How to Install the Latest Linux Mint on a ThinkCentre M625q Tiny

The ThinkCentre M625q Tiny is a compact AMD-based business PC that makes a good small Linux machine. This guide walks through installing Linux Mint from start to finish.

Important: Installing Mint with the “Erase disk” option removes the existing operating system and files on the internal drive. Back up anything you want to keep before beginning.

What you will need

Lenovo ThinkCentre M625q Tiny
At least 4 GB RAM recommended
Internal SSD/HDD with at least 20 GB free
USB flash drive, preferably 8 GB or larger
Another working computer to create the installation USB
Keyboard and mouse
Internet connection

1. Download Linux Mint

Download the current 64-bit Linux Mint edition from the official website:

Linux Mint download page

For a machine with 4 GB RAM, Xfce may feel more responsive. Cinnamon is a good choice with 8 GB or more.

2. Create the bootable USB

Use a tool such as balenaEtcher:

Download the Linux Mint ISO.
Insert the USB flash drive.
Open Etcher.
Select the Linux Mint ISO.
Select the USB drive.
Click Flash.

Warning: This erases the selected USB drive.

OR (if Balena Etcher fails!):

Create a bootable USB disk using the GNOME Disks utility in Linux, you need to use the "Restore Disk Image" option to write an ISO file directly onto your usb flash drive.

Step-by-Step Guide

Open the Disks Application
- Search for "Disks" in your application menu and open it.
- Alternatively, launch it from the terminal by typing gnome-disks.
Select Your USB Drive
- Insert your USB flash drive into the computer.
- Look at the left-hand column panel and click on your USB drive.
- “Warning. Make sure to select the USB stick and not the disk with your running system. Both are listed.” -- Ubuntu Desktop documentation.
Open the Options Menu
- Click on the three vertical dots (or hamburger menu) in the top-right corner of the window.
- Note: If you want to flash onto a specific partition instead of the whole drive, click the Gear icon under the "Volumes" section.
Restore the Disk Image
- Click on Restore Disk Image... from the drop-down menu.
- Click the file folder icon next to "Image to Restore".
- Browse your files, select your downloaded Linux .iso file, and click Open.
Start Flashing
- Click the Start Restoring... button.
- A final pop-up will warn you that all existing data on the USB drive will be permanently deleted. Click Restore.
- Enter your system user password to authenticate and start the process.

Keep the window open and wait for the progress bar to reach 100%. Once it finishes, you can safely eject your newly created bootable USB drive.

3. Boot the ThinkCentre from USB

Shut down the M625q.
Insert the Linux Mint USB.
Turn on the computer.
Press F12 repeatedly to open the boot menu.
Select the USB device, preferably the UEFI entry.

4. Start Linux Mint in Live Mode

Select Start Linux Mint. The operating system will run temporarily from the USB stick. Test the display, keyboard, mouse, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, audio and USB ports before installing.

5. Start the installer

Double-click Install Linux Mint on the desktop.

Select your language.
Select the correct keyboard layout, such as English (UK).
Connect to the internet if possible.
Enable multimedia codecs if offered.

6. Choose the disk setup

If the M625q will be a dedicated Linux machine, choose:

Erase disk and install Linux Mint

This permanently removes existing data on the selected drive.

If you need to keep Windows, use the alongside option if offered, or select manual partitioning only if you understand the partition layout.

7. Confirm the installation

Check carefully that the correct internal SSD is selected. Confirm the disk changes, choose your time zone, and create your user account and password.

8. Finish installation

Wait while Mint copies files to the internal drive. When prompted:

Click Restart Now.
Remove the USB stick when asked.
Press Enter to boot from the internal drive.

9. First boot and updates

Menu → Administration → Update Manager

Refresh the update list and install all available updates.

10. Check drivers and hardware

Open:

Menu → Administration → Driver Manager

Install only drivers that are recommended for your hardware. Then test networking, sound, Bluetooth if fitted, display resolution and USB devices.

11. Set up Timeshift

Open:

Menu → Administration → Timeshift

Create a system snapshot after your initial setup. This can make recovery from a bad update or configuration change much easier.

Troubleshooting

Mint will not boot from USB

Restart and press F12 repeatedly.
Select the USB device.
Choose the UEFI USB entry if more than one is shown.
Try another USB port.
Recreate the installation USB.

The screen goes black

Try Compatibility Mode from the Linux Mint boot menu. If necessary, consult the official Linux Mint boot troubleshooting documentation.

The computer boots back into Windows

Check the UEFI boot order. From Linux, EFI boot entries can be inspected with:

sudo efibootmgr

Recommended M625q configuration

Setting	Recommendation
Linux version	Current Linux Mint release
Desktop	Xfce for 4 GB RAM; Cinnamon for 8 GB+
Architecture	64-bit
Installation mode	UEFI preferred
Filesystem	ext4
Storage	SSD preferred
Updates	Install all available updates
Backups	Enable Timeshift
Network during installation	Ethernet preferred when available

Official resources

Note: The M625q model is generally known as the Lenovo ThinkCentre M625q Tiny.