🖥️ How to Install Ubuntu on Your Desktop (Laptop or PC)

Choosing which Linux distribution to install can be overwhelming since there are so many options available, each offering unique features. One popular distribution to consider is Ubuntu.

Ubuntu is arguably one of the best Linux distributions out there. It’s user-friendly, easily customizable, and scalable according to the user's needs.

This guide will walk you through the two methods of installing Ubuntu with a GUI on your PC or laptop.

We’ll also cover the requirements and all the necessary configurations needed to install Ubuntu.

🛠️ Requirements for Installing Ubuntu on Desktop

To install Ubuntu on a desktop, your computer should meet the following requirements:

• Dual-core processor of at least 2 GHz or better.

• At least 4 GB of RAM.

• 25 GB of free disk space.

• USB port and a USB drive with at least 4 GB capacity.

Keep in mind that these installation methods are only for desktop computers and are not suitable for VPS users, as we are installing Ubuntu with a graphical interface. If you prefer a command-line interface, consider opting for a VPS solution.

🧹 How to Install Ubuntu by Wiping the Old Operating System

Wiping all data from the hard drive is the cleanest way to install Ubuntu Desktop.

This method removes the old operating system files and installs a fresh version of Ubuntu.

Take a look at the comparison below to see the differences between using this method and installing Ubuntu in a virtual machine.

Ubuntu Linux in VM	Ubuntu Linux on Physical Hardware
Scalability: Run multiple Ubuntu installations simultaneously	Run a single Ubuntu installation
Support: Hardware must support virtualization for the VM to function correctly	Ubuntu will run on a wide range of hardware
Performance: Performance is usually much slower and dependent on the host system	Performance is generally much better because the OS runs directly on physical hardware
Development: VMs allow for deploying test environments as needed, useful for software development and testing	Reconfiguring the OS is a lengthy task, usually involving a complete OS reinstallation

In summary, installing Ubuntu on a VM is more suitable for Ubuntu software testers. In comparison, casual users will benefit more from installing Ubuntu on physical hardware due to its maximum performance and stability.

1️⃣ Download Ubuntu OS from the Official Directory

The first step to installing Ubuntu natively is to download the official Ubuntu OS ISO file.

Users can also choose between Ubuntu Server and other Ubuntu variants. However, the main Ubuntu Desktop version includes all the essential features a beginner needs.

2️⃣ Create a Bootable USB Drive

After downloading the ISO file, you’ll need to create a bootable USB drive, which will be used to install Ubuntu. To do this, you’ll need third-party software, such as Rufus. We recommend downloading the portable version, as it doesn’t require installation and is ready to use immediately.

Important: For the partition scheme, select GPT if you’re using a newer computer. Otherwise, select MBR.

Important: Creating a bootable USB drive will erase all data on the USB drive. Make sure to back up your data before proceeding.

Give it about ten minutes, and the bootable USB drive will be ready.

3️⃣ Install Ubuntu OS from the USB

With the Ubuntu bootable drive ready, proceed with the installation. To do this, restart your computer and access the BIOS. Typically, you can access the BIOS by pressing the DEL or F2 keys on your keyboard when a similar screen appears.

Pro Tip: If you miss the BIOS screen, restart your computer and try again.

Once in the BIOS, look for the boot menu and set the order so that the USB drive is first on the list.

Now save and exit the BIOS. Wait a few minutes, and the Ubuntu installer should start. Once it begins, continue with the next section on the Ubuntu installer.

🖱️ How to Install Ubuntu on Windows Using VirtualBox

If you don’t want to wipe your hard drive completely, use the VirtualBox installation method. This will install Ubuntu inside a virtual machine, making it completely independent of the main system.

This method is excellent for those who want to try different Linux distributions or install third-party software packages for Ubuntu.

Pro Tip: The virtual machine installation method allows you to install Ubuntu alongside other operating systems on the same computer.

1️⃣ Download and Install VirtualBox

Start by downloading the latest version of Oracle VirtualBox. Once done, open the executable file and proceed with the installation.

When asked about network interfaces, select Yes. Note that your internet connection may be interrupted for a few minutes during the installation.

Then, continue with the default installation settings.

2️⃣ Download and Install the Linux ISO File

After installing VirtualBox, open it via the desktop shortcut and select "New" to create a new virtual machine.

Specify the name of the virtual machine and select the amount of RAM to allocate. We recommend allocating half the amount of the main system. For example, if your computer has 8 GB of RAM, allocate 4 GB to the virtual machine.

There is also an option to specify a virtual hard disk. Since this is a new installation, go with the default settings and click "Create."

Next, choose the file location for the virtual machine, specify the file size, and click "Create." We will keep the hard disk file type and storage allocated dynamically. Dynamic storage saves a lot of space because it grows as the amount of data within the virtual disk increases.

On the other hand, fixed storage occupies the full amount from the beginning.

The virtual machine is created. However, it will show an error message about the lack of a boot device. To fix this, select "Settings" since you’ll need to assign the previously downloaded Ubuntu ISO file.

Once in settings, open the Storage section and assign the ISO file to the Controller: IDE.

Now you can start the virtual machine without any issues.

Give it a few minutes, and the Ubuntu installer should start. Then, continue with the next section on the Ubuntu installer.

🛠️ How to Proceed with the Ubuntu Installer

When the system boots to the new Ubuntu installation screen, select the "Try" or "Install Ubuntu" option.

The first stage of the Ubuntu installation process. Selected the option to Try or Install Ubuntu.

Select the installer language and choose the "Install Ubuntu" option in the next step.

There’s also an option to try Ubuntu. In that case, none of the hard drive files would be erased. However, we’ll continue with the full installation.

The Ubuntu installer allows you to choose between normal and minimal installations.

We recommend sticking with the normal installation, as it offers more utilities and useful software packages. Also, select the option to download updates to get the most recent version possible.

For the installation type, choose "Erase disk and install Ubuntu."

When asked about the partition, click "Continue."

Next, select the time zone.

Finally, complete the name, username, and password.

After clicking continue, the Ubuntu installation will begin. Give it about 20 minutes, and restart the computer once the installation is complete. Once the computer boots up, you should see the default welcome screen.

Congratulations, you have successfully installed Ubuntu on your computer.

🎉 Conclusion

Due to its simplicity and versatility, Ubuntu is often the go-to choice for an operating system. However, not all Linux beginners may know how to install it.

In this tutorial, we covered the main points of installing Ubuntu:

• Requirements for installing Ubuntu Linux on a desktop computer.

• How to create a bootable Ubuntu USB device with Rufus.

• How to install Ubuntu on a physical machine by wiping the old operating system.

• How to install Ubuntu on a virtual machine using Oracle VirtualBox software.

We hope you’ve learned the main aspects of installing Ubuntu. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

Best Regards,

João @PixelHost.