If you’re planning on replacing your Windows installation, make sure that all of your important files are backed up. Ubuntu will erase the drive containing Windows if you choose to replace it.
Most newer computers can run the 64-bit version of Ubuntu. If you’re using an older computer and aren’t sure if it’s 64-bit, click here.
Press the BIOS or BOOT menu key as your computer starts up. This key will be displayed on the same screen as the manufacturer logo. Common keys include F2, F11, F12, and Del. Select the BOOT menu in your BIOS and set your USB as the primary boot device. If your computer boots directly into Windows 8 or 10 without showing the manufacturer logo, you’ll need to do an advanced startup. Open the Charms menu (Windows 8) or click the Start menu (Windows 10) and select “Settings”. Open the “Update & security” section, click “Recovery”, and then click “Restart now” in the “Advanced startup” section. In the “Advanced startup” menu, click “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options”. Select “UEFI Firmware Settings” and then navigate to the BOOT menu. Change the boot order so that the USB drive is the primary boot device.
If you choose to install alongside Windows, you’ll be able to use the slider to set how much space will be used for Ubuntu and how much free space will be left for Windows. If you replace Windows, the partition you installed Windows on will be wiped and Ubuntu will be installed on it. The partition will stay the same size as it was originally.
You can also change your computer’s name on this screen. This is the name that will appear for your computer when it is connected to a network.
Click here for a guide on learning basic Terminal commands. Click here for instructions on installing software in Ubuntu. Click here for instructions on setting up a network connection in Ubuntu. Click here for a guide on getting your graphics card drivers installed.
You can only use the installer to install Ubuntu alongside Windows. You can’t use it to replace Windows. If you want to replace Windows with Ubuntu, use the USB method above.
Click the link for the “i386. tar. xz” file if you aren’t sure which one applies to you. If you know that you meet the processor requirements for the 64-bit version, select “amd64. tar. xz” instead.
Click here to set up a network connection in Ubuntu. Click here to install graphics card drivers. Click here for a guide on learning how to use the Terminal. Click here to learn how to install Ubuntu software.
