Is it time to update your operating system? Want to switch from Windows to Linux? Maybe you want to try dual-booting (one computer with two or more operating systems) at the same time. Follow this guide to install a new operating system on your computer.
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Method 1 of 3: Determining the Operating System to Install
Step 1. Check the system requirements
If you have decided that you want to install a new operating system, you must first figure out which operating system you want to use. Operating systems have different system requirements, so if you have an older computer, make sure that your computer can handle the newer operating system.
- Most Windows installations require a minimum of 1 GB of RAM, and a minimum of 15-20 GB of hard disk space. Make sure your computer can meet these requirements. If not, you may need to install an older operating system, such as Windows XP.
- Linux operating systems usually don't require as much computer space and power as Windows operating systems. The requirements vary depending on the distribution you choose (Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, etc.).
Step 2. Decide whether you will buy or download
Windows license must be purchased. Each license comes with a key for one installation. Most Linux distributions can be downloaded and installed for free at your convenience, although some Enterprise versions have been closed and must be purchased (Red Hat, SUSE, etc.).
Step 3. Check your software compatibility
Make sure that the operating system you want to install supports the program you want to use. If you use Microsoft Office for work, you will not be able to install it on a Linux machine. There are several programs to replace it, but its functionality may be limited.
Many games that run on Windows will not run on Linux. The number of supported game titles does increase, but be aware that if you're a huge fan of the game, your library may not transfer smoothly
Step 4. Get your new operating system
If you purchased a copy of Windows from a store, you will receive an installation disc with the product code. If you don't have the disc, but have a valid code, you can download a copy of the disc online. If you have Linux installed, you can download the Linux distribution's ISO from the developer's site.
An ISO file is a disc image that must be burned to a disc or copied to a bootable USB drive (which can be used to boot)
Step 5. Back up your data
When installing a new operating system, you will most likely erase the contents of your hard drive in the process. This means that you will lose all the files on your computer unless you back them up. Always make sure that the files are copied to the backup location before starting the installation process. Use an external hard disk or burn the data to a DVD.
- If you installed the operating system together with an existing operating system, you most likely won't need to delete any data. But it is recommended that you back up important files just in case.
- You cannot back up programs; the program must be reinstalled after you have finished installing your new operating system.
Method 2 of 3: Installing a New Operating System
Step 1. Determine your installation order
If you are installing a Linux distribution that you want to run with Windows, you must first install Windows and then Linux. This is because Windows has a very strict boot loader which must be in the proper place before Linux is installed. Otherwise, Windows will not load.
Step 2. Boot from your installation CD
Insert the installation disc into the optical drive, and reboot your computer. Usually the computer boots from the hard disk first, so you will have to adjust some settings in the BIOS in order to boot from the disk drive. You can enter the BIOS by pressing the assigned Setup button when the computer boots. The key to be pressed will be displayed on the screen along with the logo of your computer manufacturer.
- Commonly used Setup keys include F2, F10, F12, and Del/Delete.
- Once you are in the Setup menu, navigate to the Boot section. Set the DVD/CD drive as the first boot device. If you're installing from a USB drive, make sure it's plugged in, then select that drive as the first boot device.
- Once you have selected the correct drive, save the changes and exit Setup. Your computer will reboot.
Step 3. Try your Linux distribution before installing
Most Linux distributions come with a copy that can be loaded directly from the installation disc. This allows you to "test" the operating system before you are sure to install it. Once you are ready to install it, click on its Install program on the desktop.
This can only be done with Linux distributions. Windows does not allow you to test the operating system before you install it
Step 4. Wait for the Setup program to load
No matter which operating system you choose, the setup program will have to copy some files to your computer before it can proceed. This can take a few minutes, depending on the speed of your computer's hardware.
You'll most likely have to select some basic options, such as language and keyboard layout
Step 5. Enter your product key
If you're installing Windows 8, you'll need to enter your product key before you can start the installation. Older versions of Windows will ask for a product key after installation is complete. Linux users won't need a product key, except for a must-purchase version like Red Hat.
Step 6. Select your installation type
Windows will give you a choice, upgrade or perform a custom installation. Even if you are updating an older version of Windows, it is recommended that you choose Custom and start over. This will minimize problems that may arise later due to mixing up the old operating system setup with the new one.
If you install Linux, you will be given the option to install it with your existing operating system (Windows), or wipe the contents of your hard disk and Linux will install itself. Choose the option that best suits your needs. If you choose to install it with Windows, you will be given the option to choose the amount of hard disk space you want to assign to Linux
Step 7. Format your partition
If you're installing Windows, you'll need to choose which hard disk partition you want to mount it on. Deleting a partition will delete data on that partition and return its storage space to the Unallocated (unallocated) section. Select the unallocated space and create a new partition.
If installing Linux, the partition must be formatted in Ext4 format
Step 8. Set your Linux options
Before starting the installation, the Linux installer will ask you for your time zone, and you will need to create a username and password. You will use it to log into your Linux distribution as well as to grant system changes permission.
Windows users will fill in personal information after the installation is complete
Step 9. Wait for the installation to complete
Depending on the speed of your computer, this can take up to an hour to complete. At this point, most installations still don't require your intervention. Your computer may reboot several times during this installation process.
Step 10. Create your Windows login
After the Windows installation is complete, you will need to create a username. You can also choose to create a password, although this is not required. After creating your login information, you will be asked to enter your product key.
In Windows 8, you will first be asked to adjust the color. After that, you can choose to sign in with a Microsoft account, or use a more traditional Windows username
Step 11. Install your drivers and programs
Once the installation is complete, you will be taken to your new desktop. From here, you can start installing programs and make sure that your drivers are installed and up-to-date. Be sure to install an anti-virus program if you want to connect to the internet.
Method 3 of 3: Installing a Specific Operating System
Step 1. Install Windows 7
Windows 7 is Microsoft's most popular operating system at the moment. Follow this guide for specific instructions.
Step 2. Install Windows 8
Windows 8 is Microsoft's newest operating system. Click here for a detailed guide on how to run the installation process.
Step 3. Install Ubuntu
Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions. Click for step-by-step instructions for installing the Ubuntu distribution.
Step 4. Install Mac OS X
If you want to update your copy of Mac OS X, check out this guide.
Step 5. Install Linux Mint
Linux Mint is a new Linux distribution that is rapidly increasing in popularity. Follow this guide to learn how to install it.
Step 6. Install Fedora
Fedora is an older Linux distribution with a long history of stability. This guide will show you how to set it up.
Step 7. Install Mac OS X on Intel or AMD (Hackintosh) computer
If you have the patience and desire to install Mac OS X on your PC, check out this guide.
Tips
- A good way to make setup faster is when you back up your data, don't copy it, but move it, then defragment your hard drive. Try doing this the day before you install the new operating system, as the installation can format the disc much faster. This is especially true if you have an IDE hard drive with more than 40 gigabytes of storage space, or a Serial ATA (SATA) hard drive with more than 500 gigabytes of storage space.
- Some operating systems, especially Linux, have an expert setup and a normal setup. If you don't know about hard disk partitions, use automatic setup. This will partition the hard drive automatically for you.
Warning
- Make sure to back up everything before you do this, unless you're doing an update. However, we recommend that you keep backing up your files even when you're updating.
- If you have Windows installed and you are online, be sure to install antivirus software before you do so.
- Windows will not be able to read the Linux partition.
- If you're switching from Windows to Linux, and don't know anything about Linux, it's probably best to do a full install. If you have a new computer that you can boot into from a USB device, plug Linux into a flash drive. If not, boot from the CD to use it.
