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

Choosing which Linux distribution to install can seem challenging, as there are many versions to choose from and each one offers very different features. A popular distribution to consider is Ubuntu.

It is arguably one of the best Linux distributions available. It is easy to use, easily customizable, and scalable to the user's needs.

This article will go over the two GUI installation methods for Ubuntu on your PC or laptop.

We will also include the requirements and all the necessary configurations to install Ubuntu.

Requirements for Installing Ubuntu on the Desktop

To install Ubuntu on a desktop, your computer must meet these requirements:

- A dual-core processor of at least 2 GHz or better.

- At least 4 GB of RAM.

- 25 GB of free disk space.

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

Keep in mind that these installation methods only work with 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 Erasing the Old Operating System

Erasing all the data on the hard drive is the cleanest way to install Ubuntu Desktop.

This way, users remove the old operating system files and install a fresh version of Ubuntu.

Take a look at the comparison table below to see the differences between applying this method and the virtual machine.

Ubuntu Linux on VM | Ubuntu Linux on Physical Hardware

- Scalability: Can run multiple Ubuntu installations simultaneously | Can run one Ubuntu installation

- Support: Hardware must support virtualization for the VM to work properly | Ubuntu will run on a wide range of hardware

- Performance: Performance is usually much slower and dictated by the host system | Performance is usually much better because the OS runs directly on physical hardware

- Development: VMs allow the deployment of test environments as needed by the user, useful for development and software testing | Reconfiguring the OS is a long and tedious task, usually requiring a full OS reinstallation

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

1. Download Ubuntu OS from the Official Directory

The first step to natively installing Ubuntu 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 has all the essential features that a beginner needs.

2. Create a Bootable USB Drive

After downloading the ISO file, you will need to create a bootable USB drive, which will be used to install Ubuntu. To do so, you will need to use third-party software, such as

Rufus. We recommend downloading the portable version, as it does not require installation and will be ready to use right away.

Important: For the partition scheme, select GPT if you are 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 before proceeding.

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

3. Install Ubuntu OS from the USB

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

Pro Tip: In case 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 close the BIOS. Wait a few minutes, and the Ubuntu installer should start. Once it starts, continue with the next section about the Ubuntu installer.

How to Install Ubuntu on Windows Using VirtualBox

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

This method is great 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.

1. 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 the internet connection may be interrupted for a few minutes during installation.

Then, continue with the default installation settings.

2. 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 the 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 fresh 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 dynamically allocated storage. Dynamic storage saves a lot of space because it grows as the amount of data inside the virtual disk increases.

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

The virtual machine is created. However, it will display an error message about the missing boot device. To fix this, select "Settings" as you will need to assign the previously downloaded Ubuntu ISO file.

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

The final result will look like this:

You can now start the virtual machine without any issues.

Give it a few minutes and the Ubuntu installer should start. Then, continue with the next section about 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. The Try or Install Ubuntu option selected

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

There is also an option to try Ubuntu. In that case, none of the hard drive files would be erased. However, we will 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 useful utilities and software packages. Also, select the option to download updates to get the latest 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, fill in the name, username, and password.

After clicking continue, the Ubuntu installation will begin. Give it about 20 minutes and restart the computer after 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 preferred choice for an operating system. However, not all Linux beginners may know how to install it.

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

- Requirements for installing Ubuntu Linux on a desktop computer.

- How to create a bootable USB device for Ubuntu with Rufus.

- How to install Ubuntu on a physical machine by erasing the old operating system.

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

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