Whether you're trying Linux for the first time or simply looking for a reliable alternative to Windows, Ubuntu is always a great option.
It offers a highly functional desktop thanks to the GNOME desktop environment, a collection of excellent open-source productivity tools (including LibreOffice ), and receives regular security updates. Installation is similar to installing Windows on a computer, but it's better to know what options you'll be faced with.
5 ways to install Ubuntu on a PC
How you install Ubuntu is up to you. You can install it on your PC (following the main part of this guide) or find another way to do it. As with most Linux distributions, Ubuntu can be installed on many devices.
1. Install Ubuntu on a Windows PC
2. Installation on Chromebook
3. You can even install it on a MacBook or iMac.
4. Ubuntu can be installed in a virtual machine.
5. Surprisingly, Ubuntu can even run on a Raspberry Pi !
Just like with a desktop version, you can install Ubuntu Server to host all kinds of data, from games and websites to file servers. Here's what makes Ubuntu Server different from Ubuntu desktop .
Several other devices can also handle Ubuntu. This article will assume you are using a standard Windows PC or laptop and want to install Ubuntu from scratch.
Getting Started: Choose and download your preferred version of Ubuntu.
At any given time, there are typically two Ubuntu operating systems available for desktops.
- LTS version (Long-Term Support)
- Latest version
The LTS version is released every three years; at the time of writing, the LTS version is Ubuntu 26.04.
So, what's the difference between an LTS release and the latest version? Simply put: the LTS version is more stable, but lacks the improvements found in newer versions (hence the term 'long-term support').
If you want to use Ubuntu reliably every day, you should choose the LTS version. Otherwise, choose the most recent non-LTS release.
Download Ubuntu
Create installation media
With the downloaded ISO file , it's time to create the installation media. Once this installation media is inserted and the target laptop or PC is restarted, the installation process will begin.
To install Ubuntu on your computer, you can use:
- USB
- SD card
Whichever option you choose, make sure there is an empty port on the target computer.
Your operating system may have a built-in tool for creating bootable installation media from an ISO file. If you don't know what it is or how to use it, the best option is to use Etcher.
Download Etcher
This is a cross-platform software that can easily burn ISO files (or any other disk image) to a USB drive.
See TipsMake's detailed guide on how to use Etcher to burn ISO files to a USB drive .
Boot your computer from a USB drive or SD card.
With the installation media connected to the target computer, restart or power on the computer. Hopefully, it will detect the USB and give you the option to boot from it.
Otherwise, you will need to access your computer's UEFI/BIOS [LINK] to edit the boot menu. In this case, you will need to prioritize USB or card readers (they are usually considered the same thing in the BIOS) over your computer's hard drive or SSD.
After making the changes, restart your computer. This time, it will boot from the ISO file you burned to the USB drive or SD card.
Installing Ubuntu: Reviewing the options
When your computer starts up, you will see the GRUB screen with 4 options:
- Ubuntu
- Ubuntu (safe graphics)
- OEM install (for manufacturers)
- Test memory
In most cases, select Ubuntu, use the arrow keys, and press Enter.
If your first Ubuntu installation fails and displays an error related to your monitor or GPU (graphics card), try Ubuntu (safe graphics) . Meanwhile, if you want to check if your PC's RAM is working properly, use the " Test memory" option. Once this process is complete, you can select Ubuntu and continue the installation.
The installation environment will start and you will see the Install screen.
Choose your preferred language, then click Install Ubuntu.
Try Ubuntu to test the live environment.
If you select Try Ubuntu , you will soon see the Ubuntu desktop.
However, this isn't a genuine desktop environment, but rather a "live" environment. Instead of being installed on an HDD or SSD, Ubuntu is running from system RAM. This gives you the option to look through and understand some of the settings and options.
For example, you can adjust your desktop background or launch your browser and access the internet.
If you've never used Ubuntu before, this is a good opportunity to learn more about it before installing it.
If everything seems to be working fine in the live environment, then you're ready to proceed. Find the Install Ubuntu option on the desktop and double-click it.
Install Ubuntu in 7 steps
The Ubuntu 22.04 LTS installer simplifies the operating system installation process. It can be completed in 7 stages.
1. Keyboard Layout
Choose your keyboard layout. This option should typically match the physical keyboard you own.
Click Continue.
2. Updates and Other Software
Identify the applications and updates you want to install along with the operating system. You can choose Normal installation with media tools and Office software, or Minimal installation without these.
You can also choose "Download updates while installing Ubuntu ," which saves time after installation. For advanced users, there's also the option to "Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware and additional media formats ." This includes things like drivers for NVIDIA GPUs.
Click Continue after you have made your selection.
3. Installation Type
Choose between Erase disk and install Ubuntu or Something else . The first option has an Advanced features option, allowing you to select non-standard file tables. The second option provides you with tools to create and resize partitions.
Click Install Now to continue.
4. Write the Changes to Disks?
The installer will confirm the choices you've made for the drive (Ubuntu formats two partitions by default).
Click Go Back to apply the changes or Continue to proceed with the installation.
5. Where are you?
Use the map to select the correct time zone, or enter the city closest to your location in the text field.
Click Continue when you're finished.
6. Who Are You?
Now, you're ready to enter your name, name your computer, and choose a username and password. If you're using a company or school network, you may need to select the Use Active Directory checkbox .
Click Continue and enjoy the Ubuntu 22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish welcome screen.
7. Restart
After a few minutes, the process will be complete and you will be prompted to Restart Now to begin using your new Ubuntu computer.
When your computer restarts, you will be prompted to delete the installation media. Make sure the drive is disconnected before pressing Enter.
As noted, Ubuntu can be installed on almost any computer you can think of. But the simplest and easiest installation is on a PC or laptop – where the desktop version of Ubuntu works best.
Installing Ubuntu is generally very simple, although your experience may differ, especially if you have special hardware. However, installing Ubuntu is very easy and you can get your computer up and running within 30 minutes.
Now it's time to install the appropriate software.
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