When Microsoft unveiled the Surface RT, it seemed like an entirely new era for Microsoft Windows. The device had an elegant design, outstanding battery performance, plus came with a keyboard that made it look more like a laptop than a tablet. However, the fun was short-lived. Microsoft Windows RT could only run apps specially designed for Microsoft’s proprietary platform, which severely limited the number of programs available to the user. Eventually, the tablets were relegated to the dusty depths of the cupboard. This was the time to have Surface RT Linux.
The Linux community has done an incredible job developing various tools and custom bootloaders that enable Linux to run on a Surface RT. It is not an official solution and is not necessarily straightforward, but it can happen nonetheless. Therefore, if you have one of these devices, it is worth trying to breathe new life into it.
Linux on Surface RT: Myths and Realities
The short answer is yes, but there is a catch.
The Surface RT runs on an NVIDIA Tegra 3 ARM processor, not Intel or AMD. Therefore, you cannot just use any old Linux distro. You will need to use ARM versions of Linux, complete with custom community-made tools.
Unlike regular modern laptops, the Surface RT was not designed to run Linux. The few successes that have happened are due to community members who wanted to prolong the life of the device past its initial intended purpose.
Why Would Anyone Want Linux on a Surface RT?
Well, aside from the fact that it is a cool trick to impress friends, there is not much reason to want Linux on the Surface RT. In truth, unless you enjoy getting tech projects that are no longer supported, there is no particular need for Linux on the Surface RT. The primary reason is that Windows RT is dying, and the few software apps that do work are either old or do not get security updates.
Get exclusive access to all things tech-savvy, and be the first to receive
the latest updates directly in your inbox.
Linux is a fantastic alternative because it offers an entirely new operating system that is actively maintained. Therefore, people typically install Linux distros on the Surface RT for the following reasons:
- Browse the web with modern browsers
- Type Word documents and take notes
- Learn Linux command line and system administration
- Create a portable SSH terminal
- Turn it into a lightweight development machine
- Experiment with ARM Linux computers
It will not be as powerful as a modern laptop, but it can handle most regular tasks.
What Is the Best Linux Distribution for Surface RT?
There is a long list of Linux distros that officially support ARM devices. However, some are better than others, and some are more straightforward for first-time users. The following Linux distributions are some of the best options for Surface RT.
Debian
Debian is a solid choice due to its stability and wide support for the ARM platform. It has an extensive repository of software maintained and updated for years. If you prioritize stability and long-term support, it is among the best Linux distros to try on Surface RT.
Ubuntu
Ubuntu is another fantastic option, mainly for its similarity to a Windows desktop environment. Its ARM versions are also easier to find, and information is abundant on the internet.
Arch Linux ARM
If you want a rolling-release distro with cutting-edge software, then Arch Linux is a great option. It has a steeper learning curve, but it rewards users with the latest Linux software. It is also worth noting that Arch Linux ARM is a community-driven project that develops and maintains ARM-specific versions of the operating system.
PostmarketOS
PostmarketOS is a Linux distro specifically designed to extend the useful life of mobile devices. It is optimized for older smartphones and tablets, so it is a great fit for Surface RT.
What Can You Do on Linux Surface RT?
Linux performance on the Surface RT has come a long way. Nevertheless, there are some limitations to what the device can do. First and foremost, it is essential to understand that everything will not work right out of the box. Fortunately, most hardware functions are now supported, including WiFi, USB, touchscreen, external keyboards, storage devices, and displays. Other features such as cameras, audio, power management, sleep, and battery reporting are still works in progress.
However, most users have reported that they can successfully use the Surface RT for the following purposes:
- Surfing the web
- Taking notes and editing documents
- Reading PDF files
- Using the Linux terminal
- Connecting to remote servers via SSH
What Preparation Do You Need to Install Linux on Surface RT?
To ensure that the Linux installation goes smoothly, you should take the following steps before installing Linux on Surface RT:
Back everything up
Since you will most likely need to wipe the device clean to install Linux, it is essential to ensure that all valuable data is backed up somewhere safe.
Read the Installation Guide
It is crucial to read the installation guide for the distro of your choice before doing anything else. Most installation problems stem from misunderstanding or skipping steps in the guide. Therefore, take the time to thoroughly understand every step before proceeding.
Create a bootable USB stick
You will need to create a bootable USB stick with the correct installation image for your distro. Never use a regular desktop Linux image, as it will not work on ARM-based processors.
Charge your Surface RT before installing Linux
The last thing you want is for the device to turn off in the middle of the installation process due to a dead battery. Therefore, ensure that the tablet is sufficiently charged before proceeding.
Performance of Linux on Surface RT
Linux performance on Surface RT ultimately boils down to your expectations. Unfortunately, the Tegra 3 processor is old and nowhere near as powerful as modern processors in today’s laptops and tablets. Therefore, Linux on Surface RT will not help you run graphically demanding games or video editing software. However, you can still use the tablet for more straightforward tasks, such as web browsing, taking notes, or word processing.
Another fantastic use for Linux on Surface RT is to use it as a portable SSH terminal. It is not uncommon for IT professionals to carry around a lightweight laptop or tablet that they use to log into remote servers. The Surface RT is not powerful enough to be used as a development machine, but it is perfect for connecting to a more powerful server and using it as an intermediary. With that being said, the device will not support graphics-intensive tasks such as 4k video editing or photo editing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Linux on Surface RT
Unfortunately, there is a long list of mistakes that people tend to make when trying to install Linux on Surface RT. Most of them boil down to rushing the process or not paying enough attention to detail. Here are some of the most common mistakes that prevent Linux installation on Surface RT:
Incorrect Installation Image
One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong image to install Linux on the device.
The wrong image will not boot up on the Surface RT
Most Surface RT owners overlook the fact that:
- Surface RT runs on ARM processors
- Most Linux distros run on x86 processors
- The two types of processors are fundamentally different
Using an outdated tutorial
Another common mistake is trying to use old guides. The truth is, most guides were written years ago and may not apply to modern Linux versions anymore. Therefore, make sure that the tutorial you are using is up to date and was written recently enough.
Unsupported Desktop Environment
Lastly, make sure that you know what to expect when running Linux on Surface RT. Most of the time, it is best to install a lightweight desktop environment. Full desktop environments put additional strain on the already aging processor. As a result, it will negatively impact performance. Therefore, it is best to avoid full desktop environments and stick to lighter alternatives.
Can You Use CyberPanel on Surface RT Linux?
While Surface RT devices can run ARM-based Linux distributions, CyberPanel is a free and open-source web hosting control panel. It is designed for Linux servers running supported x86_64 environments. A Surface RT can still be useful for remotely managing a CyberPanel server using SSH or a web browser, but it is not intended to host production websites with CyberPanel because of its limited ARM hardware and system resources.
Surface Linux RT: Final Thoughts
Linux is a fantastic option for Surface RT because it eliminates many of the limitations associated with Windows RT. Although it still cannot run most modern applications, it can at least keep up with basic day-to-day tasks. It is also important to note that Surface RT Linux is a community-driven endeavor that has seen incredible support from the open-source community. In fact, it is still being actively developed and optimized today.
Ultimately, the Surface RT is an underappreciated device that has significant potential when paired with Linux. If you are a fan of Linux and want to experiment with different distros, it is a great opportunity to do so. Not only that, but Linux on Surface RT can also serve as a lightweight alternative to modern laptops and tablets.
Ready to give your Surface RT a second life? Choose a compatible Linux distribution and start exploring what your device can still do today!
FAQs
Does installing Linux remove Windows RT permanently?
Most installation methods replace the existing operating system. If you may want Windows RT again, create recovery media before making any changes.
Can I connect external devices after installing Linux?
Yes. USB keyboards, mice, flash drives, and several other peripherals work, although compatibility depends on the kernel and available drivers.
Which desktop environment is best for Surface RT?
Lightweight environments such as XFCE or LXQt generally provide a smoother experience because they use fewer system resources.
