put in Ubuntu on a Windows computer is no different from dual - booting any operating scheme . In fact , it ’s easy than most , because Ubuntu is designed to be one of the most unbowed forward of Linux distributions , and it shows . It ’s one of the most democratic distro options out there , making Linux repositories soft to use – even letting you download apps direct from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store . It ’s also entirely free .
There are three instalment character to choose from , so you need to know how you want to utilise Ubuntu . For example , you’re able to use it inside a Windows practical political machine , or you’re able to apply Bash features directly from Windows . But those are for very specific use type . For our purposes , we ’re hold up to take over you want to download a smart copy of Ubuntu directly onto your computer for everyday use . Here ’s how you’re able to do that .
Backup your data
Before you do anything big on your PC , you should always back up your most significant data . That may think of just substantiate yourexisting cloud backup solutionsare work correctly and have all your wanted data stored safely , or it might signify perform amanual stand-in to an extraneous drive .
However you prefer to backup your datum , guarantee it ’s done before you begin install Ubuntu on your Windows personal computer .
Meet Ubuntu
The world ’s most pop Linux distro is created by Canonical , a South Africa - based company . While Ubuntu is destitute to install and apply for mortal , organizations can bear for support and for a host of other Ubuntu - based products , such as server software .
Ubuntu stick even update every six months and major overhauls every two year . These overhauls , called LTS ( for longsighted - term keep ) , introduce raw Ubuntu edition and usually a silly animal name . For example , the latest LTS is Ubuntu 22.04 " Jammy Jellyfish . " It was relinquish in spring 2022 , and so there should be another major LTS update in 2024 .
There have been smaller , interim releases since then , including 23.04 Lunar Lobster , and 23.10 Mantic Minotaur .
Ubuntu uses the GNOME desktop environment , which is the underlying exploiter port you see when you use Ubuntu . GNOME keeps the desktop clean and unlittered and countenance you to launch applications simply by clicking on an ikon rather than inputting code into the end . GNOME dedicate you a Mac - like taskbar along the top of your screen where you may see the date and time , access app - specific files and selection , and use other useful features .
However , if you need to get more nerdy , you may . After all , Ubuntu is a Linux distro , which means the terminal is never too far away . This will also allow you to fine-tune mise en scene and afford up the full power of Linux . For instance , you may employ the terminal to win over a bunch of look-alike into PDFs at once , or you may create nested file directory deep in the system .
Whether you want to thick - nose dive into using Linux for greater organisation command , or just want to see what play on Linux is about , Ubuntu is still the best distro to begin with . Even for gaming .
Download Ubuntu
The first step to installing Ubuntu is to download Ubuntu . It come as a single ISO image and is 2 GB in size .
stride 1 : Head to theUbuntu desktop siteonyour favorite web internet browser .
measure 2 : SelectDownload .
stone’s throw 3 : You will find the downloaded ISO in your downloads folder .
Format your USB stick
Once you ’ve downloaded Ubuntu to your computer , you ’ll require to create a live USB stick . This is what your computer will use to install and run Ubuntu the first time around .
You ’ll necessitate to establish a free third - party USB formatting program to do this , but do n’t concern , these are small diligence and they ’re super well-heeled to use . you could edit it later if you do n’t want to keep it .
Do n’t have a USB drive to hand ? you’re able to useany external drivefor this process , too . Just be aware before you format it that you might want to backup any subsist information on the drive if it ’s of import .
Step 1 : Download and installRufus .
footfall 2 : Launch Rufus once it is instal .
gradation 3 : Choose your USB effort from theDevicemenu if it has n’t motorcar - populated .
Step 4 : ChooseSelect , to the right wing of the Boot Selection computer menu
Step 5 : Select the Ubuntu ISO file you download .
Step 6 : The Volume Label menu will update to show your version of Ubuntu . Leave the other setting as is .
Step 7 : SelectStart .
Step 8 : expect while Rufus writes the Ubuntu ISO to your USB . you’re able to see the advance in the condition ginmill at the bottom . It should take 10 minutes or less .
Step 9 : Your USB is quick when the Status Browning automatic rifle is green and show " quick . "
Replace your OS with Ubuntu
Next , you ’re going to install Ubuntu on the data processor or laptop of your choice . you could choose to partition your hard drive and dual - boot Ubuntu or to whole overwrite your current operating system and use only Ubuntu .
stone’s throw 1 : stick in the USB thumb drive with your live Ubuntu ISO into the estimator .
Step 2 : resume the gimmick .
The computer should recognize the USB thumb drive and boot from it immediately . However , if this does n’t go on , you will postulate to boot your computer .
With the pollex parkway sneak in , restart the computer . Then hold downF12during the inauguration and select your USB gimmick from theDevicemenu .
footfall 3 : ChooseInstall Ubuntu .
you may test - repel Ubuntu direct from the USB . However , this is a special version of Ubuntu and will not deliver anything .
Step 4 : Choose your speech , and selectContinue .
measure 5 : choose your favorite installation setup .
We recommend choosingNormal installationunless you are using an extremely limited computer .
SelectDownload updates while install UbuntuandInstall third - party software for graphics and Wi - Fi ironware and additional media formats .
SelectContinue .
Step 6 : The Installation Type menu permit you to choose between overwriting your current system with Ubuntu and dual - booting Ubuntu from a partitioned drive .
SelectErase disk and install Ubuntu , followed byInstall Now .
footfall 7 : Choose your location .
PressContinue .
Step 8 : Input your details . Add your name , your computing machine name ( make this up ) , and pick a username . You ’ll also necessitate to make a countersign for logging into Ubuntu and some Ubuntu divine service . Keep it impregnable but well-to-do to call up .
you may then select to lumber in to your estimator automatically or postulate a password each time you use it . Ignore the Use Active Directory option for now .
footfall 9 : Ubuntu will now discharge the installation .
footstep 10 : SelectRestart nowwhen the installation is finished .
Step 11 : Congratulation ! You just installed Ubuntu !
Install Ubuntu alongside your operating system
If you do n’t want to completely wipe out your current osmium , be it Windows , Mac OS , or another Linux distro , you ’ll demand to install Ubuntu on a partition cause . Thankfully , the Ubuntu installer makes it easy to do this .
For starter motor , you ’ll need to go through tone one to six in the " interchange your OS with Ubuntu " part above . However , when you get to the Installation Type menu , you may jump down to here and we ’ll walk you through the rest .
Step 1 : From theInstallation typemenu , selectSomething elseand clickInstall now .
Step 2 : SelectNew sectionalisation tableon the next concealment .
footstep 3 : SelectContinueon the tonic - up .
Step 4 : forked - click onFree spaceto make a new partition .
A young sectionalisation window pop - up will appear .
tone 5 : In theCreate partitionmenu , set the size to1024 Bachelor of Medicine .
Set the eccentric for new partitions toPrimary .
prepare the location for the new partitions toBeginning of this space .
In theUse asmenu , selectExt4 Journaling single file system .
In theMount pointmenu , select / boot .
SelectOK .
stone’s throw 6 : twofold - click onFree spaceto create a home partition .
Leave the free space as is .
In theUse asmenu , selectXFS journaling file organization .
In theMount pointmenu , quality / nursing home .
pace 7 : Double - click onFree spaceto make a ascendent Indian file system .
In theMount pointmenu , select/.
whole step 8 : duple - click onFree spaceto create a swap partition to help when RAM fill up .
Set size to4096 .
In theUse asmenu , selectSwap area .
Step 9 : Now that you ’ve got a sectionalisation dodging set up , you’re able to fill out your Ubuntu install .
Step 10 : Choose your localisation .
Step 11 : Input your details .
add together your name , your computer name ( make this up ) , and pick a user name .
You ’ll also involve to make a password for logging into Ubuntu and some Ubuntu services . Keep it secure but soft to remember .
you may then select to lumber in to your computer mechanically or require a password each time you apply it .
disregard the Use Active Directory choice for now .
pace 12 : Ubuntu will now complete the initiation . HitRestart nowwhen the installation is complete .
Installing Ubuntu on a Windows PC FAQ
How long does it take to install Ubuntu on Windows?
This depend on your own technical ability and how ready you are before you begin . If you ’ve done all the preliminary file backing up , have the Ubuntu ISO ready to use and you ’ve done this once or twice before , you might get it done in an time of day or so . If this is your first time and you ’re be these stair one and a time to be certain , it ’ll in all likelihood take you a few hour . Do n’t be dishearten , though . This process gets a lot nimble and easier the more times you do it .
What’s the latest distribution of Ubuntu?
At the time of writing in early 2024 , the latest release translation of Ubuntu is 23.10 ( Mantic Minotaur ) , release in October 2023 . The latest LTS release is from Aril 2022 , and is version 22.04 LTS ( Jammy Jellyfish ) .
