How to Install Ubuntu: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners and Professionals

Ubuntu is one of the most popular and widely used Linux distributions in the world, trusted by developers, enterprises, educators, and home users alike. Known for its stability, security, and user-friendly interface, Ubuntu provides a powerful alternative to proprietary operating systems like Windows and macOS. Whether you're looking to revitalize an old computer, learn Linux, build a server, or simply explore open-source software, installing Ubuntu is a pivotal first step.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every aspect of installing Ubuntu—from preparing your system to post-installation configuration. We cover everything you need to know, regardless of your technical background. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll confidently install Ubuntu on any compatible hardware, understand best practices for a smooth setup, and know where to find essential tools and resources to maximize your experience.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand Ubuntu Versions and Editions

Before downloading Ubuntu, it’s essential to know which version suits your needs. Ubuntu releases a new version every six months, with Long-Term Support (LTS) versions released every two years. LTS versions receive five years of security and maintenance updates, making them ideal for production environments and general users.

As of 2024, the latest LTS version is Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish. The most recent regular release is Ubuntu 24.04 Noble Numbat. For most users, especially those new to Linux, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is the recommended choice due to its proven stability and extended support cycle.

Ubuntu offers several official editions:

• Ubuntu Desktop – Designed for personal computers with a graphical interface.
• Ubuntu Server – Optimized for servers, with no GUI by default for efficiency.
• Ubuntu Core – A minimal version for IoT devices and embedded systems.

For most users, Ubuntu Desktop is the correct choice. Download the appropriate ISO file from the official Ubuntu website: ubuntu.com/download/desktop.

2. Check System Requirements

Ubuntu has modest hardware requirements, making it suitable for older machines. However, optimal performance requires meeting or exceeding the following minimum specifications:

• Processor: 2 GHz dual-core processor or better
• Memory: 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended for comfortable multitasking)
• Storage: 25 GB of free disk space (50 GB or more recommended)
• Display: 1024x768 screen resolution
• Internet access: Recommended for updates and third-party software

If you're installing Ubuntu on a very old machine (pre-2010), consider using a lightweight flavor such as Lubuntu or Xubuntu, which use less resource-intensive desktop environments.

3. Back Up Your Data

Installing a new operating system can overwrite existing data. Even if you plan to install Ubuntu alongside your current OS (dual-boot), there’s always a risk of data loss during partitioning or installation errors.

Before proceeding, back up all important files—documents, photos, videos, and application settings—to an external drive, cloud storage, or network location. Use tools like Windows File Explorer, macOS Finder, or Linux file managers to copy your data. If you're unsure what to back up, focus on your home directory (e.g., C:\Users\YourName on Windows or /home/yourusername on Linux).

4. Create a Bootable USB Drive

To install Ubuntu, you need a bootable USB drive with the Ubuntu ISO file. You can use a USB flash drive with at least 4 GB of storage (8 GB recommended).

On Windows:

1. Download and install BalenaEtcher (free and open-source).
2. Insert your USB drive into a USB port.
3. Open BalenaEtcher and click “Select Image.” Navigate to the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded.
4. Click “Select Drive” and choose your USB drive.
5. Click “Flash!” and wait for the process to complete. Do not remove the USB drive until Etcher confirms success.

On macOS:

1. Download BalenaEtcher for macOS from the same link above.
2. Insert your USB drive.
3. Open Etcher, select the Ubuntu ISO, choose your USB drive, and click “Flash.”
4. Wait for completion. The system may prompt you to eject the drive—do so safely.

On Linux:

1. Open a terminal.
2. Use the dd command (be very careful with this method):

sudo dd if=/path/to/ubuntu-22.04-desktop-amd64.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress oflag=sync

Replace /path/to/ubuntu-22.04-desktop-amd64.iso with the actual path to your ISO file and /dev/sdX with the correct device identifier for your USB drive (e.g., /dev/sdb). Use lsblk to identify your USB device before running the command.

Alternatively, use a GUI tool like Startup Disk Creator (preinstalled on Ubuntu) or GNOME Disks.

5. Boot from the USB Drive

Restart your computer with the USB drive inserted. You’ll need to access the boot menu or BIOS/UEFI settings to select the USB drive as the primary boot device.

Accessing Boot Menu:

• On most PCs: Press F12, Esc, or Del during startup.
• On Dell: Press F12
• On HP: Press F9
• On Lenovo: Press F12 or Fn+F12
• On Apple Mac (Intel): Hold Option (Alt) at startup.
• On Apple Mac (Apple Silicon): Hold the power button until options appear.

If you don’t see the USB drive listed, enter your BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, Del, or Esc during boot) and disable Secure Boot or change the boot mode from UEFI to Legacy (or vice versa) if necessary. For modern systems, UEFI is preferred.

Once the USB drive is selected, your computer will boot into the Ubuntu live environment. You’ll see the Ubuntu welcome screen with options to “Try Ubuntu” or “Install Ubuntu.”

6. Try Ubuntu (Optional but Recommended)

Before installing, choose “Try Ubuntu” to test hardware compatibility. This loads Ubuntu entirely from RAM without touching your hard drive. Use this opportunity to:

• Check if your Wi-Fi works.
• Test your graphics card and display resolution.
• Verify that your keyboard, mouse, and audio function correctly.
• Explore the desktop environment and preinstalled apps.

If everything works as expected, proceed to installation. If hardware isn’t recognized (e.g., Wi-Fi or graphics), you may need to install proprietary drivers after installation or consider a different kernel version.

7. Begin the Ubuntu Installation

Click the “Install Ubuntu” icon on the desktop to launch the installer. The process is straightforward and guided by clear prompts.

Step 7.1: Select Language

Choose your preferred language and click “Continue.”

Step 7.2: Keyboard Layout

Select your keyboard layout. If you're unsure, choose the default option based on your region. You can change this later in Settings.

Step 7.3: Network Connection

If you’re connected to Wi-Fi, the installer will detect available networks. Enter your password if prompted. A stable connection is recommended to download updates and third-party software during installation.

Step 7.4: Installation Type

This is the most critical step. You’ll see three options:

1. Erase disk and install Ubuntu – Removes all existing operating systems and data. Use only if you’re replacing Windows/macOS entirely.
2. Install Ubuntu alongside Windows/macOS – Sets up a dual-boot system. Ubuntu will automatically partition your drive and allocate space.
3. Something else – Manual partitioning. Recommended for advanced users or custom setups.

For most users, “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows” is the safest option. The installer will shrink your existing partition and create space for Ubuntu. If you're installing on a machine without another OS, choose “Erase disk and install Ubuntu.”

If you choose “Something else,” you’ll need to manually create partitions:

• / (root) – Minimum 25 GB, formatted as ext4. This is where the OS and applications are installed.
• swap – Optional. Size equal to your RAM (e.g., 8 GB for 8 GB RAM) or slightly larger if you plan to use hibernation.
• /home – Optional. Recommended for separating user data from system files. Allocate remaining space here, formatted as ext4.

Ensure the boot loader is installed on the correct drive (usually /dev/sda or /dev/nvme0n1). Do not install it on a partition—install it on the entire disk.

Step 7.5: Time Zone

Select your location on the map. The installer will auto-detect your time zone. Verify the displayed time is correct.

Step 7.6: User Information

Enter your full name, computer name, username, and password. You can choose to log in automatically or require a password. Avoid using a blank password for security.

Important: Check the box labeled “Encrypt my home directory” only if you need enhanced data privacy. This adds an extra layer of security but may complicate data recovery or system troubleshooting.

Step 7.7: Wait for Installation

The installer will now copy files and configure your system. This takes 10–20 minutes, depending on your hardware. You’ll see progress bars and status messages.

Step 7.8: Restart Your Computer

Once complete, you’ll see a “Installation Complete” message. Click “Restart Now.”

Remove the USB drive when prompted. Your computer will reboot into the newly installed Ubuntu system.

8. First Boot and Initial Setup

After restarting, you’ll see the login screen. Enter your password and log in.

Ubuntu will prompt you to:

• Accept the privacy policy.
• Enable telemetry (optional; you can disable this later).
• Connect to Wi-Fi if not already connected.

Once logged in, open the “Software & Updates” application from the application menu. Under the “Additional Drivers” tab, check if any proprietary drivers (e.g., for NVIDIA or Broadcom Wi-Fi) are available. Install them if prompted for better hardware performance.

Open the terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

This updates your system to the latest packages. You may be prompted to restart—do so if advised.

Best Practices

1. Always Use LTS Versions for Stability

While newer Ubuntu releases offer the latest features, they come with a shorter support window. For any machine used for daily tasks, work, or production, stick with LTS versions. Ubuntu 22.04 LTS will be supported until April 2027, giving you peace of mind for years.

2. Avoid Third-Party Repositories Unless Necessary

Many online guides suggest adding PPAs (Personal Package Archives) to install software. While convenient, PPAs can introduce instability or security risks. Only use trusted PPAs from well-known projects (e.g., NodeSource, Docker). Prefer official Ubuntu repositories or Flatpak/Snap packages when possible.

3. Enable Automatic Updates

Go to “Software & Updates” > “Updates” tab and set “Automatically check for updates” to “Daily.” Choose “Download and install automatically” for security updates. This ensures your system remains protected without manual intervention.

4. Use Snap or Flatpak for Applications

Ubuntu uses Snap as its default package format. While some users criticize Snap for performance, it provides sandboxed, self-contained applications that are easy to update and secure. For better performance and control, consider Flatpak via Flathub:

sudo apt install flatpak
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Then install apps like GIMP, LibreOffice, or VLC via Flatpak for a more traditional Linux experience.

5. Create a Recovery Plan

Install and configure Timeshift—a system restore tool similar to Windows System Restore:

sudo apt install timeshift

Launch Timeshift from the application menu and set up a snapshot schedule (e.g., daily or weekly). Store snapshots on an external drive if possible. This allows you to roll back your system if an update breaks something.

6. Secure Your System

Ubuntu is secure by default, but enhance protection by:

• Enabling the firewall: sudo ufw enable
• Disabling root login: sudo passwd -l root
• Using strong, unique passwords
• Installing a password manager like Bitwarden

7. Learn Basic Terminal Commands

While Ubuntu’s GUI is intuitive, mastering the terminal unlocks full control. Learn these essential commands:

• ls – List files
• cd – Change directory
• pwd – Show current directory
• sudo apt install [package] – Install software
• sudo apt remove [package] – Uninstall software
• top or htop – Monitor system resources
• journalctl -xe – View system logs

Tools and Resources

Official Ubuntu Resources

• Ubuntu Documentation – help.ubuntu.com – Comprehensive guides for all versions and use cases.
• Ubuntu Community Forums – askubuntu.com – A Q&A platform where experts answer user questions.
• Ubuntu Wiki – wiki.ubuntu.com – Technical details, hardware compatibility, and advanced configurations.

Essential Software to Install After Ubuntu Setup

After installation, install these essential tools to enhance productivity:

1. Web Browser

Ubuntu comes with Firefox. For alternatives:

• Chromium – Open-source version of Chrome: sudo apt install chromium-browser
• Brave – Privacy-focused browser: Download from brave.com/linux

2. Media Codecs

Play MP3s, DVDs, and other proprietary formats:

sudo apt install ubuntu-restricted-extras

3. File Managers

• Nautilus – Default file manager
• Thunar – Lightweight alternative: sudo apt install thunar
• File Roller – For archive handling (ZIP, TAR, etc.)

4. Development Tools

For coders:

sudo apt install build-essential git curl wget vim neovim

5. Productivity Apps

• LibreOffice – Word processor, spreadsheet, presentation suite
• Thunderbird – Email client
• Nextcloud Client – Sync files with your cloud server

6. System Monitoring

• GNOME System Monitor – Preinstalled
• htop – Enhanced terminal process viewer: sudo apt install htop
• Glances – Cross-platform monitoring tool: sudo apt install glances

Hardware Compatibility Tools

Before installing Ubuntu on new hardware, check compatibility:

• Ubuntu Certified Hardware – ubuntu.com/certified – Lists laptops, desktops, and servers tested and approved for Ubuntu.
• Linux Hardware Database – linux-hardware.org – Search for your device model to see if others have successfully used it with Linux.

Learning Resources

Expand your knowledge with these free resources:

• Linux Journey – linuxjourney.com – Interactive Linux tutorial
• The Linux Command Line – Free book by William Shotts: linuxcommand.org/tlcl.php
• YouTube Channels – “The Linux Experiment,” “NetworkChuck,” and “Learn Linux TV” offer beginner-friendly tutorials.

Real Examples

Example 1: Installing Ubuntu on an Old Laptop

A user has a 2012 Dell Inspiron 15R with 4 GB RAM and a 320 GB HDD running Windows 7. The system is slow, and the user wants to breathe new life into it.

Steps Taken:

• Downloaded Ubuntu 22.04 LTS ISO.
• Created a bootable USB using BalenaEtcher on another computer.
• Booted from USB and chose “Try Ubuntu” to confirm Wi-Fi and graphics worked.
• Selected “Erase disk and install Ubuntu” since Windows 7 was no longer needed.
• Accepted default partitioning.
• After installation, ran sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade.
• Installed ubuntu-restricted-extras and firefox.

Result: The laptop now boots in under 20 seconds, runs smoothly, and supports modern web applications. The user reports improved battery life and faster application launches.

Example 2: Dual-Booting Ubuntu with Windows 11

A developer uses Windows 11 for gaming and Adobe Creative Suite but needs Linux for programming and Docker containers.

Steps Taken:

• Shrunk the Windows partition from 500 GB to 300 GB using Disk Management.
• Created a 200 GB unallocated space.
• Booted from Ubuntu USB and selected “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager.”
• Allowed Ubuntu to use 180 GB of the free space.
• Installed proprietary NVIDIA drivers after reboot.
• Used GRUB bootloader to choose OS at startup.

Result: The dual-boot system works flawlessly. The user switches between OSes as needed. They use WSL2 for light Linux tasks on Windows but rely on native Ubuntu for development.

Example 3: Installing Ubuntu Server for a Home Media Server

A user wants to set up a Plex media server on an old desktop with an Intel i5, 8 GB RAM, and 2 TB HDD.

Steps Taken:

• Downloaded Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS ISO.
• Created bootable USB.
• Installed Ubuntu Server with default settings.
• During setup, enabled OpenSSH server for remote access.
• After installation, logged in via SSH from another machine.
• Installed Docker: curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com -o get-docker.sh && sudo sh get-docker.sh
• Deployed Plex: docker run -d --name plex -p 32400:32400 -v /mnt/media:/media -v /mnt/plex:/config --restart unless-stopped linuxserver/plex

Result: The server now streams 4K media to phones, TVs, and laptops across the home network. The system runs silently and consumes minimal power.

FAQs

Can I install Ubuntu without losing my files?

Yes, if you choose “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows” or manually partition your drive to leave your existing OS intact. However, always back up your data first. Even dual-boot installations carry a small risk of data loss due to partitioning errors.

Do I need to disable Secure Boot to install Ubuntu?

No. Ubuntu fully supports UEFI and Secure Boot. Most modern systems install Ubuntu without disabling Secure Boot. If you encounter boot issues, you can disable it temporarily in BIOS settings, but it’s not required.

Is Ubuntu free to use?

Yes. Ubuntu is completely free to download, use, and share. There are no licensing fees, even for commercial use. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, offers paid support services, but the OS itself is open-source and free.

How long does Ubuntu take to install?

Installation typically takes 10–25 minutes, depending on your hardware speed and internet connection. The process is mostly automated, so you can step away while it runs.

Can I install Ubuntu on a Mac?

Yes. Ubuntu works well on Intel-based Macs. For Apple Silicon (M1/M2) Macs, support is still experimental. Use Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or later with the ARM64 image, but expect limited hardware compatibility (e.g., Wi-Fi, GPU acceleration). Consider using a virtual machine or waiting for official ARM64 support.

What if I can’t connect to Wi-Fi during installation?

Connect via Ethernet cable if possible. If not, proceed with installation and connect to Wi-Fi after rebooting. You can then install proprietary drivers via “Software & Updates” > “Additional Drivers.”

Can I uninstall Ubuntu later?

Yes. If you dual-booted, you can delete the Ubuntu partition using Windows Disk Management or macOS Disk Utility and restore the bootloader. If you erased the entire disk, reinstall your previous OS using its recovery media.

How do I update Ubuntu after installation?

Open the terminal and run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

For major version upgrades (e.g., 22.04 to 24.04), use:

sudo do-release-upgrade

Only upgrade after backing up your data and ensuring your applications are compatible.

Is Ubuntu safe from viruses?

Ubuntu is highly resistant to malware due to its architecture, user permission model, and lack of widespread targeting compared to Windows. However, practice safe computing: avoid running untrusted scripts, don’t install software from unknown sources, and keep your system updated.

Can I run Windows programs on Ubuntu?

You can run many Windows applications using Wine (a compatibility layer) or virtual machines like VirtualBox. However, performance varies. For critical Windows software, dual-booting or using a VM is recommended over Wine.

Conclusion

Installing Ubuntu is one of the most rewarding technical steps you can take—whether you’re reviving an old machine, exploring open-source software, or building a powerful development environment. This guide has walked you through every phase: from selecting the right version and preparing your hardware, to configuring your system for long-term success.

Ubuntu’s strength lies not only in its technical capabilities but in its vibrant community and commitment to freedom and transparency. By following the best practices outlined here—using LTS versions, enabling automatic updates, securing your system, and leveraging official resources—you’ll ensure a stable, secure, and efficient computing experience.

Remember, the journey doesn’t end with installation. Ubuntu opens the door to a world of customization, automation, and innovation. Dive into the terminal, experiment with new tools, and join the global community of Linux users who are shaping the future of computing.

Now that you’ve successfully installed Ubuntu, the only limit is your curiosity.