Debian 10 Buster is no longer supported by the Debian Project for normal security updates. Debian 10 security updates ended June 30, 2022, and Debian LTS ended June 30, 2024. For a new computer or internet-connected deployment, install a currently supported Debian release instead. If you specifically need Buster for compatibility, use the archived Debian 10.13 installer and follow the steps below with the understanding that its software is end-of-life. Debian’s Buster release page notes that Debian 10 has been superseded by Debian 11.
Before you start: confirm Buster is the right choice
Debian 10.0 first released on July 6, 2019; the final point release, Debian 10.13, was released on September 10, 2022. The Debian Project discontinued security updates for Buster on June 30, 2022, and its LTS period ended June 30, 2024. Some third parties may sell extended support through June 30, 2029, but that is not Debian Project support. Avoid exposing a Buster installation to untrusted networks or relying on it for security-sensitive work.
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If Buster is required by older software or hardware, download the archived 10.13 installer. For most modern x86-64 PCs, choose amd64; choose i386 only for genuinely 32-bit hardware. Debian’s Buster release information provides the release status and archive links.
What you need
- A computer that can boot from USB or optical media.
- A USB flash drive to write the installer image to; writing the image erases data already on that drive. Debian also supports CD/DVD installation media.
- For the basic office-desktop baseline in the Buster edition of the Debian Administrator’s Handbook, plan for at least 1 GB RAM and 10 GB disk. This is a baseline, not a performance guarantee; a full desktop and applications need additional space.
- For a netinst installation, a working network connection so setup can retrieve packages from a Debian mirror. Choose a larger BD image if you need to install offline.
Choose an installer image
Use an archived Debian 10.13 image and match its architecture to the computer. The netinst image has a smaller download, but it retrieves most packages during installation, so it needs internet access and a reachable mirror. A larger BD image includes more packages and is the better option where there is no reliable internet connection.
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| Media choice | Network requirement | Offline installation | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netinst ISO | Working internet connection to fetch packages | No, not as a complete installation source | Installations with dependable mirror access and limited download bandwidth |
| BD image | Not required for packages included on the image | Yes, for included packages | Offline setups or computers with unreliable connectivity |
Record the exact ISO filename and architecture before writing it so you can verify that you boot and install the image you intended. Package availability and mirror behavior can differ because Buster is archived.
Back up the computer and prepare the disk
Back up files on the target computer before changing partitions. Decide whether Debian will use the entire disk or share it with another operating system. Guided partitioning is the simplest route for a single-disk beginner installation; manual partitioning gives control for dual-boot, encryption, or a custom layout, but requires you to identify partitions correctly.
Verify the ISO and make bootable media
- Download the ISO and its checksum and signature files from Debian’s Buster archive.
- Verify the downloaded file against Debian’s published checksums and signature before using it. This helps detect corruption or an image that does not match the signed release data.
- Use an image-writing application to write the ISO to a USB flash drive, or burn it to CD/DVD. Select the whole USB device as the destination, not a file or folder on it.
- Wait for the writing and verification process to finish, then safely eject the media. The selected USB drive’s existing contents will be destroyed during image writing.
Boot from the installer
- Insert the USB drive or DVD into the computer you are installing Debian on.
- Restart and open the computer’s firmware boot menu. The key differs by manufacturer; use the on-screen prompt or the computer’s documentation if you are unsure.
- Select the USB or optical drive. At the Debian installer menu, choose Graphical install for the walkthrough below, or choose Install for text mode.
The Buster documentation says text and graphical installation are functionally identical; the appearance differs. Graphical mode is generally easier to follow visually, while text mode may be preferable on systems where the graphical installer does not display properly.
Set language, location, and keyboard
Choose the installer language, your location, and the keyboard layout. These choices determine locale defaults, time-zone settings, and how keys are interpreted. Use the keyboard test screen to confirm that the expected characters appear before continuing; correcting the layout now prevents password and command-entry surprises later.
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- Live Boot: Simply plug the USB drive into your computer, select the USB drive as your boot device, and experience Linux Mint without installation. This allows you to test the OS and its features before making any changes to your system.
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- Pre-installed software like LibreOffice for office tasks, a capable web browser (Firefox), email client (Thunderbird), and multimedia tools. This minimizes the need for additional downloads, saving you time and effort.
- Resource Efficiency: Designed to run efficiently on a variety of hardware configurations. It demands fewer system resources compared to some other operating systems, making it an excellent choice for older computers or devices with limited hardware specifications.
- Compatible with PC/Laptop/Desktop brands - Dell, HP, Sony, Lenovo, Samsung, Acer, Toshiba & more. Minimum system requirements 4 GB RAM Dual-Core Processor (2 GHz) 20 GB of free disk space
Configure the network
With a netinst image, allow the installer to configure a normal network connection through DHCP, then confirm it can reach a Debian mirror. Only enter manual network settings if your network requires a static address, proxy, or special DNS configuration. If the computer cannot connect to the internet, restart with a BD image rather than expecting netinst to complete without retrieving packages.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Enter the computer name and create a user
Enter a hostname to identify the computer on the local network. A domain name is optional for most home installations. Follow the installer’s root-account and user prompts for this Buster image; create a normal user and choose a strong password. If using screenshots to document the process, use fictional values and never show real passwords or credentials.
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- Portable Linux Solution: This 8 GB USB drive comes pre-loaded with the latest stable release of Debian Linux, providing a reliable and user-friendly operating system.
- Hassle-Free Installation: Simply plug in the USB and boot from it to easily install or run Debian Linux without the need for CDs or complex setup.
- Versatile Usage: Ideal for setting up new systems, exploring Linux for the first time, or carrying a portable Linux environment on the go.
- Beginner-Friendly: Debian Linux offers a smooth learning curve, making it accessible for both beginners and professionals.
- Compact Storage: The 8 GB capacity provides ample space to store files and documents alongside the pre-loaded operating system.
Partition the disk
For a straightforward single-disk installation, choose guided partitioning and carefully verify that the installer has selected the intended disk. Choose manual partitioning when preserving another operating system, setting up encryption, or creating a custom partition layout.
Warning: The full-disk guided option erases data and partitions on the selected disk. Immediately before confirming, check the disk name, size, partition plan, and filesystem choices. Do not proceed if the selected disk is not the one you intend to erase or modify.
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Choose a Debian archive mirror geographically suitable for your location. Because Buster is archived, mirror behavior and package availability may differ from a currently supported release. Select the desktop environment if you want a graphical desktop, or a minimal standard system if you prefer a smaller, command-line-oriented installation.
Install GRUB and finish setup
When prompted, install the GRUB boot loader to the intended boot disk. Confirm the target device carefully: selecting the wrong disk can prevent another operating system from booting. When installation completes, remove the USB drive or DVD when prompted, then reboot.
Quick Recap
Log in and check the installation
- Log in with the normal user account you created.
- Check that the display and network work as expected.
- Open a terminal and run
cat /etc/debian_versionto inspect the installed Debian version. If available,lsb_releasecan also report release information. - Only apply updates available from the repositories configured for your archived Buster installation. Updates do not restore the normal Debian security-maintenance period that has ended.
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