How to Install openSUSE Leap 15

In this article, we will examine how to set up and configure openSUSE Leap 15 (15.4) using a bootable USB flash drive on a desktop or laptop computer.

Installing openSUSE Leap 15 on a Computer with USB

How to Set Up openSUSE Leap 15 (15.4) on a PC

Another Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu and Linux Mint, is openSUSE, a community-based project sponsored by the SUSE company.

openSUSE Linux is available in two variants, Leap and Tumbleweed. The Leap version is Stable, while Tumbleweed is a type that gets fast updates, carries a risk in terms of system stability, and is adapted to the latest technology.

The version number of Tumbleweed does not change like other distributions after system development or optimization, such as Leap. Once you have installed this version on your computer, you can keep your system up-to-date by constantly getting new updates.

If you want to install a stable and consistent distribution on your computer or server, you should choose the Leap version. Therefore, if you want to test new software developments or the projects you are working on, the Tumbleweed version will be suitable for you.

How to Download openSUSE Leap ISO and Prepare USB Installation Media

The latest version of SUSE (Leap 15.4) was released on June 8, 2022. Version 15.4 includes Xfce 4.16, KDE Plasma 5.24, MATE 1.26, Deepin 20.3, and GNOME 41, the current desktop environments, and includes many new features such as the latest Linux Kernel. You can visit the SUSE webpage to review all the innovations and features of Leap 15.4.

Step 1

We recommend that you download the openSUSE Leap 15.4 ISO file from the official website, as image files downloaded via other websites may not be safe and consistent. Visit the SUSE resource to download the latest Leap image file.

You will see both variants on the SUSE homepage; here, in the Leap section, click the “Install Leap” button.

Visiting the SUSE Webpage

Step 2

On the download website, click the Download button in the Offline Image section under the “Intel or AMD 64-bit desktops, laptops, and servers (x86_64)” heading.

Downloading the openSUSE Leap 15.4 ISO File

Step 3

To prepare a bootable flash drive, download and open Rufus. After clicking the SELECT button, select the openSUSE ISO file you downloaded to your PC and add it.

Additionally, you can choose MBR or GPT installation type from the Partition Scheme.

Burning Leap ISO File to USB Flash Drive Using Rufus

Step 4

After adding the ISO file, click the START button and then confirm the use of Image Mode in the pop-ups. Confirm the deletion of all content on your USB disk and the burning of new files.

Starting ISO Burn

Step 5

When the USB installation media you prepared with Rufus is ready, remove your USB from your PC and plug it into the PC you will install.

USB Installation Media Created Successfully

How to Install openSUSE Step-by-Step

After downloading the ISO file and preparing the bootable USB installation media, you can now start installing the SUSE Linux distribution on your computer.

Steps:

Step 1

After burning the openSUSE image file to your USB, open the Boot screen according to the brand and model of the computer you are using. Then, boot your system from your flash memory and press Enter in the Installation option on the SUSE boot screen that opens.

Booting PC with USB

Step 2

Wait while the fundamental drivers of the SUSE system are loaded.

Installing Basic Drivers

Step 3

On the Language, Keyboard, and License Agreement screen, after the network settings, device configuration, and current hardware information are automatically determined by the setup wizard, click Next.

Configuring the System Language, Keyboard Layout, and License Agreement

Step 4

Select the system display language in which you want to use the SUSE system, select your PC’s current keyboard layout, and then click Next after reading the license terms.

Accepting the License Agreement

Step 5

After the installation wizard delves into your system, it will ask if you want to edit Online Repositories addresses before launching the software manager. If you have an internet connection, click Yes to add the online repo addresses and continue.

Adding Online Repository

Step 6

Check and edit the online repository addresses of openSUSE, then click Next.

Editing Online Repositories

Step 7

Wait while the SUSE repo addresses are being written to your system.

Adding Repository Addresses

Step 8

During installation, you need to choose one of the desktop environments: KDE Plasma, GNOME, or Xfce. You can select one of the listed desktop types based on your personal opinion and experience.

Picking a desktop look and feel can be confusing. openSUSE gives you plenty of choice in this area. But perhaps what you are looking for is the core idea of a different version.

For those thinking about moving to Linux Mint, I should mention one point. Mint’s Cinnamon look quickly fits your usual desktop habits. Setup is also just as easy as Leap’s.

Choosing the GNOME Desktop Environment

Step 9

If you are installing from scratch on your PC, you can leave the disk partition settings at default. If you have advanced Linux knowledge, you can view the settings by clicking Expert Partitioner.

Confirming Disk Partition

Step 10

Configure the time settings of your Linux system according to the location where you live, and select the country where you live for the time zone.

Selecting the Clock and Time Zone

Step 11

Type your full name for the Local User account, set the Username to log in to the system, and create a simple or strong system password.

If you create a simple user password, a window will open like the image below, and you will need to confirm the user’s use of the simple password.

Creating Local User and Setting Password

Step 12

Review the installation settings, and if there is something you want to do, you can go back and make changes. After completing all the settings, click the Install button to start the system installation and confirm the operation.

Checking and Confirming Installation Settings

Step 13

Wait while openSUSE is installed on your computer, and this may take time, depending on your PC’s performance.

Copying System Files

Step 14

After installing openSUSE on your Desktop PC and Laptop, reboot to log in to your system.

System Reboot

Step 15

When your SUSE system restarts, press Enter in the first option in the boot menu.

Choosing Leap in Boot Menu

Step 16

When openSUSE Leap opens, you will be greeted with the GNOME desktop environment. In the Welcome window, you can quickly access resources related to the Linux distribution or choose to close this window at the next boot.

We have finished setting up openSUSE. Well done! Perhaps you would like to try different versions in the Linux world. You might have a question, especially if you are interested in security testing.

For those curious about the current setup steps of Kali Linux, we have prepared a detailed guide. I especially suggest looking at the small tips in the part on making a lasting USB drive.

SUSE GNOME Desktop Environment

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Installing Old Versions

SUSE Version

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15.4 (NEW)

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Your openSUSE system is now ready. Next, you need to install the applications. Some of your tasks may still require Windows-specific software.

Based on my experience, I can say that running Windows software with Wine in openSUSE is much more practical than you might think. By following the steps provided, you can easily install your favorite programs.

Questions on Your Mind When Installing openSUSE: 6 Questions & Answers

How do I tell the difference between Leap and Tumbleweed? Which one suits me better?

Let me tell you right away: Leap means stability. Tumbleweed means constant new things. In Leap, everything is tested and compatibility is guaranteed. In Tumbleweed, you get the newest software but sometimes you may face surprises.

If you are setting up a server or work computer, Leap is perfect for you. You have no room for error. If you play games, try new tech, or do development, Tumbleweed is more tempting. But remember: Tumbleweed has no version number. Install, update, keep going.

I personally suggest Leap to you. Especially if you are new to openSUSE. The stable version saves you time. Later, switching to Tumbleweed is just one click away.

Is there a USB preparation method other than Rufus? What should I do on Linux?

There definitely is. Rufus is a great tool for Windows. But if you use Linux, the ‘dd’ command is your most loyal friend. Honestly, I also use the terminal most of the time. Your job is done with one line of command.

An example? ‘sudo dd if=openSUSE-Leap-15.4.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress’. Here ‘sdX’ is your USB stick. Be careful! If you do not pick the right disk, you can lose your other data. Use ‘lsblk’ first to see which device it is.

‘dd’ also works on Macs. Graphic tools like BalenaEtcher also do the job. But flexibility like the MBR/GPT option Rufus offers is rare. Still, ‘dd’ is enough on Linux. It writes the ISO directly and makes it bootable.

What should I pay attention to when choosing a desktop? KDE, GNOME, or Xfce?

This depends fully on your taste and your hardware. KDE Plasma is a customization heaven. You can change everything. But it uses a bit more resources. GNOME is simple and modern. It is easy to use and suits people who do not want to deal with too many settings.

Xfce is light. It is a lifesaver on old computers. It runs smoothly even on a machine with 2GB RAM. My advice: If your hardware is strong, do not stay stuck between KDE and GNOME. Try both. Pick one during setup, then you can add the other from the login screen later.

openSUSE is generous on this point. You can even install more than one desktop at the same time. As long as you have disk space. But you have to decide during the first setup. Then you can easily add more with ‘YaST’.

Is it safe to leave disk partitioning settings at default? Should I set them by hand?

Default settings are more than enough for most users. The setup wizard creates a smart layout on its own. /boot, /, swap, and /home are placed separately. You do not need to worry. Because if you are new to Linux, automatic partitioning is the best choice.

But if you are an advanced user, the ‘Expert Partitioner’ waits for you. There you have options like LVM, software RAID, or encryption. For example, a separate /home partition helps when you change distributions later. Or you may want to put the bootloader on another disk.

Do not forget this rule: If you are setting up a dual system with Windows, manual setup is a must. You must put the bootloader in the right place. Otherwise, your computer will not start. But if you are installing openSUSE alone, relax. Pick the default and move on.

Is it mandatory to add online repos during setup? What if I have no internet?

It is not mandatory but strongly advised. Thanks to online repos, you get the most current packages during setup. Security patches, driver updates, and extra software come in. If you have no internet, it is no problem. The system finishes the basic install with the offline ISO.

The difference is this: If you do not add online repos, you have to run ‘sudo zypper refresh’ after setup and add the repos by hand. This takes an extra two minutes. Also, being online while setting up the desktop helps some codecs and third-party drivers install automatically.

Here is what I do: If possible, I plug in an ethernet cable. If there is WiFi, the setup wizard already finds the network settings. I say ‘Yes’ and move on. If not, I handle it later. As long as the ISO itself is complete.

Setup is done. What are the first things I should do now? Update, drivers, apps?

Congratulations! Now open the terminal and type ‘sudo zypper update’. This command updates the whole system. Because the ISO is dated. If months have passed, hundreds of updates may come out. Be patient, get one more coffee.

Then you can install extra package patterns like ‘sudo zypper install -t pattern kde’ or ‘gnome’. My favorite is: Install the ‘opi’ tool. After ‘sudo zypper install opi’, use ‘opi codecs’ to handle media codecs with one command. Netflix, YouTube, MP3 work without problems.

Finally, if you have an NVIDIA graphics card, try the commands ‘sudo zypper addrepo -cf https://download.nvidia.com/opensuse/leap/15.4/ nvidia’ and ‘sudo zypper install nvidia-driver-G06’. But first, explore the ‘YaST’ tools. That is the center of system settings. Now openSUSE is yours. Have fun freely.

How to Install openSUSE Leap 15 on a Computer with Bootable USB