Distributions
aka. Distro
ARM32 Distros
There are still a few distros out there which support ARM32
Archlinux
Fedora
Lubuntu 16.04
... (append it pls)
Downloads for older and probably dated builds can be found here: https://berryboot.alexgoldcheidt.com/images/
Recommend Distros
To make use of hardware acceleration we need to use grate-driver Following distros support grate-driver out of box:
Archlinux
PostmarketOS
Choosing a Distro
Linux comes in all different flavors just like ice cream, you can choose whatever fits you. For ease anything Debian based is recommended, advanced users can look for Arch or Fedora. Difference is how commands work but deep down everything is nearly same.
Install and boot
There are two ways of booting Linux, APX payload or EFI boot, this time let's focus on EFI.
Prepare SD card with any Distro of your choice You can use Balena etcher, Rufus, Raspberry imager etc. Doesn't matter which one
Prepare a FAT32 formatted USB drive with EFI and kernel files, they are linked below, extract to root directory
Put the SD card in your Surface
Turn off tablet, complete shutdown and not sleep mode
Plug in the USB drive you prepared
Turn on by holding volume down key, release it when the logo appears
Let it boot. If it does it will go past the kernel log and load a distro of your choice. It should be safe to unplug the USB once Distro has loaded up. (The distro could have mounted the USB, so be careful with that)
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