Qubes?
In short, should I only have one storage device plugged in at a time - that being the one with the operating system I want to currently use, to maintain isolation between the operating systems?
I want Windows = SSD, HDD uninstalled
I want Qubes = HDD, SSD uninstalled

To avoid me being confused, please quote a specific question with an answer - I’ll learn better

Please explain from start to finish in steps like I’m 5 years old

[redacted]

Thank you so much!

 

[USAFRet]

Just like most other OS installs.

Download the ISO to a flash drive.
Boot from that, and install on the drive of your choice.

Installation guide

Welcome to the Qubes OS installation guide! This guide will walk you through the process of installing Qubes. Please read it carefully and thoroughly, as it contains important information for ensuring that your Qubes OS installation is functional and secure. Pre-installation Hardware re...

www.qubes-os.org

And yes, have only the single desired drive physically connected when you install each OS.

 

[USAFRet]

Question - What will you be using the Qubes for?

 

[dude54121]

Just like most other OS installs.

Download the ISO to a flash drive.
Boot from that, and install on the drive of your choice.

Installation guide

Welcome to the Qubes OS installation guide! This guide will walk you through the process of installing Qubes. Please read it carefully and thoroughly, as it contains important information for ensuring that your Qubes OS installation is functional and secure. Pre-installation Hardware re...

www.qubes-os.org

And yes, have only the single desired drive physically connected when you install each OS.

Hello! Thank you for your response!

"I wiped my HDD as a safety precaution. But I was told on Reddit that my HDD would need an operating system to download Qubes. According to File Explorer > This PC, My HDD has 0GB on it, so I’m sure the Windows 10 it used to use is gone."

Would I need to remove my SSD when I begin the install to my HDD, to maintain isolation between the drives? How will I install Qubes without an operating system? And most embarrassingly, I've never installed anything to a USB. Could you give me a quick run-down with that? Maybe a 1-1?

"Also, let’s say I have Qubes. Windows is only on my SSD, and Qubes is only on my HDD.
If I wanted Windows, would I unplug my HDD (Qubes) and install my SSD, so my PC automatically boots Windows?
If I wanted Qubes, would I unplug my SSD (Windows) and install my HDD, so my PC automatically boots Qubes?
In short, should I only have one storage device plugged in at a time - that being the one with the operating system I want to currently use, to maintain isolation between the operating systems?
I want Windows = SSD, HDD uninstalled
I want Qubes = HDD, SSD uninstalled "

Is this right?

Thank you a lot for your time!

 

[USAFRet]

With your current Windows OS, prepare the USB to boot from for the Qubes install.

You have ONLY the HDD connected when you install the Qubes OS.

Boot from the USB, and install Qubes.

Read through that documentation. It explains the install procedure in detail.

 

[dude54121]

Question - What will you be using the Qubes for?

I recently binge-watched some videos from SomeOrdinaryGamer where he visited the deep web. It interested me to the point where I wanted to visit it as well. I'm not tech-savvy, but I'm not naive, either. I don't intend on acting like an idiot, and I'm well-aware that there's unsavoury people who may attempt to scam or hack - although that's on the dark web, beyond the deep web. I only intend on browsing and looking around aimlessly, not interacting with anyone. Windows can't access the deep web, and Qubes, Whonix and Tor are tool to keep yourself locked up and secure.

 

[dude54121]

With your current Windows OS, prepare the USB to boot from for the Qubes install.

You have ONLY the HDD connected when you install the Qubes OS.

Boot from the USB, and install Qubes.

Read through that documentation. It explains the install procedure in detail.

Thank you very much. I've looked around the Qubes FAQ and Install Guide etc, but I only grasp information well when communicating with people, rather than following words on a screen. If I have any more questions, you don't mind if I DM you, do you? It's totally fine if you don't want me to

Thank you again!

 

[USAFRet]

Thank you very much. I've looked around the Qubes FAQ and Install Guide etc, but I only grasp information well when communicating with people, rather than following words on a screen. If I have any more questions, you don't mind if I DM you, do you? It's totally fine if you don't want me to

Thank you again!

Preferably keep the conversation here.
Other people may benefit.

 

[dude54121]

Preferably keep the conversation here.
Other people may benefit.

Of course.

 

[USAFRet]

Yes, that should work.

 

[dude54121]

With your current Windows OS, prepare the USB to boot from for the Qubes install.

You have ONLY the HDD connected when you install the Qubes OS.

Boot from the USB, and install Qubes.

Read through that documentation. It explains the install procedure in detail.

"With your current Windows OS, prepare the USB to boot from for the Qubes install"

Does this mean using my current SSD/Windows, use Rufus to write the Qubes ISO to the drive?

So:
Step 1) Using my current SSD/Windows, use Rufus to write the Qubes ISO to my USB drive
Step 2) In my BIOS, (I enter my BIOS by Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Restart Now > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings) select the USB drive as my boot drive (how do I do that?)
BEFORE STEP 3, JUST BEFORE EXITING BIOS, REMOVE SSD TO ENSURE SSD/HDD ISOLATION
Step 3) THEN I remove my SSD, leaving only my HDD
Step 4) Setup Qubes from there

Right? Also, is the below video correct in your opinion?:

View: https://youtu.be/G0ErNBeLowo

Edit: I just realized we both have an AsRock motherboard so describing where to find the boot USB option should be easy!

Thank you again for taking the time to help me man!

 

[USAFRet]

"With your current Windows OS, prepare the USB to boot from for the Qubes install"

Does this mean using my current SSD/Windows, use Rufus to write the Qubes ISO to the drive?

Yes.

Step 1) Using my current SSD/Windows, use Rufus to write the Qubes ISO to my USB drive
Step 2) In my BIOS, (I enter my BIOS by Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Restart Now > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings) select the USB drive as my boot drive (how do I do that?)
BEFORE STEP 3, JUST BEFORE EXITING BIOS, REMOVE SSD TO ENSURE SSD/HDD ISOLATION
Step 3) THEN I remove my SSD, leaving only my HDD
Step 4) Setup Qubes from there

1. Yes
2. After you make the USB, power OFF.
3. Physically disconnect the SSD.
4. Connect the HDD.
5. Power ON.
6. Enter the BIOS. and verify the USB is in the boot order somewhere.
7. Continue, booting from the USB.
8. Install Qubes.

Any connect/disconnect of the HDD or SSD MUST be done with he power OFF.

 

[dude54121]

Yes.

1. Yes
2. After you make the USB, power OFF.
3. Physically disconnect the SSD.
4. Connect the HDD.
5. Power ON.
6. Enter the BIOS. and verify the USB is in the boot order somewhere.
7. Continue, booting from the USB.
8. Install Qubes.

Any connect/disconnect of the HDD or SSD MUST be done with he power OFF.

Roger that. Thank you so much man. I'll see what I can do tomorrow as it's 1am now

 

[dude54121]

Yes.

1. Yes
2. After you make the USB, power OFF.
3. Physically disconnect the SSD.
4. Connect the HDD.
5. Power ON.
6. Enter the BIOS. and verify the USB is in the boot order somewhere.
7. Continue, booting from the USB.
8. Install Qubes.

Any connect/disconnect of the HDD or SSD MUST be done with he power OFF.

Hi there again, so just to make sure with you, do you think the video above is a good one to follow for getting Qubes on my USB?

Thank you again

 

[USAFRet]

Hi there again, so just to make sure with you, do you think the video above is a good one to follow for getting Qubes on my USB?

Thank you again

Yes.
https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/how-to-install-qubes-os.3799908/#post-22952953

 

[dude54121]

Yes.
https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/how-to-install-qubes-os.3799908/#post-22952953

Hey man!

I did everything up to the beginning of Step 5.

Following the video, I did everything from downloading the iso to the USB, I then removed my SSD, and I forgot to enter the BIOS and set the USB as my boot drive. It then entered the Qubes installation thing where it asks you to set your language.

Then at the part where I select the USB drive to install Qubes onto, it just had my HDD despite in the video it was supposed to have the USB there too.

Then I noticed that I didn’t go into the BIOS to set the USB as the boot drive, so I reinstalled my SSD. I then realized that my USB isn’t showing in my files explorer, but according to my Windows 10 settings, the USB is connected.

Do you know hoe I can quickly fix that?

Thank you again

 

[USAFRet]

Hey man!

I did everything up to the beginning of Step 5.

Following the video, I did everything from downloading the iso to the USB, I then removed my SSD, and I forgot to enter the BIOS and set the USB as my boot drive. It then entered the Qubes installation thing where it asks you to set your language.

Then at the part where I select the USB drive to install Qubes onto, it just had my HDD despite in the video it was supposed to have the USB there too.

Then I noticed that I didn’t go into the BIOS to set the USB as the boot drive, so I reinstalled my SSD. I then realized that my USB isn’t showing in my files explorer, but according to my Windows 10 settings, the USB is connected.

Do you know hoe I can quickly fix that?

Thank you again

From Windows, did you use the Rufus application to make the USB?
1:14 in your video above.

 

[dude54121]

From Windows, did you use the Rufus application to make the USB?
1:14 in your video above.

Yes, I used Rufus, installed Rufus.exe in my USB (seemed most logical) and copied the video above.

I forgot to enter BIOS and make the USB the boot drive, and while trying to set everything up it didn't have my USB LISTED AT 3:08. So I reinstalled my SSD, REALIZED that I forgot to enter BIOS, and then I realized that the USB wasn't listed, despite plugging it in.

My Windows 10 settings say that the USB is plugged in, and it makes that noice whenever I install/remove it, but for some reason when I go to file explorer, the USB drive doesn't show anymore. Do you know why? Once that's resolved, it should show in my BIOS to make the boot drive

Thank you again

 

[USAFRet]

Yes, I used Rufus, installed Rufus.exe in my USB (seemed most logical) and copied the video above.

That was your problem.

You install Rufus on your PC.
Run it from Windows, and it will make the USB with the Qubes install.

With Rufus.exe on there, that USB is not 'bootable'.

Start over.

 

[dude54121]

That was your problem.

You install Rufus on your PC.
Run it from Windows, and it will make the USB with the Qubes install.

With Rufus.exe on there, that USB is not 'bootable'.

Start over.

Roger that. Just gotta get the USB showing again in my files explorer. Thank you!

 

[dude54121]

That was your problem.

You install Rufus on your PC.
Run it from Windows, and it will make the USB with the Qubes install.

With Rufus.exe on there, that USB is not 'bootable'.

Start over.

Hey man,

This USB is giving me some serious grief. Let me start from the beginning.

When beginning the steps we discussed above, I:
-Downloaded the iso on my SSD
-Went to Rufus, and installed the exe on my USB (mistake pointed out)
-Copied the video to put Qubes onto the USB
-Removed my SSD
-FORGOT to enter BIOS to make the USB the boot drive
-Began going through the language, etc and then realized that the USB didn't show

I then:
-Realized that I forgot to enter the BIOS to make the USB
-Tried entering BIOS, and realized that my USB wasn't a boot option
-Reinstalled my SSD
-Noticed that my USB was no longer visible when I went on File Explorer

I have no idea how to fix this. I went to Disk Manager, right-clicked on the USB, and it won't even open properties (it clicks, but won't open).
I then typed "diskpart" in the Windows search bar, ran it as administrator, and set the USB drive it's own letter (U, for USB) (It was originally E).
I went to File explorer again, looked to see if my USB drive was there, and it was! I renamed it "64GB USB" for ease, but don't remember what it was called there originally.

Here's the problem - when I click on it, it says "You don't currently have permission to access this folder". The options are "Continue" (with the run as administrator shield icon) and "Cancel", naturally. When I click on Continue, it says "You have been denied permission to access this folder". Then in the smaller black font, it says "To gain access to this folder you will need to use the security tab" (Security tab is a blue highlighted link). I click on security tab, and it just comes up with the USB drive's properties - and there is no security tab.

I restarted my PC, hoping at least the drive will remain visible, but it disappears again. It's like a cycle.

Do you know how to make the USB stay where it is on File Explorer, and let me have permission to my own device again?


Thank you again

 

[USAFRet]

Why did you copy the video to the flash drive?
Don't do that.

Run Rufus from the PC (not the flash drive)
Follow the steps to write the necessary data to the flash drive.

Power OFF
Physically disconnect the SSD
Connect the HDD

NOW you power up, and boot from the flash drive.

Follow the steps to install Qubes to the HDD.

 

[dude54121]

Why did you copy the video to the flash drive?
Don't do that.

Run Rufus from the PC (not the flash drive)
Follow the steps to write the necessary data to the flash drive.

Power OFF
Physically disconnect the SSD
Connect the HDD

NOW you power up, and boot from the flash drive.

Follow the steps to install Qubes to the HDD.

Hi,


What about the USB issue?

 

[USAFRet]

Hello,

Hi,

What about the USB issue?

Assuming you've created the USB correctly, if it does not naturally boot from the USB (it might), restart, go into the BIOS, and select the USB to boot from.


Question - Is all this hassle worth it to look at a couple of web sites?

 

[dude54121]

Assuming you've created the USB correctly, if it does not naturally boot from the USB (it might), restart, go into the BIOS, and select the USB to boot from.


Question - Is all this hassle worth it to look at a couple of web sites?

Hello,

Okay so I'm currently re-downloading Qubes and already downloaded Rufus onto my SSD, so if it wasn't for me downloading Rufus onto my USB initially, my USB would be acting normally while my SSD is installed?

Also sure, this is like a giant puzzle to me so once I have it all figured out it'll be satisfying to have solved it!

Thank you again for your time. I know I'm being a pain in the ass right now and it's far from my intention.