{"id":12410,"date":"2026-08-03T09:17:01","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T07:17:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/?post_type=manual_kb&#038;p=12410"},"modified":"2026-08-03T09:17:05","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T07:17:05","slug":"almalinux-installation-guide-choose-the-right-iso-partition-safely-and-finish-the-first-boot","status":"publish","type":"manual_kb","link":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/almalinux-installation-guide-choose-the-right-iso-partition-safely-and-finish-the-first-boot\/","title":{"rendered":"AlmaLinux Installation Guide: Choose the Right ISO, Partition Safely, and Finish the First Boot"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"translation-block translation-block-merged\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AlmaLinux installation starts with three decisions that affect the rest of the setup: which ISO matches the machine and installation method, whether the installer should use UEFI or another boot mode, and how the disks should be partitioned. The same process applies to a physical server, a virtual machine, or a spare computer, but the available hardware and boot options can differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use the installation screens to confirm each choice before writing changes to disk. A careful review of the ISO, storage layout, network settings, and first-boot checks helps avoid an unbootable system or an installation that cannot reach software repositories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_86 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/almalinux-installation-guide-choose-the-right-iso-partition-safely-and-finish-the-first-boot\/#Choose_an_AlmaLinux_ISO\" >Choose an AlmaLinux ISO<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/almalinux-installation-guide-choose-the-right-iso-partition-safely-and-finish-the-first-boot\/#Set_the_boot_mode_before_installation\" >Set the boot mode before installation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/almalinux-installation-guide-choose-the-right-iso-partition-safely-and-finish-the-first-boot\/#Review_storage_and_partitioning_choices\" >Review storage and partitioning choices<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/almalinux-installation-guide-choose-the-right-iso-partition-safely-and-finish-the-first-boot\/#Complete_the_installer_settings\" >Complete the installer settings<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/almalinux-installation-guide-choose-the-right-iso-partition-safely-and-finish-the-first-boot\/#Finish_the_first_boot_checks\" >Finish the first boot checks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/knowledgebase\/almalinux-installation-guide-choose-the-right-iso-partition-safely-and-finish-the-first-boot\/#What_to_check_if_installation_does_not_work\" >What to check if installation does not work<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Choose_an_AlmaLinux_ISO\"><\/span>Choose an AlmaLinux ISO<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div id=\"mybox-3075842037\" class=\"mybox-content mybox-entity-placement\"><div class=\"early-access-banner-inpost\">\r\n  <div class=\"banner-left-inpost\">\r\n    <div class=\"icon-box-inpost\">\r\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/square-info-icon.svg\" alt=\"Info\">\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"text-box-inpost\">\r\n      <span class=\"label-inpost\"><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Early access<\/span><\/span>\r\n      <h4><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Still need help?<\/span><\/h4>\r\n      <p><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Contact our customer service team.<\/span><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"banner-right-inpost\">\r\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/panel.mybox.com\/helpdesk2\/v\/list\/\" class=\"banner-button-inpost\"><span class=\"translation-block translation-block-banner-text\">Message us<\/span><\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"translation-block translation-block-merged\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose the ISO based on the system architecture and the way the installation will connect to installation files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Architecture:<\/strong> Select an image that matches the processor architecture supported by the server, virtual machine, or computer. The common choice for standard desktop and server hardware is x86_64. Do not use an image for a different architecture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Boot ISO:<\/strong> Use this when the installer can download packages from a network repository. It is useful when you have a reliable network connection and want the installer to obtain the required packages during setup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>DVD ISO:<\/strong> Use this when you need a larger installation image that contains more packages locally. It can reduce dependence on the network during installation, although updates and some packages may still require repository access.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Minimal ISO:<\/strong> Use this when you want a small installation with a limited package set. It is suited to systems where you plan to add only the services and tools required after installation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a virtual machine, attach the ISO through the virtual machine settings. For a physical computer or server, write the ISO to installation media or use the system&#8217;s remote console. Verify the downloaded image when checksum information is available. A damaged image can cause installation errors that are not related to the target system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Set_the_boot_mode_before_installation\"><\/span>Set the boot mode before installation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern systems normally use UEFI firmware. Enable UEFI boot for the installation when the installed system will use UEFI. Avoid switching between UEFI and legacy boot modes after installation, because the boot files and partition layout may not match the selected mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Open the firmware or virtual machine settings and confirm that the installation media is available as a boot device. If Secure Boot is enabled, check that the selected AlmaLinux release and the platform support that configuration. If the installer does not start, review the boot order, attached media, and firmware mode before changing disk settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Review_storage_and_partitioning_choices\"><\/span>Review storage and partitioning choices<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automatic partitioning is usually suitable for a new virtual machine, an empty disk, or a spare computer with no data to preserve. Select the correct disk before accepting the automatic layout. The installer may erase existing partitions when you confirm the storage changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use custom partitioning when the disk contains data, when the machine has more than one disk, or when the storage layout must follow a specific server design. Identify each disk by its size and connection details. Do not rely only on a device name if several disks are present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check that the intended installation disk is selected.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review which existing partitions will be kept, reformatted, or removed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirm that any partition containing required data is not marked for formatting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a layout that supports the selected boot mode and leaves the required space for the operating system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a virtual machine, the disk may be empty and automatic partitioning may be appropriate. For a server or spare computer with existing files, stop and verify the storage summary before continuing. A backup is required before changing partitions that contain data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Complete_the_installer_settings\"><\/span>Complete the installer settings<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Set the language, keyboard layout, installation source, and software selection. Choose a server-oriented or graphical environment according to how the system will be used. A graphical environment is not required for a server managed remotely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Configure the network during installation when possible. Select the correct network interface, enable the connection, and provide a hostname. Use automatic network configuration when the local network provides it. Use a manual address, gateway, and DNS settings only when those values are required by the network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Create an administrative user and set a strong password. If the installer provides a separate root account option, record the choice securely. Use an ordinary user for daily work and elevate privileges only when administration is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before starting the installation, review the storage summary, boot mode, network interface, software selection, user settings, and time zone. Confirm the installation only after these values match the intended system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finish_the_first_boot_checks\"><\/span>Finish the first boot checks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remove or detach the installation ISO when the installer asks for a reboot. Otherwise, the system may start the installer again instead of booting from the new disk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the first boot, sign in locally or through the virtual machine console and check the following areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Network:<\/strong> Confirm that the expected interface is active and that the system has an IP address. Test access to the local gateway and then test name resolution. If the system has no network access, review the interface selection, address method, gateway, and DNS settings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Repositories:<\/strong> Confirm that the configured AlmaLinux repositories are enabled and reachable. Repository access is needed to install packages and receive updates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Updates:<\/strong> Refresh repository metadata and apply available system updates. Restart the system if an update requires it, then check the system again after reboot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Users and privileges:<\/strong> Test the created user account and confirm that administrative elevation works as intended. Keep administrative access limited to trusted accounts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time:<\/strong> Check the time zone, system clock, and network time service. Correct time is important for logs, scheduled tasks, certificates, and remote authentication.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Remote access:<\/strong> If the system will be managed over SSH, confirm that the SSH service is installed and running, that the firewall permits the required access, and that the server can be reached from an approved client.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_check_if_installation_does_not_work\"><\/span>What to check if installation does not work<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the installer does not boot, check the ISO, installation media, boot order, and UEFI or legacy mode. If storage is missing, check the virtual disk attachment or the system&#8217;s storage controller settings. If packages cannot be downloaded, confirm the network connection and installation source. If the installed system does not boot, return to the firmware settings and verify that the disk is selected in the same boot mode used during installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A successful first boot is only the start of system setup. Confirm network access, repositories, updates, users, time settings, and remote access before placing the system into regular use.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","manualknowledgebasecat":[42],"manual_kb_tag":[],"class_list":["post-12410","manual_kb","type-manual_kb","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","manualknowledgebasecat-miscellaneous"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/12410","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/manual_kb"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/12410\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12415,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb\/12410\/revisions\/12415"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12410"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"manualknowledgebasecat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manualknowledgebasecat?post=12410"},{"taxonomy":"manual_kb_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mybox.com\/help\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/manual_kb_tag?post=12410"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}