Microsoft Surface Pro Not Restricted to Windows 8, Can Run Ubuntu Too

The new Surface with Windows 8 Pro, which is often described as a potential laptop replacement, comes with the full version of the latest Microsoft operating system and support for legacy apps.

But since it’s almost a full-featured laptop, the Surface Pro can also handle some other operating systems, including the very popular Ubuntu.

The Surface team confirmed in an AMA session on Reddit that Microsoft’s new tablet wasn’t restricted to Windows 8 and it all came down to the Secure Boot option that hiding into BIOS.

“Like other Windows 8 machines, you can access BIOS settings and turn off secure boot, enabling you to load other OSes,” the Surface team said.

And since so many people still find Windows 8 a confusing operating system, don’t be too surprised if you get to see some Surface Pro tablets running Linux in the upcoming weeks.