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How to Install Rocky Linux 8 (Version 8.10)
To install Rocky Linux 8, download the current 8.10 ISO, write it to a USB drive or attach it to a virtual machine, and boot the installer. In Anaconda, choose the target disk, software, network, and accounts, then install and reboot.
Rocky Linux 8.10 is the current supported minor release. Rocky Linux 8 is in maintenance support, with security support scheduled through May 31, 2029; older 8.x minor releases are no longer supported. If you do not have a compatibility reason to use version 8, check the Rocky Linux release lifecycle before installing.
1. Download the right Rocky Linux 8.10 ISO
Download Rocky Linux 8.10 from the official page and match the architecture: x86_64 for most Intel and AMD 64-bit systems, or aarch64 for compatible ARM hardware. Rocky Linux 8 offers boot, minimal, and DVD images.
- Boot ISO: Starts an installer that downloads packages from the network. Choose it when the target has a reliable internet connection.
- Minimal ISO: Installs a small system without downloading the entire DVD image. It is a practical choice for a basic server.
- DVD ISO: Includes the packages needed for a custom installation without an internet connection. It is larger, but useful for offline installs or a broader software selection.
Use DVD for offline installs or broader package choices; minimal is often enough for a headless server. The official ISO guide explains variants and supported architectures.
Verify the download
Download the matching CHECKSUM file from the same official release directory as the ISO. On Linux, put both files in one directory and run:
sha256sum -c CHECKSUM --ignore-missing
Continue only if your ISO reports OK. This catches a damaged or altered download before writing the USB. See Rocky’s Rocky Linux 8 installation guide for this checksum procedure.
2. Create installation media or attach the ISO
For a physical computer or server, Rocky recommends Fedora Media Writer. Choose its custom image option, select the Rocky ISO and USB drive, then write the image. This erases the selected drive, so verify its name and capacity first. Do not drag the ISO onto the USB as a regular file. Get the app from the Fedora Media Writer project.
For a virtual machine, attach the ISO as its virtual optical disk and boot from it; no USB is needed. The boot ISO requires network access, while the DVD ISO includes its installation packages.
3. Boot the installer and choose a language
Insert the USB, restart, and use the one-time boot menu to choose its UEFI entry; the key varies by manufacturer. For a VM, start it with the ISO attached. At the Rocky Linux 8 menu, choose Test this media & install Rocky Linux 8. After the media check, select a language and click Continue.
4. Choose the installation disk and settings
In the Anaconda Installation Summary, review these settings before proceeding:
- Installation Destination: Select the target disk. Automatic storage is suitable for a standard setup; choose Custom only if you know the partition layout you need.
- Existing data: Installation can overwrite the selected disk. Back up important files and check the disk model or capacity before proceeding. In a VM, confirm the intended virtual disk.
- Time and keyboard: Set the machine’s time zone and keyboard layout. Keep network time enabled if it can reach a time server.
- Software Selection: Choose a base environment for the workload. Minimal suits a command-line server; select a graphical environment only if you need a desktop and the packages are available from your source.
- Network & Hostname: Turn on the required interface, keep DHCP for typical test systems, or enter known static settings. Set a useful hostname.
Boot and minimal media may need repository access. If the installer cannot reach it, fix the network or use the DVD ISO.
5. Set up accounts, install, and reboot
Click Begin Installation. While it runs, complete the User Settings tasks if shown:
- Set a strong root password if you need the root account enabled. Root has full control, so use a unique password.
- Create a separate day-to-day user. If it needs administrative access, select the administrator option and require a password. Use this account for ordinary sign-in instead of root.
When installation completes, select Reboot System. Remove the USB when prompted or as the system restarts. In a VM, disconnect the ISO so it boots from the installed disk next time.
6. Finish first boot
Sign in with your new user, connect to the network if needed, and install available updates:
sudo dnf upgrade -y
Run cat /etc/rocky-release to confirm the version; it should report Rocky Linux 8.10. Keep the system updated and maintain backups.
Official references
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