Test the USB copy from Create a Structured Backup of Your Old System before continuing.
Install Qubes OS on supported hardware before adding KUHBS. The intended starting point is a fully updated, normally configured Qubes OS installation with working networking, default templates, and a verified migration backup—not a stripped-down custom baseline.
Record hardware-specific firmware and storage settings before replacing the old system. Keep migration storage disconnected during installation, and do not copy old browser profiles or application state into the default Qubes OS VMs while testing the new installation.
Check the computer in the Qubes OS hardware list . Enable VT-x and VT-d in BIOS/UEFI and disable Secure Boot.
Download the latest stable ISO from qubes-os.org and follow the official verification guide .
Write the ISO to a spare USB drive with a raw-image tool, then follow the official installation guide .
Choose the disk, encryption passphrase, and local user. Keep the supported defaults in Qubes Initial Setup; do not choose Do not configure anything.
Run Qubes Update once. The default Qubes OS VMs are the starting platform for KUHBS, not the destinations for your application migration data. Wait until KUHBS has created the Signal, Thunderbird, Office, and other application KUHBs.
Next: Installing KUHBS .