How to Install Ubuntu on Your Computer

Edited 6 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

LinuxUbuntuInstallationOperating SystemComputer SetupDesktop EnvironmentBasicsBeginnersOpen SourceSoftware

Installing Ubuntu on your computer is a straightforward process that can breathe new life into your hardware, giving you a fresh and flexible operating system. Ubuntu is a free and open-source Linux distribution, known for its user-friendly interface and wide range of applications. Whether you're switching from another operating system or setting up a new machine, this guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring a seamless installation. Before we begin, please make sure you've backed up any important data from your existing system.

Requirements

Before installing Ubuntu, you will need some prerequisite knowledge and materials:

• A computer with at least 2 GB of RAM and 25 GB of free hard drive space, although more space would be even better for better performance.
• USB flash drive with a minimum capacity of 4 GB.
• Internet connection to download Ubuntu and any necessary updates.
• Another computer or device to create the Ubuntu bootable USB.

Step 1: Download Ubuntu

Visit the official Ubuntu website (https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop) and go to the Desktop section. Here, you can download the latest version of Ubuntu. You will be asked to choose between Ubuntu Desktop and Ubuntu Server, so if you need a graphical user interface, make sure you choose Ubuntu Desktop.

Ubuntu is available in two versions: LTS (long term support) and regular release. LTS versions get updates and support for five years which makes them suitable for long term use. Regular releases come with the latest features but are only supported for nine months. Choose the version that suits your needs.

Step 2: Create a bootable USB

After downloading the Ubuntu ISO file, you will need to create a bootable USB drive. This can be done on another computer as you may not have an operating system ready for this task. Use Rufus on Windows or Etcher on macOS to prepare the USB.

For Windows users:

1. Download Rufus from the official website and launch it.
2. Insert your USB flash drive into your computer.
3. Select the USB drive under "Devices" in Rufus.
4. Under “Boot selection” select “Disk or ISO image” and browse to your downloaded Ubuntu ISO file.
5. Under "Partition Scheme," select "MBR" for BIOS or UEFI compatibility.
6. Click "Start" and wait for the process to complete.

For MacOS users:

1. Download and install Etcher from balena.io.
2. Open Etcher, then click “Select Image” to choose your Ubuntu ISO file.
3. Insert your USB drive and select it under "Select Target."
4. Click "Flash" to create a bootable USB drive.

Step 3: Boot from USB

Once your bootable USB is ready, you’ll need to boot your computer from it. This involves adjusting your BIOS or UEFI settings:

1. Insert the bootable USB into the computer you want to install Ubuntu on.
2. Restart the computer. As soon as it boots, enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. This usually involves pressing a key such as F2, F10, F12, or Del immediately after the computer starts. The correct key depends on your computer's manufacturer.
3. In the BIOS/UEFI settings, go to the Boot menu, and set your USB device as the primary boot device.
4. Save the changes and exit BIOS/UEFI. Your computer should now boot from the USB drive.

Step 4: Try or install Ubuntu

As soon as your computer boots from the USB drive, you will be given the option to either try Ubuntu or install it directly. Choosing "Try Ubuntu" allows you to test the operating system without making any changes to your computer. This is a great way to check hardware compatibility and explore Ubuntu before performing the installation.

If you're ready to install Ubuntu, select the "Install Ubuntu" option to begin the installation process.

Step 5: Install Ubuntu

1. Preparing for installation: Select your language and click "Continue".
2. Keyboard layout: Verify or change your keyboard layout and click "Continue."
3. Updates and other software: You'll be asked if you want to install third-party software such as updates and media codecs. It's usually a good idea to select both options.
4. Installation type: Choose the installation method that best suits your needs. The main options are:
   • "Erase disk and install Ubuntu": This will delete all data on the disk, so make sure a backup has been made.
   • "Something else": This allows you to manually partition your disk and is recommended for advanced users.

If you choose "Erase disk and install Ubuntu", click "Install Now". Confirm your selection in the pop-up and proceed with "Continue".

Step 6: Enter the basic information

1. Select your time zone and click "Continue."
2. Create a user account by entering your name, your computer's name, a username, and a password. Don't forget to note down your password as you'll need it to log in.
3. Click “Continue” to finalize the settings.

Step 7: Finalize the installation

Ubuntu will now install on your computer. This may take some time depending on your hardware and the software you chose to install. Once the installation is complete, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Remove the USB drive when prompted, then press "Enter."

Step 8: Basic setup after installation

Upon restart, your new Ubuntu system will boot. Log in with the username and password you created earlier. There are a few steps you can take to get the most out of your new operating system:

Updating your system:

Open the terminal (you can press Ctrl + Alt + T) and enter the following commands to update your system:

    sudo apt update
    sudo apt upgrade -y

These commands will update the package lists and upgrade all installed packages to the latest version.

Installing common applications:

Ubuntu comes with many useful applications, but you may need additional software such as:

• GIMP (image editing): use sudo apt install gimp
• VLC (media player): use sudo apt install vlc
• LibreOffice (office suite): Already included, but can be reinstalled with sudo apt install libreoffice

You can search for and install other applications using the Ubuntu Software Center, or via the command-line using apt.

Enabling hardware drivers:

Go to Settings > Additional Drivers. Ubuntu will automatically search for available proprietary drivers for your hardware, such as graphics and Wi-Fi drivers. If any are available, select the recommended drivers and apply the changes.

Conclusion

You now have a fully installed and running Ubuntu system on your computer. Ubuntu offers a wide range of customization options, applications, and support from a vibrant community. The open-source nature of Ubuntu means you can tailor your workspace to your needs and explore new possibilities. Whether you are new to Linux or an experienced user, Ubuntu provides a stable and secure operating environment.

As you become more familiar with Ubuntu, consider exploring the command-line interface, experimenting with different desktop environments, and contributing to the Ubuntu community. Welcome to a new world of open-source computing!

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