How to Install Ubuntu: Complete Beginner Guide

Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions and is a great choice if you’re learning Linux for the first time.

You can install Ubuntu on a physical computer, run it inside a virtual machine, or install it alongside another operating system.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to install Ubuntu step by step, from preparing the installation media to completing the initial setup.

Important: If you are installing Ubuntu on a computer that contains important files, make a backup before changing partitions or installing an operating system.

How to Install Ubuntu Complete Beginner Guide

What You Need Before Installing Ubuntu

Before starting, prepare:

  • A computer that meets Ubuntu’s requirements
  • A USB flash drive
  • A stable internet connection
  • A second computer if you need to create the USB installer
  • A backup of important files

If you’re only learning Linux, you can also install Ubuntu in VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, or another virtualization platform instead of modifying your main computer.

For beginners, a virtual machine is often the safest way to practice.

Step 1: Download Ubuntu

Download Ubuntu from its official website.

Choose the appropriate Ubuntu Desktop version and download the ISO image.

The ISO file contains the operating system installation files.

After downloading it, you should have a file similar to:

ubuntu-desktop-amd64.iso

The exact filename will depend on the Ubuntu release.

Download Ubuntu

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB

An ISO file cannot simply be copied to a USB drive like a normal document.

You need to create a bootable USB installer.

Tools such as Rufus can be used on Windows to create the USB installer.

The general process is:

  1. Insert the USB drive.
  2. Open your USB creation tool.
  3. Select the Ubuntu ISO.
  4. Select the USB drive.
  5. Start the process.
  6. Wait until the USB is ready.

Warning: Creating a bootable USB may erase existing data on the USB drive. Make sure you select the correct drive.

Create a Bootable USB

Step 3: Boot From the USB

Insert the bootable USB into the computer where you want to install Ubuntu.

Restart the computer.

During startup, open the Boot Menu.

The key depends on the computer manufacturer. Common keys include:

F12
F11
F9
Esc

Select the USB device from the boot menu.

The computer should then start the Ubuntu installer.

Step 4: Start the Ubuntu Installation

Once Ubuntu starts, you’ll normally see an option to try Ubuntu or begin the installation.

If you want to install Ubuntu permanently, select the installation option.

The installer will guide you through several configuration steps.

Step 5: Choose Your Language

Select the language you want to use for Ubuntu.

For example:

English

Then continue to the next step.

Choose Your Language

Step 6: Configure Your Keyboard

Select the appropriate keyboard layout.

For example:

English (US)

or another layout that matches your physical keyboard.

You can usually test the keyboard before continuing.

Step 7: Connect to the Internet

If possible, connect your computer to the internet during installation.

A network connection can allow Ubuntu to download updates and additional software during the installation process.

You can use:

  • Ethernet
  • Wi-Fi

If internet access isn’t available, you can usually continue and configure the connection later.

connect your computer to the interne

Step 8: Choose Installation Options

Ubuntu may provide different installation options depending on the release.

You may be able to choose between a standard installation and a more minimal installation.

For a beginner desktop installation, the standard option is generally the easiest choice.

You may also see an option to install additional software or third-party components.

Read the options carefully before continuing.

Step 9: Choose the Disk Installation Method

This is one of the most important steps.

Ubuntu needs to know where it should be installed.

Depending on your computer, you may see options such as:

  • Erase disk and install Ubuntu
  • Install Ubuntu alongside another operating system
  • Manual partitioning

Erase disk

This removes the existing operating system and data from the selected disk.

Do not select this option if you have important files that haven’t been backed up.

Install alongside another operating system

This allows you to keep an existing operating system and create a dual-boot configuration.

This can be useful if you want both Windows and Ubuntu on the same computer.

Manual partitioning

Advanced users can manually configure partitions.

If you’re a beginner, avoid manual partitioning unless you understand Linux storage and partitioning.

Choose the Disk Installation Method

Step 10: Create Your User Account

Ubuntu will ask you to create a user account.

You’ll typically provide:

  • Your name
  • Computer name
  • Username
  • Password

For example:

Name: Mohamed
Username: mohamed
Computer name: ubuntu-pc

Choose a strong password that you can remember.

Step 11: Choose Your Time Zone

Select your geographical location or time zone.

The installer will use this information to configure the system clock.

You can change the time zone later from Ubuntu’s settings.

Step 12: Start the Installation

Review your settings.

If everything looks correct, start the installation.

Ubuntu will copy the necessary files to the disk and configure the operating system.

The installation can take several minutes depending on your computer and storage drive.

Step 13: Restart the Computer

When the installation finishes, Ubuntu will ask you to restart the computer.

Remove the USB installer when prompted.

The computer should then boot into your new Ubuntu installation.

When the installation finishes

Step 14: Update Ubuntu

After logging into Ubuntu for the first time, update the system.

Open the Terminal and run:

sudo apt update

Then:

sudo apt upgrade

You may be asked for your user password.

Keeping the system updated is important for security and stability.

Step 15: Install Useful Software

Once Ubuntu is installed, you can install additional applications using the package manager.

For example:

sudo apt install curl

You can also install applications through Ubuntu’s graphical software store.

As you become more comfortable with Linux, learning how to use APT from the terminal will be very useful.

Check Your Ubuntu Version

To check the installed Ubuntu version, open the terminal and run:

lsb_release -a

You can also use:

cat /etc/os-release

These commands display information about your Linux distribution.

Useful Commands After Installing Ubuntu

Here are a few commands worth remembering:

Update packages

sudo apt update

Upgrade packages

sudo apt upgrade

Install software

sudo apt install package-name

Remove software

sudo apt remove package-name

Check disk space

df -h

Check memory

free -h

Check IP address

ip addr

These commands will become useful as you continue learning Linux administration.

Ubuntu in a Virtual Machine

If your goal is to learn Linux rather than replace Windows, installing Ubuntu in a virtual machine is an excellent option.

You can create an Ubuntu virtual machine using software such as:

  • VMware Workstation
  • VirtualBox
  • Hyper-V

A virtual machine allows you to experiment with Linux without modifying your main Windows installation.

This is particularly useful for beginners learning:

  • Linux commands
  • Networking
  • SSH
  • Servers
  • System administration

Common Ubuntu Installation Problems

USB doesn’t boot

Check:

  • Boot order
  • USB creation process
  • BIOS/UEFI settings
  • Whether Secure Boot is affecting the installation

You can also recreate the bootable USB.

Wi-Fi doesn’t work

Your wireless adapter may require a compatible driver.

Connect using Ethernet if possible and check Ubuntu’s available driver options.

Not enough disk space

Free some storage or use another disk.

Never delete important partitions simply to create space unless you understand what they contain.

Ubuntu installation fails

Check:

  • Installation media
  • ISO integrity
  • Disk health
  • Available storage
  • Hardware compatibility

Should You Install Ubuntu on Your Main PC?

If you’re completely new to Linux, I recommend trying Ubuntu in a virtual machine first.

This allows you to learn without risking your existing Windows installation.

Once you’re comfortable with Linux, you can consider:

  • Dual boot
  • Dedicated Linux computer
  • Linux server
  • Cloud virtual machine

Conclusion

Learning how to install Ubuntu is one of the best ways to start practicing Linux.

The installation process is relatively straightforward, but you should always back up important data before modifying disks or partitions.

If you’re learning Linux, a virtual machine is an excellent starting point because it lets you experiment safely.

After installing Ubuntu, start practicing the terminal, package management, users, permissions, networking, and system administration.

FAQ

Is Ubuntu free?

Yes. Ubuntu Desktop can be downloaded and used without purchasing a traditional operating-system license.

Can I install Ubuntu alongside Windows?

Yes. Ubuntu can be installed alongside Windows using a dual-boot configuration, provided your hardware and disk layout support it.

Can I install Ubuntu without a USB?

Yes. You can install Ubuntu in a virtual machine without creating a physical USB installer.

Is Ubuntu good for beginners?

Yes. Ubuntu has a large community, extensive documentation, and a beginner-friendly desktop environment.

Should I use Ubuntu in a virtual machine?

If you’re learning Linux for the first time, a virtual machine is a very good way to practice without modifying your main operating system.

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