Can I install Asahi Linux on an external SSD?

[u/kopruluqedehi]

I have an M2 MacBook Air with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, but I don't have enough free space to install Asahi Linux.

I have a 1TB portable M.2 SSD and was wondering if it's possible to install Asahi Linux on it and boot from the external drive.

As far as I know, the installer doesn't officially support this, but I'm not entirely sure. I currently have around 35-40GB of free space on my internal drive.

Is there any workaround to install it on the external SSD? Would I run into any issues, and is it worth trying?

If it's possible, are there any tutorials, guides, wiki pages, or videos explaining how to do it?

[u/angelbirth]

it is technically possible, but asahi team won't give any support. you really have to be an expert though, it involves undocumented steps:

1. install m1n1 only

2. get (or make your own) usb installer for the distro you prefer

3. boot into usb from m1n1

4. install to external drive

note that if you run asahi from usb, you absolutely cannot let your asahi system sleep; you won't be able to recover, reset is the only way

[u/kopruluqedehi → u/angelbirth]

Thanks.

Is there a chance it might be officially supported in the future? Would you recommend that I do it? I’ve been using Linux for about 1–1.5 years, and I started using a MacBook because of college.

[u/angelbirth → u/kopruluqedehi]

1. can you obtain usb installer for the distro of your choice? it might involve building your own kernel and initramfs and maybe more

2. can you make sure that your system won't sleep? asahi has a USB bug that detaches when the system goes to sleep. that means your root filesystem, gone

if the answer to those 2 question is yes, I can recommend you doing it. otherwise, make space for asahi or just stick to macos

I myself have done step 1, because I use debian and debian has netinst ISO for asahi. but for step 2, it's an absolute no for me. I need my macbook to be able to sleep