Complete Linux Installation Guide for Dell XPS 15 9560

For Educators: Focus on Simplicity, Stability, and Development

Target User: Me
Hardware: Dell XPS 15 9560 (2017 model)
Primary Uses: Google Workspace, curriculum development, blogging (Jekyll/GitHub Pages), VSCode development
Priority: Ease of use, low maintenance, reliable desktop environment


Table of Contents

  1. Distribution Recommendation
  2. Why This Choice
  3. Pre-Installation Preparation
  4. BIOS Configuration
  5. Installation Process
  6. Post-Installation Setup
  7. Installing Development Tools
  8. Hardware Optimization for XPS 9560
  9. Troubleshooting
  10. Useful Resources

Distribution Recommendation

Winner: Linux Mint 22 “Wilma” (Cinnamon Edition)

Why Linux Mint for You:

  • Lowest maintenance burden - Updates are conservative and well-tested
  • Windows-like interface - Familiar desktop layout minimizes relearning
  • 5-year support cycle - Install once, maintain minimally
  • Excellent hardware detection - Works well with XPS 15 9560
  • Pre-configured multimedia support - No codec hunting
  • Google Chrome/Chromium included - Seamless Google Workspace integration
  • Based on Ubuntu LTS - Access to vast software repositories
  • Community-focused - User-friendly forums and documentation

Alternative Options (If You Want to Explore)

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS - If you prefer GNOME desktop or want cutting-edge features
Fedora Workstation 42 - If you want the absolute latest developer tools (requires more maintenance)


Why This Choice

For Your Specific Use Case:

Requirement Linux Mint Solution
Limited time for maintenance Conservative update policy; won’t break unexpectedly
Google Workspace access Chrome/Chromium pre-installed; web apps work perfectly
VSCode development Easy .deb installation; full compatibility
Jekyll/GitHub Pages Ruby environment easily installable; strong documentation
Non-intrusive desktop Cinnamon stays out of your way; traditional workflow
Curriculum creation LibreOffice pre-installed; PDF export; screenshot tools

What You’re Gaining:

  • Stability: Rock-solid base with fewer surprise updates
  • Familiarity: Menu-driven interface like Windows
  • Productivity: No telemetry, no forced reboots, no license hassles
  • Control: You decide when to update and what to install
  • Privacy: No data collection by default
  • Performance: Faster boot times, better battery life than Windows

Pre-Installation Preparation

Materials Needed:

  • USB flash drive (8GB minimum, 16GB recommended)
  • External backup drive (for Windows backup if dual-booting)
  • Stable internet connection
  • 90-120 minutes of time

Step 1: Backup Your Current System

Critical: Even if you’re replacing Windows completely, backup important data.

Windows Users:

  1. Documents, Photos, Downloads
    • Copy to external drive or cloud storage
    • Verify files are readable on backup
  2. Browser bookmarks and passwords
    • Export from Chrome/Firefox
    • Ensure Google account sync is enabled
  3. Save Windows product key (if you might want to reinstall)
    Windows: Run "cmd" as Administrator
    Type: wmic path softwarelicensingservice get OA3xOriginalProductKey
    Save this key somewhere safe
    
  4. Optional: Full system image
    • Use Macrium Reflect Free: https://www.macrium.com/reflectfree
    • Or built-in Windows Backup

Step 2: Download Linux Mint

Direct Download Link: https://linuxmint.com/download.php

  1. Choose: Linux Mint 22 “Wilma” Cinnamon Edition
  2. Select download mirror closest to you (Northeast US recommended)
  3. Download size: ~2.8GB
  4. Also download the SHA256 checksum to verify integrity

Verify Your Download (Important!)

Windows:

# Open PowerShell
cd Downloads
Get-FileHash linuxmint-22-cinnamon-64bit.iso -Algorithm SHA256
# Compare output with SHA256 file from Linux Mint website

Mac/Existing Linux:

sha256sum linuxmint-22-cinnamon-64bit.iso
# Compare output with published checksum

Step 3: Create Bootable USB Drive

  • Download: https://etcher.balena.io/
  • Available for Windows, Mac, Linux
  • Simple 3-click process

Steps:

  1. Install and open balenaEtcher
  2. Click “Flash from file” → select Linux Mint ISO
  3. Click “Select target” → choose your USB drive
  4. Click “Flash!” → wait 5-10 minutes
  5. When complete, don’t format the drive if Windows asks

Alternative Tool: Rufus (Windows only)

  • Download: https://rufus.ie/
  • More options but slightly more complex
  • Use default settings for Linux Mint

Step 4: Update Your XPS 9560 BIOS

Current BIOS version check:

  • Restart computer → press F2 repeatedly → check BIOS version

Latest BIOS for XPS 9560: Version 1.22.1 (as of 2026)

Update Process:

  1. Visit: https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/xps-15-9560-laptop/drivers
  2. Download latest BIOS update (.exe file)
  3. Run while plugged into AC power
  4. Do not interrupt - Let it complete fully
  5. System will reboot automatically

BIOS Configuration

Accessing BIOS:

  1. Restart your XPS 15
  2. Immediately tap F2 repeatedly until BIOS screen appears
  3. Alternatively: F12 for boot menu

Critical Settings to Change:

1. SATA Mode (MOST IMPORTANT)

Location: System Configuration → SATA Operation
Change: RAID On → AHCI
Why: Allows Linux to detect your NVMe SSD

⚠️ WARNING for Dual-Boot Users:

  • If you change to AHCI, existing Windows will not boot
  • Fix: Boot Windows in Safe Mode once, then reboot normally
  • Or: Fresh install both operating systems

2. Secure Boot

Location: Secure Boot → Secure Boot Enable
Change: Enabled → Disabled
Why: Allows unsigned Linux bootloaders

3. Fast Boot

Location: POST Behaviour → Fastboot
Change: Minimal → Thorough
Why: Prevents intermittent boot failures

4. Boot Sequence

Location: Boot Sequence
Change: Move USB Storage to top
Why: Allows booting from installation USB

Save and Exit:

  • Press F10 to save changes
  • Confirm “Yes”
  • Computer will reboot

Installation Process

Phase 1: Boot from USB

  1. Insert USB drive into XPS 15
  2. Power on and immediately press F12 (one-time boot menu)
  3. Select your USB drive from list
  4. Choose “Start Linux Mint” from GRUB menu
  5. Wait 30-60 seconds for live environment to load

Once booted into Linux Mint:

  • Test WiFi: Click network icon → connect to your network
  • Test trackpad: Multi-touch gestures should work
  • Test keyboard: All keys functional
  • Test audio: Play a video or music
  • Test display: Resolution should be correct

If everything works, proceed. If not, check troubleshooting section.

Phase 3: Installation

  1. Double-click “Install Linux Mint” icon on desktop

  2. Language Selection
    • Select English (or your preference)
    • Click “Continue”
  3. Keyboard Layout
    • Usually auto-detected correctly
    • Test in text box to confirm
    • Click “Continue”
  4. Multimedia Codecs
    • Check “Install multimedia codecs”
    • This installs MP3, H.264, etc.
    • Click “Continue”
  5. Installation Type (Choose based on your goal)

    Option A: Replace Windows Completely (Recommended for simplicity)

    ○ Erase disk and install Linux Mint
    ☑ Encrypt the new Linux Mint installation (optional but recommended)
    Click "Install Now"
    Confirm partition changes
    

    Option B: Dual Boot with Windows

    ○ Install Linux Mint alongside Windows
    Use slider to allocate space (50GB minimum for Linux)
    Click "Install Now"
    Confirm partition changes
    

    Option C: Manual Partitioning (Advanced)

    ○ Something else
    Create partitions:
      - /boot/efi: 512MB, EFI System Partition
      - /: 50GB+, ext4, Mount point /
      - swap: 8-16GB (match your RAM size)
      - /home: Remaining space, ext4
    
  6. Time Zone Selection
    • Click on map or type city name
    • For Somerset, MA: America/New_York
    • Click “Continue”
  7. User Account Creation
    Your name: James Burke
    Computer name: xps-mint (or your choice)
    Username: james (lowercase, no spaces)
    Password: [Choose strong password]
    ☑ Require password to log in (recommended)
    ☑ Encrypt my home folder (optional security)
    
    • Click “Continue”
  8. Wait for Installation
    • Takes 10-15 minutes
    • Progress bar shows current task
    • Read the slideshow to learn Mint features
  9. Installation Complete
    • Click “Restart Now”
    • Remove USB drive when prompted
    • System will reboot into Linux Mint

Phase 4: First Boot

  1. Computer restarts
  2. GRUB bootloader appears (if dual-boot)
  3. Linux Mint loads in 15-30 seconds
  4. Login screen appears
  5. Enter your password
  6. Welcome to Linux Mint!

Post-Installation Setup

First Login Tasks

1. Welcome Screen

Linux Mint greets you with helpful first steps:

  • ☑ Take the tour (5 minutes, recommended)
  • ☑ Install updates
  • ☑ Install additional drivers
  • ☐ Set up system snapshots (Timeshift - highly recommended)

2. Update System (Critical First Step)

Using GUI:

Menu → Administration → Update Manager
Click "OK" on welcome message
Click "Install Updates"
Enter password
Wait for updates to complete (10-20 minutes first time)
Reboot if kernel updated

Using Terminal (faster):

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt dist-upgrade -y
sudo apt autoremove -y

3. Install Proprietary Drivers

Your XPS 9560 has NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphics:

Menu → Administration → Driver Manager
Wait for detection to complete
Select "nvidia-driver-550" (or latest recommended)
Click "Apply Changes"
Enter password
Reboot when complete

To verify:

nvidia-smi
# Should show GPU info and driver version

4. Set Up Timeshift (System Snapshots)

Critical for peace of mind:

Menu → Administration → Timeshift
Select "RSYNC" (recommended)
Choose system partition (usually /dev/nvme0n1p2)
Schedule: Daily (keep 3), Weekly (keep 2)
Include @home: No (keeps snapshots smaller)
Click "Create" to make first snapshot

Why this matters:

  • Roll back if an update breaks something
  • Restore after accidental system changes
  • Safety net for experimentation

5. Enable Firewall

sudo ufw enable
sudo ufw status
# Should show "Status: active"

6. Configure Settings

System Settings → Power Management:

  • Laptop lid: Suspend when closed
  • Critical battery: Hibernate
  • Turn off screen: 10 minutes

System Settings → Display:

  • Resolution: 1920×1080 (FHD model)
  • Scaling: 100% or 125% (your preference)

System Settings → Preferred Applications:

  • Web: Google Chrome or Firefox
  • Terminal: Gnome Terminal or Tilix

Installing Development Tools

Visual Studio Code

# Import Microsoft GPG key
wget -qO- https://packages.microsoft.com/keys/microsoft.asc | gpg --dearmor > packages.microsoft.gpg
sudo install -D -o root -g root -m 644 packages.microsoft.gpg /usr/share/keyrings/packages.microsoft.gpg
rm packages.microsoft.gpg

# Add VSCode repository
echo "deb [arch=amd64,arm64,armhf signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/packages.microsoft.gpg] https://packages.microsoft.com/repos/code stable main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/vscode.list

# Install VSCode
sudo apt update
sudo apt install code -y

Method 2: Download .deb Package

  1. Visit: https://code.visualstudio.com/Download
  2. Click “Linux .deb x64”
  3. Save to Downloads
  4. Install:
    cd ~/Downloads
    sudo dpkg -i code_*.deb
    sudo apt --fix-broken install -y
    

Launch VSCode:

code
# Or: Menu → Programming → Visual Studio Code

Essential Extensions for Your Work:

# Open VSCode
# Press Ctrl+Shift+X (Extensions)
# Search and install:
- Markdown All in One
- GitHub Pull Requests
- GitLens
- Live Server
- Python (if using Python)
- ESLint (for JavaScript)

Git Configuration

# Install Git (usually pre-installed)
sudo apt install git -y

# Configure identity
git config --global user.name "James Burke"
git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com"

# Recommended aliases
git config --global alias.st status
git config --global alias.co checkout
git config --global alias.br branch
git config --global alias.ci commit

# Verify
git config --list

GitHub Authentication:

# Generate SSH key
ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your.email@example.com"
# Press Enter for default location
# Enter passphrase (or skip)

# Copy public key
cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub
# Copy output

# Add to GitHub:
# GitHub.com → Settings → SSH and GPG keys → New SSH key
# Paste key, give it a title like "XPS 15 Linux Mint"

Jekyll for GitHub Pages

Install Ruby and Dependencies

# Install Ruby and build tools
sudo apt install ruby-full build-essential zlib1g-dev -y

# Avoid installing gems as root
echo '# Ruby Gems' >> ~/.bashrc
echo 'export GEM_HOME="$HOME/gems"' >> ~/.bashrc
echo 'export PATH="$HOME/gems/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

# Install Jekyll and Bundler
gem install jekyll bundler

# Verify installation
jekyll -v
# Should show: jekyll 4.x.x

Set Up Your First Jekyll Site

# Create new Jekyll site
cd ~
mkdir websites
cd websites
jekyll new my-blog
cd my-blog

# Serve locally
bundle exec jekyll serve

# Open browser to: http://localhost:4000

GitHub Pages Integration

Create GitHub repository:

# On GitHub.com:
# New repository → username.github.io
# Initialize without README

# In your Jekyll directory:
git init
git add .
git commit -m "Initial commit"
git branch -M main
git remote add origin git@github.com:username/username.github.io.git
git push -u origin main

Configure for GitHub Pages:

Edit Gemfile:

# Comment out:
# gem "jekyll", "~> 4.3.3"

# Uncomment:
gem "github-pages", group: :jekyll_plugins

Run:

bundle install
bundle exec jekyll serve --baseurl=""

Visit: https://username.github.io (after pushing)

Useful Resources:

  • GitHub Pages: https://pages.github.com/
  • Jekyll Docs: https://jekyllrb.com/docs/
  • Jekyll Themes: https://jekyllthemes.io/

Google Chrome for Workspace

# Download Chrome
wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

# Install
sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
sudo apt --fix-broken install -y

# Launch
google-chrome

Sign in to Google account for:

  • Gmail
  • Google Drive
  • Google Docs/Sheets/Slides
  • Google Classroom
  • Google Calendar

Tip: Install as PWA (Progressive Web Apps):

  • Visit any Google service
  • Chrome Menu → More Tools → Create Shortcut
  • ☑ Open as window
  • Creates app-like experience

Additional Development Tools

# Node.js and npm (for web development)
sudo apt install nodejs npm -y
node -v  # Should show v18.x or later

# Python (usually pre-installed)
python3 --version
pip3 --version

# If pip missing:
sudo apt install python3-pip -y

# Useful utilities
sudo apt install -y \
  htop \              # System monitor
  tree \              # Directory visualization
  curl \              # Data transfer
  wget \              # File downloads
  vim \               # Text editor
  neofetch \          # System info display
  tldr \              # Simplified man pages
  gnome-screenshot    # Screenshot tool

Hardware Optimization for XPS 9560

Battery Life Optimization

Install TLP (Power Management)

sudo apt install tlp tlp-rdw -y
sudo systemctl enable tlp
sudo systemctl start tlp

# Check status
sudo tlp-stat -s

Expected improvements:

  • 30-40% better battery life
  • Automatic CPU frequency scaling
  • USB power management
  • PCI device power control

Touchpad Fine-Tuning

Create configuration file:

sudo nano /usr/share/X11/xorg.conf.d/40-libinput.conf

Add:

Section "InputClass"
    Identifier "touchpad"
    Driver "libinput"
    MatchIsTouchpad "on"
    Option "Tapping" "on"
    Option "NaturalScrolling" "true"
    Option "AccelSpeed" "0.4"
EndSection

Save (Ctrl+O, Enter, Ctrl+X) and restart.

NVIDIA Optimus (Switchable Graphics)

Check Current Graphics Mode

prime-select query
# Shows: nvidia or intel

Switch Graphics Mode

# Use NVIDIA (better performance, more battery drain)
sudo prime-select nvidia

# Use Intel (better battery, lower performance)
sudo prime-select intel

# Reboot required after switching
sudo reboot

Recommendation: Use Intel for daily work, NVIDIA for intensive tasks.

WiFi Stability

Your XPS 9560 has Intel Wireless-AC 8265:

# If WiFi drops frequently, disable power management
sudo nano /etc/NetworkManager/conf.d/wifi-powersave.conf

Add:

[connection]
wifi.powersave = 2

Save and restart NetworkManager:

sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

Audio Fixes

If speakers sound tinny:

# Install PulseAudio Volume Control
sudo apt install pavucontrol -y

# Launch
pavucontrol

Go to Configuration tab → Built-in Audio → Profile: Analog Stereo Duplex

Temperature Monitoring

# Install sensors
sudo apt install lm-sensors -y
sudo sensors-detect  # Press Enter for all defaults

# Check temperatures
sensors

Normal temps:

  • Idle: 40-50°C
  • Light use: 50-65°C
  • Heavy load: 65-85°C
  • Thermal throttling: 90°C+

SSD TRIM (Performance)

# Enable weekly TRIM for SSD longevity
sudo systemctl enable fstrim.timer
sudo systemctl start fstrim.timer

# Manual TRIM
sudo fstrim -av

Troubleshooting

Boot Issues

Problem: “No bootable device found”

Solution:

1. Enter BIOS (F2)
2. Boot Sequence → Add Boot Option
3. File System: Select EFI partition
4. Path: \EFI\ubuntu\grubx64.efi (yes, even for Mint)
5. Save and exit

Problem: Black screen after GRUB

Solution:

1. At GRUB menu, press 'e' on Linux Mint entry
2. Find line starting with 'linux'
3. Add to end: nouveau.modeset=0
4. Press F10 to boot
5. Install NVIDIA drivers once booted

Problem: System freezes on boot

Solution:

At GRUB, add kernel parameter:
acpi_rev_override=5

To make permanent:
sudo nano /etc/default/grub
Add: GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash acpi_rev_override=5"
sudo update-grub

WiFi Not Working

# Check if WiFi is blocked
rfkill list

# If blocked:
sudo rfkill unblock all

# Restart NetworkManager
sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

Trackpad Issues

# If multi-touch not working:
sudo apt install xserver-xorg-input-synaptics -y
sudo reboot

Sound Not Working

# Reload audio driver
pulseaudio -k
pulseaudio --start

# If still no sound:
sudo alsa force-reload

Screen Brightness Control

# If brightness keys don't work:
sudo nano /etc/default/grub

# Change:
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash acpi_backlight=vendor"

sudo update-grub
sudo reboot

Suspend/Resume Issues

# If laptop doesn't wake from suspend:
sudo nano /etc/default/grub

# Add:
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet splash mem_sleep_default=deep"

sudo update-grub
sudo reboot

High CPU Usage

# Check what's using CPU:
htop

# Sort by CPU: Press F6, select CPU%

# Common culprits:
# - snapd (if you installed snaps)
# - tracker-miner (file indexing)

# Disable tracker:
systemctl --user mask tracker-store.service tracker-miner-fs.service tracker-miner-rss.service tracker-extract.service tracker-miner-apps.service tracker-writeback.service

Slow Boot Times

# Analyze boot time:
systemd-analyze

# See what takes longest:
systemd-analyze blame

# Critical services taking >5s should be investigated

Useful Resources

Linux Mint Official Resources

  • Main Website: https://linuxmint.com/
  • Documentation: https://linuxmint.com/documentation.php
  • Forums: https://forums.linuxmint.com/
  • User Guide: https://linuxmint.com/documentation/user-guide/Cinnamon/english_18.0.pdf

Learning Linux

  • Linux Journey: https://linuxjourney.com/ (Free interactive tutorials)
  • The Linux Command Line Book: https://linuxcommand.org/tlcl.php (Free PDF)
  • ExplainShell: https://explainshell.com/ (Decode complex commands)

Development Resources

  • VSCode on Linux: https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/setup/linux
  • Jekyll Documentation: https://jekyllrb.com/docs/
  • GitHub Pages Guide: https://docs.github.com/en/pages
  • Git Book: https://git-scm.com/book/en/v2

Dell XPS 9560 Specific

  • Arch Wiki (excellent for any distro): https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Dell_XPS_15_(9560)
  • Dell Support: https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/xps-15-9560-laptop
  • Ubuntu Wiki: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/

Communities and Support

  • r/linuxmint: https://reddit.com/r/linuxmint
  • r/linux4noobs: https://reddit.com/r/linux4noobs
  • Ask Ubuntu: https://askubuntu.com/ (works for Mint too)
  • Stack Overflow: https://stackoverflow.com/ (programming questions)

YouTube Channels

  • LearnLinuxTV: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnLinuxTV
  • DistroTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DistroTube
  • Chris Titus Tech: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisTitusTech
  • The Linux Experiment: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLinuxEXP

Quick Reference: Essential Commands

System Management

# Update system
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

# Install package
sudo apt install package-name

# Remove package
sudo apt remove package-name

# Search for package
apt search keyword

# Clean up
sudo apt autoremove -y
sudo apt autoclean

File Operations

# List files
ls -lah

# Change directory
cd /path/to/directory

# Copy files
cp source destination

# Move/rename
mv source destination

# Remove file
rm filename

# Remove directory
rm -r directory

# Create directory
mkdir directory-name

# Find files
find /path -name "filename"

System Information

# Disk usage
df -h

# Directory size
du -sh /path

# Memory usage
free -h

# CPU info
lscpu

# Process monitor
htop

# Network info
ip addr show

# System info
neofetch

File Editing

# Simple editor
nano filename

# Advanced editor
vim filename

# View file
cat filename
less filename

Permissions

# Make executable
chmod +x script.sh

# Change owner
sudo chown user:user filename

# View permissions
ls -l filename

Maintenance Schedule

Daily (Automated)

  • ☑ Automatic Timeshift snapshots (if configured)
  • ☑ TLP battery optimization

Weekly

# Update system
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

# Clean package cache
sudo apt autoremove -y
sudo apt autoclean

Monthly

  • ☐ Review Timeshift snapshots (delete old ones if space low)
  • ☐ Check disk space: df -h
  • ☐ Review installed packages: apt list --installed

As Needed

  • ☐ BIOS updates (check Dell support site)
  • ☐ NVIDIA driver updates (via Driver Manager)
  • ☐ Linux Mint point releases (21.1 → 21.2, etc.)

Conclusion

You now have everything you need to install and optimize Linux Mint on your Dell XPS 15 9560. This setup will provide you with:

Stable, reliable system for daily educational work
Full development environment with VSCode, Git, Jekyll
Seamless Google Workspace integration via Chrome
Optimized performance for your specific hardware
Low maintenance with conservative update policy
Privacy and control over your computing environment

Remember: Linux is a journey, not a destination. Don’t be afraid to explore, experiment (with Timeshift safety net), and ask for help in the vibrant Linux community.

Good luck, and welcome to the world of open source!


Document Version: 1.0
Last Updated: February 22, 2026
Hardware: Dell XPS 15 9560
OS: Linux Mint 22 “Wilma” Cinnamon Edition