If you're not ready to fully commit yourself to a Linux operating system like Bazzite, you might want to consider installing a portable verstion on an external SSD so you can slowly learn the basics. It's a fairly simple process that doesn't take too long to set up. This will give you access to Bazzite (Linux) without giving up your current primary operating system, so you get the best of both worlds. Linux isn't as complicated as it's been made out to be! At least with user friendly systems like Bazzite popping up.

Takeaways:

  1. What's the best way to install Bazzite on a Portable SSD?
  2. Learn how to quickly install Bazzite on an external drive.

What You Need For a Portable Bazzite Installation on an SSD

Before starting, you will need the following stuff. You don't need all of them just pick one that fits your needs.

  • A USB 3.0 or faster flash drive.
  • An external SSD or NVMe enclosure.
  • An SSD or NVMe drive, ideally 250 GB or larger depending on your needs.

How to Create a Portable Bazzite Installation on an External SSD

  • Go to the official Bazzite website and download the version that suits your hardware and preferences.
  • Choose your desktop environment, GPU type, and whether you want gaming features enabled.
  • Then prepare to create a bootable drive.

Create a Portable Bazzite Installation on an External SSD guide

  • Download a tool such as Rufus.
  • Insert your USB flash drive.
  • Open Rufus and select your USB device.
  • Click SELECT and choose the Bazzite ISO file.
  • Set the partition scheme to GPT.
  • Leave other settings as default.
  • Click START and confirm.

How to Create a Portable Bazzite Installation on an External SSD

All data on the USB drive will be erased during this process.

Booting the Bazzite Installer

  • Restart your computer and enter the BIOS.
  • Disable Fast Boot so the system detects the USB drive.
  • Secure Boot can usually remain enabled, but disable it if issues occur.
  • Select the USB drive and choose the option to install Bazzite.
  • Make sure your external SSD is connected before moving ahead with anything else.

Bazzite Installation on an External SSD

  • Choose Installation Destination don't pick the wrong drive! Only the external SSD.
  • Do not select your internal system drive.
  • Leave storage configuration set to Automatic.
  • Enable the option to reclaim space.
  • Confirm by selecting Delete All and reclaim space.
  • You can create a user for better security. If skipped, the default login will be:

Username: bazzite
Password: bazzite

  • Start the installation and wait for it to complete. This usually takes around 15 minutes.

Guide to Create a Portable Bazzite Installation on an External SSD

First Boot and Setup

After installing Bazzite on an SSD

  • Reboot the system
  • On the blue MOK screen, select Enroll MOK
  • Enter the password universalblue when prompted
  • Reboot again
  • On first startup, the system may update kernel arguments. This can take several minutes and happens only once.
  • Log in using your credentials and complete any setup steps such as configuring Steam if needed.

Using Your Portable Bazzite Drive

Once you have it set up:

  • Shut down the system
  • Disconnect the external SSD
  • Plug it into any compatible computer to use your portable system

Boot Problems & Other things?

If you run into any problems booting Bazzite or while you are using it. Check out our Bazzite guide library for solutions. We've got a ton of guides that show you how to get around all the common things that pop up while getting used to using Bazzite. All Bazzite troubleshooting guides.