Help and support
Answers to the most frequent questions.
How can I try OpenDeskOS without installing it?
Create a USB stick with the ISO and boot from it: OpenDeskOS starts in "live" mode without touching your disk. Nothing changes until you run the installer.
What is the live mode password?
The user is live and the password is live.
How do I change the style (Classic, XP, Aero)?
Open OpenDesk Settings from the Start menu, or run opendeskos-theme-switch aero (or xp, classic) in a terminal.
How do I update the system?
OpenDesk Updater tells you when an update of the system, an app or a theme is available and installs it in one click. From a terminal: sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade.
Can I keep Windows alongside?
Yes. In the installer's "Disk" step, choose "Install alongside" for dual boot. Back up your data before any disk operation.
Do my Windows programs work?
Not directly. OpenDeskOS offers free equivalents (LibreOffice, VLC, Firefox…). Some Windows programs can run with Wine, without guarantee.
The PC does not boot from the USB stick
Check the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI and disable "Secure Boot" if needed. Recreate the stick with balenaEtcher if in doubt.
My Wi-Fi or graphics card does not work
Install the full edition: it includes the non-free firmware (Intel, Realtek…) that is not in the Minimal edition.