Installing a Debian server is identical to installing standard Debian; there is no separate server ISO. In this guide, we will install a headless Debian server on an old Lenovo G575 laptop without a Graphical User Interface (GUI), also known as a desktop environment (DE), to save system resources.
This approach is especially helpful for older hardware, while computers that can handle it can still install a graphical interface during setup if preferred.
Part 1: Headless Debian Server: Download & Install
1. Requirements & Installer Controls
Wired Connection
While laptops have built-in Wi-Fi, always prefer an Ethernet connection over Wi-Fi for server stability and speed.
Peripherals
Laptops have a built-in screen and keyboard. For desktop systems, temporarily connect a monitor and keyboard. Once setup is complete, you can unplug them, as the server only needs a power cable and Ethernet cable.
Installer Navigation Controls
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| Tab or Shift + Tab | Move focus between options and buttons. |
| Arrow Keys | Navigate lists and text fields. |
| Spacebar | Toggle checkboxes (select or deselect items). |
| Enter | Confirm selection. |
| Escape | Go back to the previous screen or cancel an option. |
2. Preparing Installation Media
Download the ISO
Visit the official Debian website and choose your image type:
- netinst: A small installation image that downloads exact packages straight from Debian's online servers to your hard drive during setup.
- DVD ISO: A larger, complete installation image that copies packages directly from the USB drive to your hard drive without requiring an internet connection during setup.
Flash the USB Drive
Use Rufus or balenaEtcher to write the ISO image to your USB drive.
Rufus Settings: For Legacy BIOS systems, select MBR - BIOS. For UEFI systems, select GPT - UEFI under Partition scheme and Target system.
Alternatively: You can use a Ventoy USB drive and copy-paste the ISO onto the Ventoy partition.
Boot into the Installer
Plug the USB into your target machine, power it on, and repeatedly press your system's Boot Menu key (typically F12, F11, F9, F8, or Escape depending on the brand; on some laptops, you may need to press Fn + the key).
Select the USB drive as your boot device.
3. Installing Debian (Headless Setup)
When the boot menu appears, select Advanced options, then Expert Install (text mode) or Graphical expert install.
The difference between a normal install and an expert install is the customization options you get.
Localization & Language
Select your preferred Language, Country/Territory, and Keyboard Layout.
Detect and mount installation media, and load installer components from installation media.
Configure the Network & Set a Static IP
Select your primary network interface: wired Ethernet interface (for example, eth0).
When prompted to auto configure the network via DHCP, select No to Configure network manually and set a Static IP:
- IP Address: 192.168.1.150 (or your preferred static IP)
- Netmask: 255.255.255.0
- Gateway: 192.168.1.1 (your router IP)
- Name server addresses: 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1 (your preferred DNS or your router IP)
Ensure that the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS server addresses accurately reflect your network configuration.
Set Hostname
Set Hostname (for example, debian-server). Leave Domain blank unless you need it.
Set Users & Passwords
Select Yes to allow root login. If you choose not to allow the root user to log in, a standard user account will be created and given permission to run commands as root using sudo.
Set a strong Root password if needed.
Create a regular user account (for example, ASM) and set a password for it.
Configure the clock and select your time zone.
Disk Partitioning
Select Guided - use entire disk.
Select your internal hard drive.
Select All files in one partition.
Select Finish partitioning and write changes to disk, then confirm with Yes.
Install the Base System
Install the base system.
Press Enter to install the default selected kernel.
Choose generic: include all available drivers or targeted: only include drivers needed for this system.
Configure the Package Manager
Select yes for use a network mirror, and choose the one that is closest to you.
Select yes for use non-free firmware.
Select yes for use non-free software.
Select no for enable source repositories in apt.
Keep the default services to use and press Enter.
Choose the update management for the system.
Select no for package usage survey.
Software Selection
Uncheck all desktop environment options (GNOME, Xfce, KDE) to keep the system headless.
Ensure ONLY these options are selected:
- SSH server.
- standard system utilities.
Complete Installation
Install the GRUB boot loader.
Select no for run os-prober.
Select yes for Install the GRUB boot loader to your primary drive.
Select your primary drive for device for boot loader installation (for example dev sda).
Once finished, select Continue to reboot into your new Debian server, and remove the USB drive.
Additional Installation Options
You might get additional options based on your environment, such as:
- Scan extra installation media: Select no.
- Force GRUB installation to the EFI removable media path: Select No.
- Update the NVRAM variables to automatically boot into Debian: Select Yes.
And that’s it for Part 1! Your base Debian server is installed and ready to go.
However, we aren't done just yet—your system still needs essential initial tuning, including console adjustments, sudo privileges, SSH security, firewall setup, and power management like display timeouts and laptop lid settings.
But that's for Part 2 for the post-installation configuration!
With the base installation complete, the Debian server is now ready for the essential configuration steps needed to make it more practical and secure for everyday server use.