Running Linux
Like the majority of non-barebone mini PCs, the UM890 Pro came supplied with Windows 11 Pro installed. I know many of our readers would prefer companies to offer a machine without the Windows tax. While I’m not an advocate of Windows, I did let the installation complete and work its way through the update process. I have to say that Windows 11 is torturous to install in part because of the sales tactics used by Microsoft means you have to sit by the machine for each step to complete. The update process is also incredibly slow. The fault for that squarely lies with Microsoft.
The machine has Secure Boot enabled in the BIOS which stops installing a Linux distribution on the machine. The first step is therefore to turn off Secure Boot. Press the Del key at boot up which takes you into a colourful graphical BIOS. Select Setup and then Security. Change the Secure Boot dropdown from Enabled to Disabled. That’s it. The BIOS has some interesting options which I’ll look at in a later article in this series. For example, there are configurable TDP settings.
As I test many distributions, I’ve got a dedicated USB key to install Linux distributions made with the versatile open source Ventoy software. That way I have 30+ popular Linux distributions at my fingertips all on a single USB key.
I’ve briefly tested 4 Linux distributions on the machine. Specifically, I’ve installed Ubuntu 25.10, Manjaro, Debian 13, and Fedora. The time taken to install all four of them combined is significantly quicker than just installing Windows 11.
I’m pleased to report all the hardware works out of the box without any configuration needed for each of the distributions. That includes WiFi, Bluetooth, as well as my motley collection of desktop and portable monitors having the correct resolution and maximum refresh rates selected.
Let’s dive into the UM890 Pro’s hardware in more detail.
Next page: Page 3 – Interrogation of the System
Pages in this article:
Page 1 – Introduction and Design
Page 2 – Running Linux
Page 3 – Interrogation of the System