How to Install Linux
To install Linux, download the ISO file of a distribution such as Ubuntu, write it to a USB drive with a tool like Rufus or balenaEtcher, boot from that USB in BIOS or UEFI, then follow the on-screen installer to partition the drive and complete setup. A standard installation takes 10 to 20 minutes on most modern hardware, not counting USB creation and file backup time.
This guide covers preparation, USB creation, partitioning, and the installation steps for a dual boot setup alongside an existing Windows system.
Requirements Before Installation
A Linux installation requires the following:
- A USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage
- A minimum of 20 GB of free disk space for the Linux partition
- An internet connection for downloading the ISO file and updates
- A backup of important files, since the installation can affect existing partitions
Step-by-Step Installation Process
1. Back Up Important Files
Copy essential documents and files to an external drive or cloud storage before starting. Partitioning carries a small risk of data loss if a step is skipped or reversed.
2. Choose and Download a Distribution
Download the ISO file directly from the official website of the chosen distribution, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, or Linux Mint. Many distributions publish a SHA256 checksum on their download page, which confirms the file was not corrupted during download.
3. Create a Bootable USB Drive
Use a dedicated imaging tool rather than copying the file manually, since a bootable USB requires a specific disk structure.
| Tool | Platform |
|---|---|
| Rufus | Windows |
| balenaEtcher | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Fedora Media Writer | Cross-platform, built for Fedora |
Insert the USB drive, open the imaging tool, select the downloaded ISO file, and start the write process. This step typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Free Up Disk Space for Linux
For a dual boot setup, open Disk Management on Windows, right-click the main partition, and select Shrink Volume. Allocate at least 20 GB of unallocated space for the Linux installation.
5. Boot From the USB Drive
Restart the computer and press the boot menu key during startup, commonly F12, F10, Esc, or Del depending on the manufacturer. Select the USB drive from the boot menu to load the Linux installer.
6. Adjust BIOS or UEFI Settings if Needed
Some systems require Secure Boot to be disabled before a Linux installer will load, though most current distributions support Secure Boot without changes. If the USB drive does not appear in the boot menu, check that Secure Boot and Fast Boot settings allow external drives.
7. Run the Installer
Once the Linux live environment loads, launch the installer, usually labeled “Install Ubuntu” or an equivalent name for the chosen distribution. Choose “Install alongside Windows” for an automatic dual boot setup, or select “Something else” to manually create partitions.
Manual partitioning typically includes three parts: a root partition of 20 to 30 GB, a swap area sized to available RAM, and a home partition for the remaining free space.
8. Complete Setup
Follow the prompts to set the timezone, keyboard layout, and user account details. The installer copies system files during this stage, which takes 10 to 20 minutes on most hardware.
9. Restart and Select an Operating System
Remove the USB drive when prompted and restart the computer. A boot menu called GRUB will appear at every startup, allowing a choice between Windows and the newly installed Linux distribution.
Common Installation Issues
| Issue | Likely Cause |
|---|---|
| USB drive not detected in boot menu | Secure Boot or Fast Boot is enabled in UEFI |
| GRUB menu missing after installation | Windows Boot Manager is not set as a priority |
| The installer freezes during partitioning | Incorrect partition selected or insufficient free space |
If GRUB does not appear after installation, entering UEFI settings and confirming the boot order usually resolves the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to install Linux?
A standard Linux installation takes 10 to 20 minutes on most modern hardware, not including the time needed to create a bootable USB drive.
How much free space does Linux need?
Linux requires a minimum of 20 GB of free disk space, though 30 GB or more allows room for updates and additional software.
Can I install Linux without losing Windows?
Yes, a dual-boot installation keeps Windows intact by installing Linux into separate, unallocated disk space.
What tool creates a bootable Linux USB?
Rufus for Windows and balenaEtcher for Windows, macOS, and Linux are the two most common tools for creating a bootable Linux USB drive.
Do I need to disable Secure Boot to install Linux?
Most current Linux distributions support Secure Boot without changes, though disabling it can resolve installation issues on some hardware.
What is GRUB?
GRUB is the boot menu that appears after a dual-boot installation, allowing a user to choose between Windows and Linux at startup.
Is a checksum verification necessary before installing Linux?
Checksum verification is optional but recommended, since it confirms the downloaded ISO file was not corrupted or altered before use.
Reviewed and published by Sidra Azeemi for DomainAgeChecker, a UK-based platform providing free SEO and content tools for webmasters and digital marketers. Read more on the About Us page.
