Ubuntu, the most installed Linux distribution, was invented back in 2004 to make Linux easier for human beings. Ubuntu you see today is a lot easier to use as compared to what it was in 2004 and other years onwards. Ubuntu comes preinstalled on a couple of Dell machines and a single Lenovo machine. But if your system does not fall in the bracket of “preinstalled Ubuntu” then still Ubuntu can be installed using an ISO file and a USB drive.
System Requirements
Systems meeting these minimum requirements can install Ubuntu. If your system does not meet these requirements then Ubuntu can not be installed. In that case, try upgrading your system or changing the system to meet the minimum given requirements.
| Processor | Dual-core 2 GHz |
| Ram | 4 GB |
| Hard Drive | 25 GB free space |
How to Install Ubuntu from USB
Ready to install Ubuntu because your system meets the minimum requirements, but, wait, do you have a USB drive, and an active internet connection? If the answer is Yes then follow the instructions given in sequence to install Ubuntu from USB:
- 1. Download the Ubuntu ISO File
- 2. Make the USB Drive Bootable with the Ubuntu ISO File
- 3. Boot the Computer from the USB Drive
- 4. Install Ubuntu from USB
Note: It is advised to backup your data before installing the Ubuntu from USB.
1. Download the Ubuntu ISO File
The first step is to download the Ubuntu ISO file. An ISO file contains all the files needed to install and run the operating system. Before installing Ubuntu from a USB flash drive, there used to be the CD and DVD drivers through which we used to install operating systems. Those DVDs have the burned image of the ISO file. However, nowadays we use that ISO file to make a USB bootable so that we can install Ubuntu on the computer.
To download the Ubuntu ISO file, first, visit the official Ubuntu website. There you will see two versions, LTS, and the current version. The LTS version comes with 5 years of support and the current version comes with only 9 months of support. Download whichever version you want to download by clicking on the green download button. However, it is recommended to download the LTS version of the Ubuntu ISO file:
Once ready, click on the Download button to begin the downloading of the Ubuntu ISO file:
2. Make the USB Drive Bootable with the Ubuntu ISO File
After downloading the Ubuntu ISO file, grab a USB drive and install the Rufus tool to create a bootable USB drive. Check the given instructions to create a Ubuntu bootable USB drive.
2.1. Download and Install Rufus to Make USB Bootable
Alongside downloading the Ubuntu ISO file, you also need to install a tool to make the USB bootable. The recommended tool is the Rufus tool, which you can download by visiting the official Rufus website. Once you browse the official website, locate the Download section and click any of the versions to download Rufus, as shown below:
2.2. Create a Ubuntu Bootable USB using Rufus
Once you have downloaded both the Ubuntu ISO file and the tool to create a bootable USB, then, you are all set to create a bootable USB. To do so, first insert the USB (minimum storage: 8GB), then, open the Rufus tool:
Upon launching, Rufus will automatically detect and select the USB. If there are multiple USBs connected, and you want to specify another USB then you can choose another one by clicking on the drop-down button in the Device section:
Then, click the Select button and choose the Ubuntu ISO file. After that leave everything as it is and click the Start button to create a bootable USB with Ubuntu OS:
3. Boot the Computer from the USB Drive
Once you create the bootable USB with the Ubuntu operating system, then, plug in the bootable USB and reboot the computer. Normally, the Ubuntu installation window appears most of the time. If it does not appear then you need to configure the boot order. To do so, enter the BIOS mode by clicking on the F10, F12, F2, or ESc key depending on your computer manufacturer. Once you enter the BIOS, go to the Boot Order and select the USB as the primary device.
4. Install Ubuntu from USB
When the computer boots up with the bootable USB drive, you will see the Ubuntu installation prompt.
Then, simply select the Try or Install Ubuntu to move further close to the installation.
In the next window, select English language and click Next.
In the next window, also select Next, and then you will see Try Ubuntu or Install Ubuntu.
Try Ubuntu is for the ones who want to test Ubuntu before completely installing it on their systems. It does not permanently install the OS and the changes made in the Try Ubuntu window are also not permanent. However, if the user likes the Ubuuntu then he can still install Ubuntu staying in the Try Ubuntu window.
On the other hand, the Install Ubuntu option installs Ubuntu on the system permanently. Normally, installing the Ubuntu will delete all the data stored on the hard drive. However, you can also install Ubuntu alongside other operating systems which will create a dual boot. So you can enjoy both operating systems on one machine.
To begin Ubuntu installation, click on the Install Ubuntu button to proceed. First, select the keyboard layout and select Ubuntu language, which is English (US), and click the Continue button:
In the next Connect to the Internet window, you can connect to the Internet, either by using the wired connection or through the Wi-Fi device. Or you can select the I don’t want to connect to the internet just now to not to connect to the internet. Whichever option you prefer, simply choose it and click Next.
Note: Connecting to the internet will install the extra applications and utilities needed to run Ubuntu with more features.
Moving next to the Applications and Updates window, you can see the Default Installation and Full Installation options. The Default Installation contains minimal utilities and a browser, designed for users with low specifications. While, the Full Installation contains all the utilities including office tools, media players, and a browser.
Note: It is recommended to check both options under the Other Options section. This will install all the software and driver updates, so you don’t have to install them manually after the installation.
Select either Default Installation or Full Installation option according to your choice and click Next:
In the next Type of Installation window, select the Erase disk and install Ubuntu to only install Ubuntu operating system on the computer. Doing so will remove all the files including personal data, photos, videos, documents, audio, etc.
If you have already installed another operating system then will get to see the Install alongside operating system option, which will lead you to creating a dual boot. You can also create another partition for another operating system if you are planning to install it later.
Select the Erase disk and install Ubuntu option, or if there is another operating system installed select Install alongside Windows and click Next:
Lastly, in the Ready to Install section, check your Devices along with Partitions and click on the Install button to begin the Installation of Ubuntu:
Moving next, select your time zone and click the Next button:
In the Set up your account window, configure your name, computer name, and username, create a strong password, and click the Next button:
Note: You can disable the Require my password to log in so you can log in without a password.
Choose any desired theme. i.e. Light or Dark and click Next:
Note: The Installation will take time so be patient and don’t restart the system during installation.
Conclusion
To install Ubuntu from USB, your computer must have a minimum of 2 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, and 25 GB free hard disk. After that, download the Ubuntu ISO file from its official website and install a tool to create a USB bootable with Ubuntu ISO. Then grab a USB with a minimum of 8 GB of free storage and plug it into the computer. After that create a USB bootable using the tool. Then, restart the computer boot with a USB drive, and then install Ubuntu from USB.