/ubuntu-21.10-zephyrus-g14

Ubuntu 21.10 installation on ROG Zephyrus G14

ubuntu-21.10-zephyrus-g14

Ubuntu 21.10 installation on ROG Zephyrus G14

Create the USB Boot Drive

  1. Download the Ubuntu 21.10 desktop image:
    https://releases.ubuntu.com/21.10/ubuntu-21.10-desktop-amd64.iso
    (This has built-in support for the WiFi chip in the G14.)

  2. Write it to the USB drive with a tool like Rufus:
    https://rufus.ie

Prepare to Install from USB

  1. Turn off drive encryption (BitLocker) in Windows.

  2. Turn off fast startup in Windows.

  3. Turn off secure boot in the BIOS menu.
    (Hit ESC before the boot splash screen to enter the menu.)

Boot from USB and Install

  1. Boot from the USB drive.
    (Hit ESC before the boot splash screen to enter the menu.)

  2. Select "Try Ubuntu without installing" first.

  3. Connect to a WiFi network.
    (This lets the installer download updates and 3rd-party drivers.)

  4. Install Ubuntu.
    (Recommended: minimal installation alongside Windows, downloading updates, and installing 3rd-party drivers.)

Verify Functionality

  1. Check that the correct Nvidia drivers are installed using the command:
    nvidia-smi

Get Bluetooth and WiFi working

The newer G14 models ship with a MediaTek 7961 wireless chip. Linux support for it is fairly recent (as of 2021 Nov), and only seems to work with kernel versions 5.14.7 and up.

You can easily manage custom kernels with the mainline tool, which you can install with the following commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:cappelikan/ppa
sudo apt update
sudo apt install mainline

Known Issues

  • The wireless module might get stuck in a state where Bluetooth or WiFi (or both) doesn't work. To get it out of there, do the following:
    1. Power down the laptop.
    2. Unplug the charger.
    3. Power up and boot into Ubuntu.
    4. (optional) Plug back the charger.