# Before You Install BcalcOS

**URL:** <https://bcalcos.discourse.group/t/before-you-install-bcalcos/22>\
**Category:** More You Know\
**Created:** [September 9, 2026, 3:43pm UTC](https://bcalcos.discourse.group/t/before-you-install-bcalcos/22 "2026-09-09T15:43:16Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![bcalc](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex008/user_avatar/bcalcos.discourse.group/bcalc/32/11_2.png) [@bcalc](https://bcalcos.discourse.group/u/bcalc)\
**Post date:** [September 9, 2026, 3:43pm UTC](https://bcalcos.discourse.group/t/before-you-install-bcalcos/22/1 "2026-09-09T15:43:16Z")

</div>

There are a few things to know before starting the installation.

### (1) Back Up Your Data

The BcalcOS installer will erase the entire physical disk selected for installation. Make sure any important files on that disk have been backed up before proceeding.

### (2) Check Secure Boot

Secure Boot must be disabled before installing BcalcOS. Check your firmware settings to disable.

### (3) Consider Your Disk Setup

BcalcOS uses a fixed disk layout consisting of four partitions: EFI/boot, root, swap, and home.

If you want to run BcalcOS alongside another operating system, the other OS must be installed on a **separate physical disk**. BcalcOS does not support single-disk dual-boot installations.

### (4) Decide About Home Encryption

Home encryption is optional. If you choose to enable it, you will create a separate encryption password during installation. Don’t lose it!

Remember that this is different from your normal login password.

### (5) Have Your Information Ready

During installation you will be asked to provide or select:

- Installation disk
- Timezone
- Hostname
- Username
- Login password
- Home encryption preference

Once these decisions have been made, the BcalcOS installer will guide you through the rest of the installation process.