How to Install Ubuntu on Windows?
Are you looking at ‘How to install Ubuntu on Windows 10?’
The Windows system installation of Ubuntu creates new capability potential which lets you utilize Linux power with Windows platform functionality. This guide supports Windows users with diverse backgrounds to install Ubuntu as they learn about Linux operating systems.
Understanding Your Options
Before beginning ‘how to install Ubuntu on VirtualBox’ you must know the selection of ways to operate Ubuntu alongside Windows systems.
- Dual Boot Installation enables users to place Ubuntu and Windows next to each other so they can select the operating system at their machine startup. The dual-boot system enables you to experience an entire Ubuntu operating system environment without altering anything in your current Windows system.
- You can operate a Linux distribution including Ubuntu without virtual machines or dual boot setups through Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Software developers find this solution beneficial because it lets them execute Linux tools and Linux applications within Windows operating environments.
Method 1: Dual Boot Installation
Prerequisites:
- Your first action should be backing up your critical data and vital information because installation activities might result in data loss.
- A bootable Ubuntu installer needs a USB flash drive with at least 4GB capacity to function.
Steps:
Download the Ubuntu ISO:
- Users should navigate to the official Ubuntu webpage to obtain the existing Ubuntu Desktop ISO release.
Create a Bootable USB Drive:
- The bootable USB drive creation requires balenaEtcher as your tool of choice.
- Proceed by inserting your USB flash drive into the system then start balenaEtcher.
- Open the selected Ubuntu ISO file while selecting your USB drive as the target device and proceed with the “Flash!” command. to create the bootable drive.
Prepare Your System:
- Boot your computer using a USB drive containing the needed system files to start the Ubuntu installation process.
- You must access BIOS/UEFI settings through keys F2 F12 or Delete that appear during startup to pick the USB drive as your primary boot device.
Install Ubuntu:
- A startup from the USB drive allows you to choose between trying Ubuntu or installing it.
- Hit “Install Ubuntu” in the boot menu and stick to the interface prompts.
- Choose the installation type “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager” from the options to enable dual-boot capabilities.
- Follow the instructions to install the program while also configuring your time zone settings and keyboard preferences as well as account login details.
Close the installation process by removing the USB drive then restart your computer.
Post-Installation:
- Next to the reboot, you will see a menu named GRUB which gives you the option to select Ubuntu or Windows.
- You need to choose Ubuntu from the startup menu to access your Linux system.
Method 2: Installing Ubuntu via Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
Prerequisites:
Your system requires Windows 10 version 2004 or later as its operating system base.
Steps:
Enable WSL:
- Right-click the Start button to open Windows PowerShell (Admin) through administrator rights.
- To enable WSL run this PowerShell command:
powershell
wsl –install
- Through this command, you will receive all necessary components which automatically designate Ubuntu as the default operating system.
Install Ubuntu:
- Open the Microsoft Store to access WSL after its successful setup.
- Select Ubuntu version 22.04 LTS when searching for the operating system in the Microsoft Store.
- A tap on “Install” will initiate the Ubuntu download together with its installation process.
Set Up Ubuntu:
- Click on the Ubuntu application through the Start menu to start it after completion of installation.
- When Ubuntu launches for the first time you need to form a user profile by setting a security password.
Update and Upgrade:
- Users must run both package list updates and package version upgrades according to recommendations.
bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Access Ubuntu:
- The Ubuntu terminal interface is available at all times to users because they can open it through a search for “Ubuntu” in the Start menu.
Additional Tips:
- The Windows Subsystem for Linux lets you access Linux directories instantly through the File Explorer path \\wsl$\Ubuntu\.
- The current WSL update allows users to execute Linux GUI applications through their systems. The first step requires WSLg installation alongside systems that fulfill the minimum requirements.
- Through Ubuntu, you can execute Windows execution files from the command line interface by providing their full directory paths like notepad.exe.
Conclusion
A Windows system becomes more powerful and adaptable after you install Ubuntu as a development platform and learning environment. It not only increases the development capabilities of your computer but also offers flexibility over powerful Linux applications. Users who select between the dual-boot method or WSL will have unlimited access to a wide selection of powerful applications and educational tools for maximum computing efficiency.
This guide should have served as a beneficial solution for your ‘How to install Ubuntu on Windows 11’ systems. You can resolve additional issues through our provided comment section for assistance.
