Remix OS Install Guide: PC Setup Steps

This guide walks you through installing Remix OS on a PC, turning it into an Android-based desktop environment. You’ll create a bootable USB drive, boot from it, and choose between a live session or a full installation. Before starting, back up any important data and ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements.

What You’ll Need

A PC with at least 2GB of RAM (4GB or more recommended) and a 64-bit processor.
A USB drive with at least 8GB of storage (16GB or larger is better). All data on it will be erased.
The Remix OS PC ISO file (download from the official Remix OS website or a trusted mirror).
A utility to write the ISO to USB, such as Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (Windows/macOS/Linux).
Access to your PC’s BIOS/UEFI settings to change the boot order.

Step-by-Step

Download the Remix OS ISO – Go to the official Remix OS for PC download page and download the latest 64-bit ISO file. The file is around 1GB, so it may take a while.
Prepare the USB drive – Insert your USB drive. Open Rufus (or Etcher). Select your USB drive under “Device.” Choose the Remix OS ISO file using the “Select” button. For Rufus, keep the default partition scheme (GPT for UEFI, MBR for legacy BIOS) and file system (FAT32). Click “Start” and wait for the process to finish. This will erase the USB drive.
Enable USB boot in BIOS/UEFI – Restart your PC and press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI (common keys: F2, Del, F12, Esc). Navigate to the Boot menu. Set the USB drive as the first boot device. If your PC uses UEFI, disable Secure Boot if it’s enabled. Save changes and exit.
Boot from the USB – The PC will restart and boot from the USB drive. You’ll see a menu with options like “Resident Mode” and “Guest Mode.” Choose “Resident Mode” to keep your data between sessions, or “Guest Mode” for a temporary session.
Choose installation type – After booting, you’ll see the Remix OS desktop. To install it permanently, open the “Installer” app from the app drawer. Select “Install to Hard Disk.”
Partition selection – The installer will ask you to choose a partition. You can either install alongside an existing OS or erase a partition. If you’re new, choose “Create/Modify partitions” to set up a dedicated partition. Make sure to select a partition with at least 8GB of free space.
Installation process – Confirm your choice. The installer will copy files and set up the bootloader. This takes 5-10 minutes. Once done, you’ll be prompted to reboot.
First boot after installation – Remove the USB drive and restart your PC. You should see a boot menu with Remix OS as an option. Select it to boot into your installed Remix OS.
Complete setup – Follow the on-screen setup wizard: choose language, connect to Wi-Fi, sign in with a Google account (optional), and set up a lock screen. You’ll then land on the Remix OS desktop.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong USB writing mode – In Rufus, if you choose “DD Image” mode instead of “ISO Image,” the USB may not boot. Always stick with the default ISO mode.
Forgetting to disable Secure Boot – On UEFI systems, Secure Boot often blocks Remix OS. If you get a “Verification failed” error, go to BIOS and disable Secure Boot.
Selecting the wrong partition – Installing over your Windows partition will erase it. Double-check the partition size and label before confirming.
Not enough space – If you allocate less than 8GB, the installation may fail or run out of space during use.
Ignoring system requirements – Installing on a PC with less than 2GB RAM will result in extreme lag and frequent crashes.

Tips

Use a USB 3.0 drive and port for faster booting and file transfer.
In Resident Mode, your files and settings are saved to the USB drive, so you can carry your OS with you.
If you plan to dual-boot with Windows, use a separate partition and install the bootloader to the same disk as Remix OS.
After installation, update Remix OS through the built-in updater to get bug fixes and performance improvements.
For better performance, close unused apps and avoid running too many tasks simultaneously, as Android isn’t optimized for desktop multitasking.

Troubleshooting

USB doesn’t boot – Re-write the USB using Rufus in ISO mode. Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0 if you have a legacy BIOS). In BIOS, ensure USB boot is enabled and the USB is first in order.
Boot loop or freeze – This often happens due to incompatible graphics drivers. Try booting with the “nomodeset” kernel parameter. At the boot menu, press ‘e’ to edit the boot entry, add nomodeset to the end of the kernel line, and press Enter.
No sound or Wi-Fi – Remix OS may lack drivers for some hardware. Check the Remix OS forums for your specific chipset. You can also try using an external USB Wi-Fi adapter or sound card.
Installation fails partway – Make sure your disk has enough free space and is not corrupted. Run a disk check from your current OS. Also, try using a different partition (e.g., ext4 instead of NTFS).
Can’t boot after installation – If the bootloader isn’t installed correctly, use the USB drive to boot into Remix OS again, then run the installer and choose “Repair bootloader.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Remix OS run on a Mac?

Yes, but only on Intel-based Macs. You’ll need to use a tool like rEFInd to boot, and some drivers (Wi-Fi, graphics) may not work.

Is Remix OS free?

Yes, Remix OS for PC is free to download and use. There is no paid version.

Can I install Remix OS on a laptop with an ARM processor?

No, Remix OS for PC is designed for x86/x64 processors. ARM devices require a different build (e.g., for tablets or phones).

Will Remix OS replace my Windows installation?

Only if you choose to erase the Windows partition during installation. You can install it alongside Windows and choose which OS to boot at startup.

Can I run Android apps on Remix OS?

Yes, Remix OS includes Google Play Store and supports most Android apps. Some apps that rely on phone sensors or GPS may not work perfectly.

How do I uninstall Remix OS?

Boot into your other OS (e.g., Windows) and delete the Remix OS partition using Disk Management. Then repair the Windows bootloader using a Windows recovery drive.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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