Install Ubuntu via USB
Learn how to create a bootable USB drive and install Ubuntu on your hardware with this comprehensive guide.
Prerequisites
What You'll Need
- • A USB flash drive (8GB or larger recommended)
- • A computer with internet connection
- • Ubuntu ISO file (download from ubuntu.com)
- • USB creation tool (Rufus, Etcher, or similar)
- • Backup of important data (recommended)
Step-by-Step Guide
Download Ubuntu ISO
Visit the official Ubuntu website and download the latest LTS (Long Term Support) version.
- • Go to ubuntu.com/download/desktop
- • Choose Ubuntu Desktop LTS
- • Download the ISO file (2-3 GB)
- • Verify the download checksum
Ubuntu Desktop 22.04 LTS
~3.5 GB ISO file
Prepare USB Drive
Format your USB drive and create a bootable installation media.
- • Insert USB drive (8GB+ recommended)
- • Backup any important data on the drive
- • Format to FAT32 filesystem
- • Download USB creation tool
Recommended Tools:
• Rufus (Windows)
• Etcher (Cross-platform)
• Startup Disk Creator (Ubuntu)
Create Bootable USB
Use your chosen tool to create the bootable USB drive.
Important
This process will erase all data on the USB drive. Make sure to backup any important files.
- • Select the Ubuntu ISO file
- • Choose your USB drive as destination
- • Start the creation process
- • Wait for completion (10-20 minutes)
Process takes 10-20 minutes
depending on USB speed
Boot from USB
Configure your computer to boot from the USB drive.
- • Insert the bootable USB drive
- • Restart your computer
- • Enter BIOS/UEFI (F2, F12, Del, or Esc)
- • Change boot order to USB first
- • Save and exit BIOS
Common BIOS Keys:
• F2, F12, Del, Esc
• Varies by motherboard
Install Ubuntu
Follow the Ubuntu installation wizard to complete the setup.
- • Choose language and keyboard layout
- • Select installation type (dual boot or replace)
- • Create user account and password
- • Wait for installation to complete
- • Restart when prompted
Installation takes
15-30 minutes
depending on hardware
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
USB not recognized
Try a different USB port or use a different USB drive. Ensure the drive is properly formatted.
Installation fails
Check disk space, verify ISO download, and ensure hardware compatibility.
Boot issues
Disable Secure Boot in BIOS, or enable Legacy Boot mode if needed.
Tips & Best Practices
Backup first
Always backup important data before installing a new operating system.
Use LTS version
Long Term Support versions are more stable and receive updates for 5 years.
Test USB first
Try the "Try Ubuntu" option before installing to test hardware compatibility.
After Installation
Update System
Run system updates to get the latest security patches and software updates.
Install Software
Use Ubuntu Software Center to install your favorite applications and tools.
Customize
Personalize your desktop with themes, extensions, and custom settings.