Boot options
============

Some graphics cards and motherboards don't work well with the open-source drivers present in Linux Mint by default.

Compatibility mode
------------------

The easiest option is to select ``compatibility mode`` from the USB stick (or DVD) boot menu.

.. figure:: images/efi-compatibility.png
    :width: 500px
    :align: center

    Grub menu (EFI mode)

.. figure:: images/isolinux-compatibility.png
    :width: 500px
    :align: center

    Isolinux menu (BIOS mode)

If that doesn't work, you can try the ``nomodeset`` boot option.

Nomodeset boot option
---------------------

In EFI mode, highlight the ``Start Linux Mint`` option and press :kbd:`e` to modify the boot options.

.. figure:: images/efi-nomodeset.png
    :width: 500px
    :align: center

Replace ``quiet splash`` with ``nomodeset`` and press :kbd:`F10` to boot.

In BIOS mode, highlight ``Start Linux Mint`` and press :kbd:`Tab` to modify the boot options.

.. figure:: images/isolinux-nomodeset.png
    :width: 500px
    :align: center

Replace ``quiet splash`` with ``nomodeset`` and press :kbd:`Enter` to boot.


Repeat this operation post-install in your grub boot menu and read :doc:`drivers` to install additional drivers.

Other boot options
------------------

If you still cannot boot try one of the following solutions:

* Try ``nouveau.noaccel=1`` instead of ``nomodeset``.
* After the installation, use :menuselection:`Advanced Options --> Recovery mode` from the boot menu and choose ``resume``.

Install an older release
------------------------

If your computer has compatibility issues with the latest Linux Mint release, install a previous release from the same Linux Mint series.

For instance, if you can't install Linux Mint 18.3 (which comes with a 4.10 kernel), install Linux Mint 18 (which comes with a 4.4 kernel) and upgrade to 18.3.

.. note::
    The first release in each series uses an LTS (Long Term Support) kernel. Upgrading from this release to the latest one in the series does not change your kernel.