How to Install Ubuntu from Windows
Installing Ubuntu on your Windows machine can be a great way to explore the Linux operating system without the need for a separate computer. Whether you’re a Windows user looking to try something new or a developer who needs a Linux environment for your projects, this guide will walk you through the process of installing Ubuntu from Windows step by step.
Step 1: Download Ubuntu ISO
The first step is to download the Ubuntu ISO file from the official Ubuntu website. Visit the Ubuntu download page (https://www.ubuntu.com/download/desktop) and select the version of Ubuntu you want to install. Make sure to choose the version that is compatible with your hardware.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive
Once you have the ISO file, you need to create a bootable USB drive. You can use tools like Rufus or BalenaEtcher to do this. Here’s how to create a bootable USB drive using Rufus:
1. Download Rufus from the official website (https://rufus.ie/).
2. Open Rufus and select the USB drive you want to use.
3. Click on the “Select” button and navigate to the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file.
4. Make sure the “Partition scheme” is set to “MBR (Master Boot Record)” and “File system” is set to “FAT32”.
5. Click on “Start” to begin the process. Rufus will format the USB drive and copy the Ubuntu ISO to it.
Step 3: Boot from USB Drive
After creating the bootable USB drive, you need to set your computer to boot from it. Here’s how to do it:
1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, or DEL) during the boot process.
2. Navigate to the “Boot” or “Boot Options” section.
3. Change the boot order so that the USB drive is selected as the first boot device.
4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
Step 4: Install Ubuntu
Now that your computer is set to boot from the USB drive, you can start the Ubuntu installation process:
1. Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer and restart it.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to start the Ubuntu installation process.
3. Choose the language, keyboard layout, and time zone.
4. Select the installation type. You can either install Ubuntu alongside Windows or replace Windows entirely. For this guide, we’ll go with installing Ubuntu alongside Windows.
5. Select the partitions to install Ubuntu. You can create a new partition or resize an existing one. Make sure to allocate enough space for Ubuntu.
6. Configure the user account and password for Ubuntu.
7. Follow the remaining on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Step 5: Post-Installation
After the installation process is complete, you can restart your computer. You should now see a dual-boot menu, allowing you to choose between Windows and Ubuntu. Select Ubuntu to start the Linux operating system.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Ubuntu from Windows. Enjoy exploring the Linux world and its vast array of features and applications.
