This wikiHow teaches you how to install Ubuntu Linux on Windows and Mac computers, without removing the current operating system.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing for Installation
Step 1. Make sure your computer can run Linux
The computer must meet the following system requirements:
- Processor 2 GHz
- 2 gigabytes of RAM (system memory)
- 5 gigabytes of hard disk storage space (recommended minimum available space is 25 gigabytes)
- DVD drive or USB port to install Linux
Step 2. Find a blank DVD disc or flash drive (flash drive)
To install Ubuntu Linux on your computer, you will first need to create an installer by copying the Ubuntu ISO file to a disc or flash drive.
- If you are using a DVD, make sure it is a DVD-R that has never been used before. You will need a standard 4.5 gigabyte DVD disc.
- If you want to use a fast drive, make sure it can store (at least) 2 gigabytes of information.
Step 3. Download the Ubuntu Linux ISO file
To download it:
- Visit
- Scroll down and click the link " Download ” to the right of the desired version (latest version is 17.10, although the latest long-term support version is 16.04.3).
- Scroll down and click the link " Not now, take me to the download ”.
- Wait for the download to start or click the link “ download now ”.
Step 4. Copy/burn ISO file to DVD
You can also use a fast drive, but you need to format it first to the “ FAT32 ” (Windows) or “ MS-DOS (FAT) (Mac). After that, use UNetBootin or Rufus (recommended) so that the fast drive can be recognized by the computer's operating system.
Step 5. Create a partition on the computer's hard disk
Creating a partition divides certain parts of the hard disk so that they can function as separate hard disks. Later, you will need to install Linux on this partition so make sure the partition is at least five gigabytes in size.
The Ubuntu support page recommends creating a partition with at least 25 gigabytes of free space
Step 6. Make sure the operating system installer is included
The DVD or flash drive must be inserted or installed into the computer. Once the installer is connected and you have followed all the steps in this step, you can install Ubuntu Linux on a Windows or Mac computer.
Part 2 of 3: Installing Ubuntu Linux on a Windows Computer
Step 1. Open the “Start” menu
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Click “Power”
It's the power logo in the lower-left corner of the window. After that, a pop-up menu will be displayed.
Step 3. Click Restart
This option is in the menu " Power " Once clicked, the computer will restart.
Step 4. Wait for the Linux installation window to appear
After the computer finishes restarting and you return to the desktop, you should see the installation window. This window is usually displayed after a few minutes.
- You may need to log in to your computer before the desktop is displayed, depending on the security settings applied.
- If you are using a USB flash drive and the Linux installation window does not appear, restart the computer and open the BIOS, look for the "Boot Order" section, select the USB drive option (usually labeled as “ Removable Devices ”) using the arrow keys, and press the + key to move the USB fast drive option to the top row.
Step 5. Select a language, then click Continue
Click the language you want to use for the operating system, then click the “ Continue ” in the lower right corner of the window.
Step 6. Click Install Ubuntu
It's on the right side of the window.
Step 7. Check both boxes on the “Preparing to install Ubuntu” page
Check the "Download updates while installing Ubuntu" and "Install third-party software for graphics… " boxes.
Step 8. Click Continue
It's in the lower-right corner of the window.
Step 9. Check the box "Erase disk and install Ubuntu"
It's at the top of the window.
Step 10. Click Install Now
It's in the lower-right corner of the window.
Step 11. Click Continue when prompted
After that, the Ubuntu installation process will begin.
Step 12. Select an area, then click Continue
Click the time zone block on the world map to select where you live.
Step 13. Select a keyboard layout, then click Continue
To select a layout, click the language on the left side of the window, then click the language version (e.g. “ US ” for United States dialect English) on the right side.
Step 14. Enter user information
Fill in the following fields:
- ” Your name ” – First and last name.
- ” Your computer's name ” – The name you want to apply to the computer. Make sure the name you choose isn't too complicated.
- ” Pick a username ” – Type in the username you want to use for the profile; Ubuntu.
- ” Choose a password ” – Enter the password. This password entry is later used to log into the computer.
- ” Confirm your password ” – Re-enter the password you want to use.
Step 15. Select the login option
Check the "Log in automatically" or "Require my password to log in" option in the middle of the page.
Step 16. Click Continue
Step 17. Click Restart Now when prompted
After that, the selection page of the operating system you want to use will be displayed (eg Ubuntu or Windows).
Step 18. Select Ubuntu and press the button Enter.
After that, Linux Ubuntu will load instead of Windows as usual. Now, you have successfully installed Linux on your Windows computer.
Part 3 of 3: Installing Ubuntu Linux on a Mac Komputer
Step 1. Open Apple menu
Click the Apple logo in the upper-left corner of the screen. Once clicked, a drop-down menu will open.
Step 2. Click Restart…
It's at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
Step 3. Click Restart Now when prompted
After that, the Mac computer will restart.
Step 4. Immediately hold down the Option key
You must press the button immediately after clicking the option “ Restart Now Keep holding this button until the next prompt.
If you want to load the Linux installer from a DVD, don't do this step. Instead, go to the "Wait for the Linux installation window to appear" step
Step 5. Release the Option key when the boot manager window appears
When you see a window with several hard drive options, you can release the Option key.
Step 6. Select the Linux installation quick drive name and press Return key
Use the arrow keys to select an option. Once selected, the computer will run through the fast drive.
Step 7. Wait for the Linux installation window to appear
If you are loading the installer via DVD, this process can take a few minutes.
Step 8. Select Install Ubuntu and press the button Returns.
After that, the Ubuntu installation program will be opened.
Step 9. Select a language, then click Continue
Click the language you want to use on Ubuntu, then click Continue ” in the lower right corner of the window.
Step 10. Click Install Ubuntu
It's on the right side of the window.
Step 11. Check both boxes on the “Preparing to install Ubuntu” page
Check the "Download updates while installing Ubuntu" and "Install third-party software for graphics… " boxes.
Step 12. Click Continue
It's in the lower-right corner of the window.
Step 13. Check the box "Install Ubuntu alongside Mac"
This box is at the top of the window.
Step 14. Click Install Now
It's in the lower-right corner of the window.
Step 15. Click Continue when prompted
Once clicked, the Ubuntu installation process will begin.
Step 16. Select an area, then click Continue
Click the time zone block on the world map to select where you live.
Step 17. Select a keyboard layout, then click Continue
To select a layout, click the language on the left side of the window, then click the language version (e.g. “ US ” for United States dialect English) on the right side.
Step 18. Enter user information
Fill in the following fields:
- ” Your name ” – First and last name.
- ” Your computer's name ” – The name you want to apply to the computer. Make sure the name you choose isn't too complicated.
- ” Pick a username ” – Type in the username you want to use for the profile; Ubuntu.
- ” Choose a password ” – Enter the password. This password entry is later used to log into the computer.
- ” Confirm your password ” – Re-enter the password you want to use.
Step 19. Select the login option
Check the "Log in automatically" or "Require my password to log in" option in the middle of the page.
Step 20. Click Continue
Step 21. Click Restart Now when prompted
After that, a window for selecting the operating system you want to use will be displayed (eg Ubuntu or Windows).
Step 22. Select Ubuntu and press the button Enter.
Do this only when prompted. After that, the computer will load Ubuntu instead of MacOS as usual. This process indicates that you have successfully installed Ubuntu Linux on your Mac computer.
Tips
- Make sure you have backed up all personal data (photos, documents, favorite content, settings, etc.) that you want to keep before running the operating system installation.
- You can use a wired internet connection when downloading and installing Ubuntu to make sure no drivers or updates are left behind.
- In general, a computer can run Linux easily if you are using a device with the latest model.
