How to Install Ubuntu Step by Step Guide (2026 Beginner Tutorial)

Ubuntu is one of the most beginner-friendly Linux distributions. This guide will help you install Ubuntu Desktop on your laptop or PC using the official Ubuntu documentation.

Official Ubuntu Documentation

What You Need Before Installing Ubuntu

Minimum Requirements

4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
25 GB free storage
USB Drive (8 GB or more)
Internet connection

Things to Keep Ready

Backup your important files
Laptop charger connected
USB flash drive

Step 1 — Download Ubuntu ISO

Go to the official Ubuntu download page:

Download Ubuntu Desktop ISO

Download the latest LTS version (recommended for stability). (Ubuntu)

Step 2 — Create a Bootable USB Drive

You need software to make your USB bootable.

Recommended Tools

Windows

Rufus
BalenaEtcher

macOS/Linux

BalenaEtcher

Using Rufus (Windows)

Insert USB drive
Open Rufus
Select Ubuntu ISO
Choose:
- GPT for UEFI systems
- MBR for older BIOS systems
Click Start

⚠️ This will erase all USB data. (Ubuntu)

Step 3 — Boot From USB

Insert the USB into the PC where you want Ubuntu installed.

Restart the computer and press boot menu key:

Brand	Boot Key
HP	Esc / F9
Dell	F12
Lenovo	F12
ASUS	Esc
Acer	F12

Choose the USB device from the boot menu.

Ubuntu installer will load. (Ubuntu)

Step 4 — Choose “Install Ubuntu”

You will see two options:

Try Ubuntu
Install Ubuntu

Click:

Install Ubuntu

Step 5 — Select Language & Keyboard

Choose:

Language
Keyboard layout

Then click Continue.

Step 6 — Connect Wi-Fi

Connect to the internet.

This helps Ubuntu:

Download updates
Install drivers
Configure NVIDIA graphics automatically

(Ubuntu)

Step 7 — Installation Type

Ubuntu gives different installation options.

Option 1 — Erase Disk and Install Ubuntu

Use this if:

You want only Ubuntu
You do not need Windows

⚠️ Deletes everything.

Option 2 — Install Ubuntu Alongside Windows

Use this for dual boot.

You can choose:

Windows
Ubuntu

during startup.

(Ubuntu)

Step 8 — Select Time Zone

Choose your:

Country
Time zone

Example:

India → Asia/Kolkata

Step 9 — Create User Account

Enter:

Your name
PC name
Username
Password

Example:

Field	Example
Name	Xavier
Computer Name	ubuntu-pc
Username	xavier
Password	Strong password

Step 10 — Install Ubuntu

Ubuntu will now:

Copy files
Install packages
Configure system

This may take:

10–30 minutes

Step 11 — Restart Computer

After installation:

Click Restart Now
Remove USB drive
Press Enter

Ubuntu will boot from your hard drive.

Enter your password.

You will see the Ubuntu Desktop.

Recommended First Commands After Installation

Open Terminal using:

Ctrl + Alt + T

Run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Install useful tools:

sudo apt install git curl wget vim net-tools -y

Install Ubuntu in VirtualBox (Optional)

If you do not want to install directly on your PC, use VirtualBox.

Official guide:

Ubuntu VirtualBox Installation Guide

Common Problems & Fixes

USB Not Detecting

Disable Secure Boot
Enable USB Boot in BIOS

Black Screen After Install

Try:

nomodeset

during boot.

Wi-Fi Not Working