How to Download & Install Linux (Ubuntu) in Windows 10 PC

As we know that it is the best time to learn Linux, you should learn how to choose the best Linux for your work and how to install it on your PC. There are somany Linux distributions out there, and you have to choose which one is best for you. We have published a detailed guide on this topic, you can check. In this article, we will share how you can install Ubuntu Linux on your Windows 10 PC.

How to Download & Install Linux (Ubuntu) on Windows 10

We choose Ubuntu for this article, but you can choose any of your favorite Linux distros you like. Here are some popular Linux Distributions for you.

Step 1: Choose your Linux Distribution

Arch: If you are a developer, then you should try this Linux Distro.

CentOS: It is one of the most used Linux Distribution in organizations and server companies. It is a free Linux distro designed with Red Hat enterprise Distro.

Debian: If you are looking for stable and GUI-based Linux distribution, then use Debian. It is very simple to use.

Fedora: Fedora is developed by Red Hat. There are somany versions of Fedora to choose from.

LinuxMint – Mint is another most used and lightweight Linux distribution. It has large softwares compatibility.

Ubuntu: It is the most popular Linux Distro after Microsoft and macOS. It has the same UI as your Windows and Mac. Also, it is stable and supports large-scale apps and softwares.

Step 2: Download Linux Distribution

Once you have selected your desired Linux Distro, it’s time to download it. As we mentioned above, we choose Ubuntu for this article. But the steps are the same for all Linux. So don’t worry.

First, you have to download a Linux image file on your PC. To download Linux Distro, all you have to do is, visit the official website of that distribution. In our case, it will be Ubuntu. So just search Ubuntu download in Google search.

1) Open the official website of Ubuntu which is Ubuntu.com from the search result.

2) You will see a download button in green color. Click on it to download the Ubuntu image.

3) Also check Recommended system requirements to install it on your system. You should have a minimum requirement to use that Linux Distro.

Step 3: Installing Linux using a USB stick or CD drive or Virtual Machine

Once you have downloaded the image file, it’s time to make a bootable media to install Linux on your Windows PC.

It is very easy to install Ubuntu from a USB drive. You can also use a bootable DVD but here we are using a USB drive.

1) Download the Universal USB installer (https://www.pendrivelinux.com/universal-usb-installer-easy-as-1-2-3/) to make a bootable USB stick on your Windows.

2) Once downloaded, open the tool on your Windows and then choose Ubuntu Distribution from the list.

3) Then Select your downloaded Ubuntu ISO file from your PC.

4) Now select the USB drive to install Ubuntu > select create.

5) You have to confirm this action by clicking on YES to Install Ubuntu on USB.

Note that it will format your USB drive and remove all the data. So copy your all data before using it.

6) Wait for some time. It will install Linux on your USB and make it bootable. When finished, a small window will appear Congratulations!

7) Now you have to boot your PC from a USB drive. To do this, open the BIOS menu and choose USB drive in boot priority.

For those who want to use DVD, follow these steps:

1. Download the Ubuntu image file from the official website and then save it on your PC.
2. Use any DVD-burning software like Nero to burn all the files to DVD or CD.
3. Now boot your PC from the DVD drive.

How to Install Linux using Virtual Machine

If you don’t want to leave your current Windows or macOS and want to use Linux as a secondary OS then you can use a virtual machine. Using a Virtual machine, you can run Linux inside Windows and macOS easily and it is completely secure.

Virtual machine software like VMware can install Linux on Windows in easy steps. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Download Vmware or Virtual machine software. Both are easy to use and safe. Virtual box is open source and free.

Step 2: Depending on your hardware configurations, select the package. We selected Windows with AMD according to our specs

Step 3: Once the download is complete, install it using simple on-screen instructions. Once installed, you will see a dashboard screen like this:

Step 4: Download Ubuntu by following the above steps. You can select 32/64-bit versions as per your choice.

Step 5: Now we have to create a new virtual machine.

Step 6: Open a new virtual machine and then click on the new button.

Step 7: Enter the name of the OS that you are going to install on your virtual box. If you are installing Ubuntu like us, then select Linux in OS and Ubuntu 32-bit version.

Step 8: Now you have to allocate RAM to your OS. Keep it at a minimum of 1GB if you are running with low RAM for smooth performance.

Step 9: Also we have to create the virtual hard disk. So click on create a virtual hard drive > create button.

The virtual hard disk is located where you create your virtual box.

Select 10: Select VHD (virtual hard disk) > next.

Step 11: Click on dynamic allocated > next. This will automatically increase the hard disk space when required.

Step 12: Allocate memory to your virtual hard drive which is 8GB recommended. Then click on Create button.

Step 13:  Now you can see the new virtual machine in the left sidebar.

Step 14: Select the Machine you just created and then click the Start button.

Step 15: Select the Folder Option and then select the ISO file of your Ubuntu OS > click on start.

Step 16: Click on the install Ubuntu option as shown in the below image.

Step 17: Click continue > and then select erase the disk and install Ubuntu > then click on Install.

Step 18: Select your location and timezone > continue.

Step 19: Select your keyboard layout and then click on continue.

Step 20: Select your username and password and then it will automatically start the installation process.

Step 21: The installation process takes some time. So wait for some. When finished, you will see the Ubuntu page.

Summary

There are hundreds of Distributions available, and you can follow the same process to install any Linux Distro. If you are facing any issues while installing Linux on a virtual machine then comment below.