Ubuntu is a Linux distribution you download and install on a computer that either has no operating system or currently runs Windows or macOS

Ubuntu is one version of Linux — a free operating system that works on laptops, desktops, and older machines. When you install Ubuntu, it replaces whatever operating system was on the computer, or it can sit alongside Windows or macOS on the same machine. The installation process takes 20 to 45 minutes and requires a USB drive, a download of Ubuntu from Canonical's website, and a tool to write that download onto the USB drive.

This guide covers the most common setup: installing Ubuntu as the only operating system on a computer. If you want Ubuntu to share space with Windows or macOS, the steps are similar but require more careful partitioning — that is a separate, more involved process.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a USB drive with at least 4 GB of space, a computer with internet access, and about 30 minutes of uninterrupted time.
  • Download Ubuntu from ubuntu.com, then use Etcher or a similar tool to write the downloaded file onto your USB drive.
  • Restart your computer, boot from the USB drive, and follow the on-screen installer to choose your language, keyboard layout, and storage.
  • The installer will erase the hard drive, so back up any files you want to keep before you start.
  • After installation finishes, remove the USB drive and restart — Ubuntu will boot from your hard drive.

What you need before you start

Gather a USB drive with at least 4 GB of free space. If the drive holds files you want to keep, back them up first — writing Ubuntu to the drive will erase everything on it. You also need a second computer with internet access to download Ubuntu and create the bootable USB drive. The computer where you will install Ubuntu does not need internet during installation, though having it will speed up the process.

Check that your computer can boot from USB. Most computers made in the last 10 years can do this. If your computer is older or uses a locked-down setup, you may need to change settings in the BIOS or UEFI — a menu you reach by restarting and pressing a key like F2, F10, or Delete during startup. Your computer's manual or support page will tell you which key to press.

Download Ubuntu and create a bootable USB drive

Go to ubuntu.com on a computer with internet access. Click the download button for the latest long-term support version — currently Ubuntu 22.04 LTS. This is a file about 3 to 4 GB in size. The download may take 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed.

Once the download finishes, you need to write it to your USB drive using a tool like Balena Etcher, which works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Download Etcher from balena.io/etcher, install it, then open it. Click "Select image," find the Ubuntu file you just downloaded, click "Select target," choose your USB drive from the list, and click "Flash." Etcher will write the Ubuntu file to the USB drive and verify it — this takes 5 to 15 minutes. Do not unplug the USB drive until Etcher says it is complete.

Boot from the USB drive and start the installer

Plug the USB drive into the computer where you want to install Ubuntu. Restart the computer. As it powers on, watch for a message that says "Press [key] to enter boot menu" or "Press [key] to enter setup" — the key varies by manufacturer. Press that key repeatedly until a menu appears. Look for an option that says "Boot from USB" or lists your USB drive by name. Select it and press Enter.

The computer will load Ubuntu from the USB drive. After 30 to 60 seconds, you will see the Ubuntu installer screen. Click "Try or Install Ubuntu" to begin. The next screen asks you to choose your language — select the one you want Ubuntu to use. Then choose your keyboard layout from the list. If your keyboard is not listed, you can test it by typing in the text box provided.

Choose your installation type and storage

The installer will ask whether you want a normal installation or a minimal one. Normal installation includes a desktop, web browser, email client, and office tools. Minimal installation includes only the core system — you can add programs later. Choose whichever fits your needs. Most new users choose normal installation.

Next, the installer asks what to do with your storage. If the computer is empty or you want to erase everything on it, select "Erase disk and install Ubuntu." If you want Ubuntu to share the disk with Windows or macOS, select "Something else" — this requires you to manually create partitions, which is more complex. For a first installation, erasing the disk is simpler. The installer will show you which disk it will erase. Confirm that this is the correct disk, because this step cannot be undone.

Set your location, username, and password

The installer asks for your time zone. Click on the map or type your city name to select it. Then create a username and password. Your username should be lowercase letters and numbers only — no spaces or special characters. Your password should be something you can remember but others cannot guess. You can choose whether to require a password when the computer starts up or when you wake it from sleep.

The installer will also ask whether you want to enable automatic security updates. Choosing yes means Ubuntu will download and install security patches without asking you — this is recommended for most users. Once you have made these choices, click "Install" and the process will begin.

Wait for installation to complete and restart

The installer will copy files to your hard drive and set up Ubuntu. This takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on your computer's speed. You will see a progress bar and a list of Ubuntu features. Do not restart the computer or unplug the USB drive during this time.

When installation finishes, you will see a message saying "Installation complete." Click "Restart now." The computer will shut down. Remove the USB drive when prompted, then the computer will restart and boot into Ubuntu for the first time. You will see a login screen asking for your username and password — use the ones you created during installation. After you log in, Ubuntu is ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my computer does not boot from the USB drive?

Restart the computer and try pressing a different key during startup — common ones are F2, F10, F12, and Delete. If you see a boot menu, look for an option that says "USB" or lists your drive by name. If nothing works, your computer may not support USB boot, or the USB drive may not have been written correctly. Try creating the bootable drive again using Etcher.

Can I install Ubuntu without erasing Windows?

Yes, but it requires manually partitioning your disk during installation. Select "Something else" instead of "Erase disk," then create a new partition for Ubuntu on the free space. This is more complex and carries a small risk of data loss, so back up your Windows files first. Many users find it easier to use a virtual machine or a separate computer instead.

What if I forget my password after installation?

You can reset it by booting into recovery mode. Restart your computer, hold Shift during startup to see the GRUB menu, select "Advanced options," then "Recovery mode." Follow the prompts to reset your password. If you cannot access recovery mode, you will need to reinstall Ubuntu.

How much disk space does Ubuntu need?

Ubuntu itself takes about 10 to 15 GB of disk space after installation. For comfortable use with programs and files, 50 GB or more is recommended. During installation, the installer will tell you how much space is available and how much Ubuntu will use.

Can I go back to Windows after installing Ubuntu?

If you erased the disk during installation, you will need to reinstall Windows from a Windows installation USB drive. If you kept Windows and installed Ubuntu alongside it, you can choose which one to boot into at startup. Keep your Windows installation media or recovery drive in case you need to reinstall.