Ubuntu installation means downloading the operating system, putting it on a USB drive or DVD, and running the installer on your computer

Ubuntu is a free operating system built on Linux. Installing it means replacing your current system (Windows, macOS) or running it alongside what you have. The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes and works the same way on most computers — you create installation media, restart your machine to boot from it, and follow the on-screen steps.

This guide covers the most common setup: installing Ubuntu as your only operating system on a Windows PC. If you want to keep Windows and run Ubuntu at the same time, that is possible but requires extra steps not covered here. If you are on a Mac, the process is similar but some hardware details differ.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a USB drive with at least 4 GB of space, a second computer to prepare it, and about 25 GB of free disk space on the computer where you are installing Ubuntu.
  • Download Ubuntu from ubuntu.com, use a tool like Balena Etcher to write it to the USB drive, then restart your computer and boot from that drive.
  • The installer will ask where to put Ubuntu and whether to erase your current system — read each screen carefully because some choices cannot be undone.
  • After installation finishes, remove the USB drive and restart; Ubuntu will load and ask you to create a user account and set a password.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin. You need a USB drive with at least 4 GB of storage space — 8 GB is safer. You need a second computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux) to download Ubuntu and write it to the USB drive. You need the computer where you want to install Ubuntu to have at least 25 GB of free disk space, though 50 GB is more comfortable if you plan to use it regularly.

Write down or take a photo of any software license keys or passwords you use on your current system before you start, especially if you are erasing Windows. You will not be able to access them after the installation begins. If you have files you want to keep, back them up to an external drive or cloud storage now — the installer will erase your hard drive if you choose the standard installation option.

Download Ubuntu and create installation media

Go to ubuntu.com on the second computer. Click the download button and choose the latest long-term support (LTS) version — this is the most stable choice for most people. The file is about 3 to 4 GB, so it may take 10 to 20 minutes depending on your internet speed. Save it to your Downloads folder.

Next, you need to write this file to your USB drive using a tool called Balena Etcher. Go to balena.io/etcher, download the version for your operating system (Windows or Mac), and install it like any other program. Plug in your USB drive, open Balena Etcher, click "Select image", find the Ubuntu file you just downloaded, click "Select target", choose your USB drive from the list, and click "Flash". The tool will write Ubuntu to the drive — this takes 5 to 10 minutes and will erase anything already on the USB drive.

Do not unplug the USB drive when the flash is complete. Leave it plugged in and move to the computer where you want to install Ubuntu.

Boot from the USB drive and start the installer

Shut down the computer where you want to install Ubuntu completely. Plug in the USB drive you just prepared. Turn the computer back on and immediately start pressing a specific key to enter the boot menu — this key varies by computer brand. On most Dell and HP machines it is F12, on Lenovo it is F12 or Novo, on Asus it is F2 or Del, and on Apple it is the Option key held down as the computer starts. If you are not sure, restart and watch the first screen — it usually shows which key to press.

When the boot menu appears, look for an entry that mentions your USB drive by name or says "USB Device" or "Removable Media". Select it and press Enter. The computer will load Ubuntu from the USB drive — this takes 30 to 60 seconds. You will see a purple screen with the Ubuntu logo and a "Try or Install" menu.

Run through the installation steps

Click "Install Ubuntu" on the first screen. The installer will ask you to choose your language and keyboard layout — pick the ones that match your setup. On the next screen, choose "Normal installation" unless you have a specific reason to choose "Minimal". Normal installation includes a web browser, email client, and basic office tools.

The next screen asks what to do with your disk. If you are erasing Windows and installing Ubuntu only, choose "Erase disk and install Ubuntu". If you want to keep Windows and run both systems, choose "Something else" — this requires more steps and is not covered in this guide. Read the warning carefully: if you choose erase, your current system and all files on that drive will be deleted and cannot be recovered.

The installer will then ask where you are located (for time zone), create a user account with a username and password, and ask whether to enable automatic updates. Choose yes for automatic updates — this keeps your system secure. After you confirm these settings, the installer will begin copying files to your hard drive. This takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Complete the setup after installation

When the file copying finishes, the installer will ask you to remove the USB drive and restart. Unplug the USB drive, press Enter, and the computer will restart. Ubuntu will load from your hard drive this time — this is normal and means the installation worked.

When Ubuntu finishes loading, you will see a login screen. Enter the username and password you created during installation. Ubuntu will open to the desktop, and you may see a setup wizard asking about online accounts and privacy settings. You can skip these or fill them in — they do not affect how Ubuntu works. After this, your system is ready to use.

Troubleshooting if something goes wrong

If the computer does not boot from the USB drive, restart and try pressing the boot menu key again — sometimes you need to press it repeatedly as the computer starts. If you see a black screen with a blinking cursor instead of the Ubuntu installer, the USB drive was not written correctly. Go back to the second computer, download Ubuntu again, and use Balena Etcher to write it to the USB drive a second time.

If the installer starts but freezes or crashes, try restarting and choosing "Try Ubuntu without installing" from the first menu. This runs Ubuntu from the USB drive without changing your hard drive. If it runs smoothly this way, restart again and choose "Install Ubuntu" — sometimes the first attempt has a temporary glitch. If Ubuntu crashes even in try mode, your computer may have a hardware issue that prevents Ubuntu from running, and you may need to research your specific computer model on the Ubuntu forums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I undo the installation if I change my mind?

Not if you chose "Erase disk and install Ubuntu". That option deletes Windows permanently. If you want to keep the option to go back, you should have chosen "Something else" during installation to set up a dual-boot system. If you already erased Windows, you can reinstall it from a Windows installation USB, but you will need a Windows license key.

What if I do not have a second computer to prepare the USB drive?

You need a second computer to download Ubuntu and write it to the USB drive. If you do not have one, you can use a library computer, a friend's computer, or a computer at a school or workplace. The process takes about 20 minutes total. Alternatively, some computer repair shops will prepare a USB drive for you for a small fee.

Will Ubuntu work on my computer?

Ubuntu runs on most computers made in the last 10 to 15 years. If your computer is very old or has unusual hardware, it may not work. The best way to find out is to choose "Try Ubuntu without installing" on the first screen — this runs Ubuntu from the USB drive without changing anything. If it runs smoothly, installation will work. If it is slow or crashes, your hardware may not be compatible.

Do I need to pay for Ubuntu?

No. Ubuntu is completely free to download and use. There are no license fees, no hidden costs, and no time limit. You can install it on as many computers as you want.

What happens to my files after I install Ubuntu?

If you chose "Erase disk and install Ubuntu", all files on that hard drive are deleted before Ubuntu is installed. This is why backing up your files before you start is important. After Ubuntu is installed, you can copy your backed-up files back onto the computer using a USB drive or cloud storage.