Guides

  • Switching Branch (Installing coreboot)

    Available on: Star Labtop Mk III Star Labtop Mk IV StarBook Mk V StarLite Mk IV StarLite Mk III (Beta) Requirements: fwupd version 1.5.6 or later The battery must be charged to at least 30% The charger must be connected (either USB-C or DC Jack) BIOS Lock must be disabled Supported Linux distri...

  • StarBook Mk V/VI - Complete Disassembly Guide

    To complete the disassembly you will need a Phillips ph0 screwdriver (and thermal compound if removing the mainboard). Note: The screws for each component are slightly different lengths. We would advise keeping each set separate (and label) if possible. To begin, place the StarBook Mk V or VI o...

  • Star Lite Mk II / III / IV - Complete Disassembly Guide

    Star Lite Mk II / III / IV Disassembly Guide Follow these steps carefully to disassemble your Star Lite laptop. Always work on a soft, protected surface to avoid scratching the anodised finish. 1. Prepare the Laptop Place the Star Lite Mk II, Mk III, or Mk IV face down on a clean, soft surface...

  • Star LabTop Mk IV - Complete Disassembly Guide

    Place the Star LabTop Mk IV on a soft protected surface to avoid any possible scratching of the anodized finish. Remove the 10x outer short Phillips screws from the backplate. Remove the 2x inner centre longer Phillips screw from the backplate. Carefully remove the backplate. Please note: ...

  • Star LabTop Mk III - Complete Disassembly Guide

    Place the Star LabTop Mk III on a soft protected surface to avoid any possible scratching of the anodized finish. 1. Remove the 10x outer short Phillips screws from the backplate. 2. Remove the 2x inner center longer Phillips screw from the backplate. 3. Carefully remove the backplate. Plea...

  • Add new user & make user admin

    Adding new users is a quick and simple task once you know your way round the operating system. This example is done in Ubuntu 18.04.1 LTS. Step 1: Open Users & Groups Firstly, open gnome-launcher and type in the search box at the top users which will then bring up the option for Users and G...

  • Add/Remove/Purge PPA (Personal Package Archives)

    PPA's (Personal Package Archives) contain software that is not offered by default in Ubuntu. PPA's include various software including themes, utilities and standard programs. Step 1: Software & Updates Open the Gnome Launcher and click on Software & Updates. Click on the second tab call...

  • BIOS Setup & Boot Menu

    AMI firmware: F2 BIOS Settings F7 Boot Menu coreboot firmware: The key to press will be displayed on screen. Please note: If you have function lock enabled, you will also need to press the Fn key. For example, for the boot menu, press Fn and F7 Please note: coreboot doesn't have it's own in...

  • Blue light filter/night mode

    It is widely accepted that the blue light emitted from bright screens, like the one you’re staring at right now, can have a negative impact on sleep. Many people are using blue light filters to lower the amount that they are exposed to in order to improve their quality of sleep. Ubuntu 18.04 (s...

  • Booting with a previous kernel

    Booting with a Previous Kernel If your system fails to start after a kernel update, you can try booting with an earlier kernel version. Here’s how: 1. Boot into GRUB Turn on your laptop and repeatedly tap the Esc key as it starts up. Stop pressing it once the Star Labs logo disappears — this ...

  • Change desktop environment

    This guide will provide 5 examples: Gnome: gnome-session Xfce: xubuntu-desktop KDE: kubuntu-desktop Cinnamon: cinnamon-desktop-environment Mate: mate-desktop All of our laptops ship with Ubuntu GNOME pre-installed. If you would like to change the desktop environment, below are the steps req...

  • Change display manager

    The following guide is to show you how to change your default display manager on Ubuntu 18.04/18.10. This could be because you wish to switch back over to Unity, which was removed from Ubuntu 17.10 and up. Step 1: Check the default display manager To begin, you need to check the current default...

  • Change keyboard language/region

    This guide will explain how to adjust your keyboard language and region in Ubuntu. Step 1: Install another Language Open the GNOME Launcher and click on Settings. From here, navigate to Settings > Language and Region. Step 2: Manage Languages To install the required language click on 'M...

  • Installing/changing linux distribution

    Installing Linux on Your Star Labs Laptop This guide covers installing Ubuntu and Linux Mint — two of the most popular Linux distributions. The steps are almost identical for other distributions as well. 🟠 Installing Ubuntu 1. Create a Bootable USB Drive Follow one of our guides to create a b...

  • Connect a Bluetooth device

    1. Open Bluetooth Settings Open the GNOME Launcher and select Settings. From the sidebar, navigate to Settings → Bluetooth. 2. Bluetooth Console When the Bluetooth settings window is open, your laptop will automatically begin scanning for nearby Bluetooth devices. Put your device into pairing ...

  • Creating a bootable USB stick on Linux

    Warning: This will erase all data on your USB drive. You can use a bootable Linux USB stick to: Install or upgrade your current operating system Test or use Linux without affecting your current operating system Repair your current operating system This guide covers how to create a bootable U...

  • Creating a bootable USB stick on macOS

    This will cover how to write an Ubuntu ISO image to a USB drive on macOS. Note: this process should work for all macOS 10.x verisons. Requirements: Ubuntu ISO image file: https://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop Utility to write to USB: UNetbootin https://unetbootin.github.io Warning: writing...

  • Creating a bootable USB stick on Windows

    This will cover how to write an Ubuntu ISO image to a USB drive on Windows 10. This process should also work for previous Windows versions i.e. 7 / 8 / 8.1. Requirements: Utility to write to USB: Rufus or Unetbootin Unetbootin - https://unetbootin.github.io Rufus - https://rufus.ie/ Step 1: US...

  • Disable program problem reports

    The Apport system creates crash report files in the /var/crash directory. These crash report files cause an error message to appear every time Ubuntu boots. After removing all the crash report files, the error message should stop popping up. However if a new crash takes place then it will appear ...

  • Getting started with the terminal

    Getting started with the terminal The terminal can look intimidating at first, but it’s simply a way to tell your computer what to do using text commands instead of a mouse. If something doesn’t work, the terminal will usually just show an error message — it won’t “break” anything. Open Termin...

  • How to access exFAT filesystem

    Linux does not support exFAT by default but it can be added. This is a solution to the error: "Cannot mount unknown filesystem type ‘exfat’." Step 1: Open Terminal Open the GNOME Launcher, launch Terminal and type in the following command: bash sudo apt install exfat-fuse exfat-utils Enter y...

  • How to use the Function keys

    This guide will provide an overview of the 12 functions keys. These can be used by pressing Fn and the desired key. Another feature is the function lock, which can be enabled/disabled by pressing the lock key. When enabled, makes the F-keys behave as if you are holding down the Fn key. Step 1: ...

  • Install an alternative kernel

    Linux distributions will provide the kernel updates, usually automatically. These typically aren't the latest version of the kernel. You may want to use a newer kernel to benefit from new features or performance enhancements. Please note: Using a kernel that hasn't been tested by your Linux dist...

  • Installing GNOME extensions

    Installing GNOME extensions (Ubuntu / GNOME) GNOME extensions add features and tweaks to the GNOME desktop. Option A (recommended): use Extension Manager (GUI) Open Software (or Ubuntu Software). Search for Extension Manager. Install it. Open Extension Manager → browse and enable extensions. O...

  • Installing ICC Colour Profiles

    An ICC profile will tune your display to output colours as accurately as possible. On Debian based distributions (which includes Ubuntu, Linux Mint, elementary OS and Zorin OS), you can install the ICC Color Profiles by entering the below commands into a terminal window: bash sudo add-apt-repos...

  • Manage Programs

    This guide will explain how to install or remove software either via the GNOME launcher. Step 1: Getting started Open the GNOME Launcher and click on Ubuntu Software. This will launch the Graphical software installer for Ubuntu. Step 2: Ubuntu Software From here you can: search and insta...

  • Manage user accounts

    User accounts can be created, modified and removed both graphically and via the terminal. In this guide, we will show you how to do this graphically. Step 1: Open Users Open the GNOME Launcher and click on Settings. On the left menu, navigate to: Details > Users To make any changes, click ...

  • Playing audio via external screen

    How to play audio to an externally connected screen via HDMI, Display Port or USB-C. Please note - Linux will not automatically switch the audio output to external devices that are connected. Step 1: Settings Open the GNOME Launcher and click on Settings. Step 2: Sound From here, navigate to...

  • Recovery from a bootable USB drive

    If your laptop can’t boot into the operating system, you can use a bootable recovery USB drive to repair the boot loader. 🛈 Note: You can follow this guide to create a bootable USB drive. 1. When You Can’t Boot If you can’t access your operating system or its recovery menu, it can often be rep...

  • Using recovery mode

    How to boot into recovery mode, useful for determining and fixing boot issues. Step 1: Boot into GRUB Turn on the laptop and tap the esc key repeatedly. Stop pressing the esc key when the star logo disappears. The below menu should appear: Step 2: Too many ESC's If you see the below prompt,...

  • coreboot configurator

    coreboot-configurator RETIRED: From version 8.50, the CFR can be accessed just like a regular BIOS via F2 at power on. A simple GUI to change settings in coreboot's CBFS, via the nvramtool utility. How to install Ubuntu, Linux Mint, elementary OS, Zorin OS and other derivates Install su...

  • How to reset your password

    Resetting Your Password If you’ve forgotten your password, don’t worry — you can easily reset it through Recovery Mode. Instructions on how to enter Recovery Mode can be found here. Once you’re in the recovery menu, follow these steps: Select “Root” using the arrow keys, then press Enter. Thi...

  • LabTop Mk IV - installing/recovering firmware with external programmer

    Star LabTop Mk IV — Firmware Recovery Guide Requirements Before starting, make sure you have the following: - An additional laptop or PC to run commands - 8-pin test clip with adaptor - CH341A USB programmer - PH0 screwdriver 1. Prepare the Laptop Place your Star LabTop Mk IV on a s...

  • Touchpad not working

    If your touchpad has stopped working, it is likely that the disable trackpad button on the keyboard has been pressed. This would remain disabled between reboots until the enable/disable function is pressed again. To enable or disable the trackpad, press the F10 key Note: If function lock is ena...

  • Accessing the BIOS and Boot Menu

    Your Star Labs laptop will use one of two types of firmware: AMI or coreboot. The steps to access system settings or the boot menu vary slightly depending on which one your device uses. 🧭 For AMI Firmware Press F2 to open BIOS Settings This is where you can configure hardware options, boot ord...

  • Booting into recovery mode

    Booting into Recovery Mode If your system isn’t booting properly, you can use Recovery Mode to diagnose and fix issues. Follow the steps below to access it. 1. Boot into GRUB Turn on your laptop and repeatedly tap the Esc key as it starts up. Stop pressing once the Star Labs logo disappears - ...

  • Byte Mk II - Complete Disassembly Guide

    Follow this step-by-step guide to safely disassemble your Byte. You will need a Phillips PH0 screwdriver before starting. 1. Prepare Your Workspace Place the Byte on a soft, protected surface to prevent scratches or damage to the anodised finish. 2. Remove the Backplate Screws Turn the Byt...

  • Byte Mk II - installing/recovering firmware with external programmer

    Byte Firmware Recovery Guide Requirements Additional laptop or PC to run commands FPC cable CH341A USB programmer Debug board PH0 screwdriver Step 1: Prepare the Workspace Place the Byte on a soft, protected surface to prevent any scratching or damage to the finish. Step 2: Access th...

  • Changing desktop environment

    All Star Labs machines ship with a choice of Linux distributions, allowing you to pick the one that best fits your needs — whether that’s Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Zorin OS, or others. Each distribution comes with its own default desktop environment (for example, Ubuntu ships with GNOME), but you can ...

  • Enable “StarLabs Mic (Processed)” (echo-cancel mic)

    Overview This guide helps you turn on echo cancellation by selecting the processed microphone input. First: create the “StarLabs Mic (Processed)” device (one-time) The “StarLabs Mic (Processed)” option will not appear until you create it with a PipeWire config file. Step 1: Open Terminal Pre...

  • How to use function keys

    Function Keys Overview Your laptop includes 12 function keys (F1–F12) that provide quick access to various system features. These keys can be used by holding down the Fn key while pressing the desired function key. Function Lock You can toggle the Function Lock by pressing the Lock key. When ...

  • Installing an alternative kernel

    Most Linux distributions automatically provide kernel updates through their package managers. However, these updates may not always include the very latest kernel version. If you want to take advantage of new features or performance improvements, you can manually install a newer kernel. ⚠️ Impor...

  • Installing SATA Drive in a Byte

    Follow steps 1-4 of the Byte Complete Disassembly Guide to separate the chassis from the PCBA. Carefully remove the black tape holding down the SATA connector. Gently pull upwards on the end connected to the PCBA to disconnect. Slide the connector into the drive, aligning the longer and s...

  • Is your wireless slow?

    Improving slow Wi‑Fi performance If you’re seeing slow Wi‑Fi or unstable transfers, this guide helps you test whether Wi‑Fi power saving is the cause, and (if it is) disable it. Star Labs devices typically use Intel AX200 / AX201 Wi‑Fi cards. 1) Quick test (temporary) Open Terminal (Ctrl + Al...

  • Managing user accounts

    You can create, edit, and remove user accounts either through the terminal or graphically using the system settings. This guide walks you through the graphical method, which is simple and beginner-friendly. 1. Open User Settings 1. Open the GNOME Launcher and select Settings. 2. In the left-...

  • Speaker pop/click sound (Linux)

    Overview Sometimes you might hear a pop/click from the speakers, usually when audio starts/stops, or around suspend/shutdown. This is typically caused by the audio amplifier powering down/up when the driver enables power saving. It’s not dangerous, but it can be annoying. We have upstreamed a ...

  • StarBook Mk V/VI/VII - Installing/recovering firmware with external programmer

    Requirements Before you begin, make sure you have the following: - An additional laptop or PC to run commands - Debug board - FPC cable - CH341A USB programmer - PH0 screwdriver - 1.8V adapter (required for AMD-based machines) Place your StarBook Mk VI on a soft, protected surface t...

  • StarLite - Fixing rotation on older kernels

    Older kernels will not rotate the display in the correct orientation. If you aren't able to use a newer kernel, you can manually specify the orientation by running the below commands: printf "sensor:modalias:acpi:KIOX000A*:dmi:*:*\n ACCEL_MOUNT_MATRIX=1, 0, 0; 0, -1, 0; 0, 0, 1;\n ACCEL_LOCATIO...

  • StarLite Mk V - complete disassembly guide

    Preparation Place the Star Lite Mk V on a soft, protected surface to prevent any scratches or damage. Remove the Micro SD Card Tray Insert a pin into the small hole to eject and remove the Micro SD card tray. Separate the Display and Backplate Using the plastic pick, gently wedge it between t...

  • StarLite Mk V - installing/recovering firmware with external programmer

    Requirements Before you begin, make sure you have the following items ready: - An additional laptop or PC to run commands - FPC cable - CH341A USB programmer - Debug board - PH0 screwdriver - Thermal compound (if needed) 1. Prepare the Device Place the StarLite Mk V on a soft, pr...

  • Star Lite Mk V - navigating the BIOS without a keyboard

    The StarLite Mk V allows full navigation of the coreboot CFR (BIOS Settings) without the need for a keyboard. You can use the volume and power buttons to access and adjust BIOS settings — ideal when operating in tablet mode or when no external keyboard is connected (via USB-C or the optional magn...

  • StarLite Mk V - re-seating the display connector

    1. Prepare the Device Place the StarLite Mk V on a soft, protected surface to avoid any scratches or damage to the casing. 2. Remove the MicroSD Card Tray Insert a pin or SIM eject tool into the small hole to release and remove the MicroSD card tray. 3. Separate the Backplate Using a pla...

  • Ubuntu: Enable Hibernate (S4) with a Swapfile (plain ext4)

    This guide is written for non‑technical users. You will copy/paste a few commands into Terminal. Easy method (recommended) — Use the one‑click “Enable Hibernate” launcher If you were provided a folder called hibernate-launcher, you can enable hibernate by double‑clicking: Enable Hibernate (S4)...

  • What do the LEDs mean?

    Understanding the LED Indicators on Your Device This guide explains what the power and charging LED lights mean, helping you quickly identify your device’s status or power state. 🔌 Power LED LED State Meaning Off The device is powered off (Soft Off state). Pulsing The device is in Sleep Mode...

  • Why is my machine booting to EFI Shell prompt?

    If your laptop starts directly into the EFI Shell, this usually means the boot loader is no longer working properly. Don’t worry — this can often be fixed by manually booting and updating the boot configuration. Step 1: Attempt to Manually Boot via EFI Shell At the EFI Shell prompt, type the fo...

  • Why is my StarLite booting to EFI Shell prompt?

    If you are getting to the 'EFI Shell' from startup, this likely means that the boot loader is no longer working. You should then attempt to manually boot with the following steps: Attempt to manually boot via EFI Shell: map -r fs0: cd EFI cd ubuntu grubx64.efi After this, if the machine boo...

  • Wireless Slow?

    If you are experiencing slow wireless transfers, then the following guide may help. The wireless cards used in our machines are Intel AX200 or AX201 that have advanced features to help reduce power consumption. Some wireless N networks can result in poor performance. The following steps can help...