How to Easily Install Ubuntu from a USB Drive [Beginner’s Complete Guide]

Ubuntu is an open-source operating system widely used by both beginners and professionals. Installing Ubuntu using a USB drive is an excellent option for those who want to try a new OS or recover a system. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough, making it easy for beginners to create a bootable USB and install Ubuntu without confusion.

Additionally, there is a troubleshooting section to help you resolve any issues that may arise during the process.

1. What You Need

Before installing Ubuntu, make sure you have the necessary items. Check the list below to ensure you are fully prepared.

  • USB Drive: A minimum of 8GB is recommended.
  • Internet Connection: Required to download the Ubuntu ISO file.
  • Ubuntu ISO File: Download the latest version from the official Ubuntu website.
  • Bootable USB Creation Tool: Use “Rufus” on Windows or “Startup Disk Creator” or the dd command on Linux.

Once you have these ready, you can smoothly proceed with the installation.

2. How to Download the Ubuntu ISO File

Follow these steps to download the Ubuntu ISO file from the official website.

  1. Access the official website: Go to the Ubuntu official download page.
  2. Select a version: It is recommended to choose the Long-Term Support (LTS) version, as it is more stable and offers five years of support.
  3. Start the download: Choose the appropriate ISO file for your system (usually 64-bit) and begin the download.

The download process may take a few minutes to several hours, depending on your internet speed. Ensure you have a stable connection.

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3. Creating a Bootable USB on Windows

Here’s how to create a bootable USB using Rufus.

  1. Download and run Rufus: Download Rufus from the official Rufus website and open the executable file.
  2. Insert the USB drive: Plug in an 8GB or larger USB drive. Be aware that all data on the USB drive will be erased, so back up any important files beforehand.
  3. Configure Rufus settings:
  • Select your USB drive under “Device.”
  • Choose “ISO Image” under “Boot selection” and select the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded.
  • For “Partition scheme,” select “MBR,” and for “Target system,” choose “BIOS or UEFI.”
  1. Set up persistent storage (optional): Rufus allows you to enable “persistence,” which saves Wi-Fi settings and downloaded files on the USB.
  2. Start writing: Click “Start” to begin the process. The bootable USB should be ready in a few minutes.

For Linux users: You can use Startup Disk Creator or run the following command in the terminal to create a bootable USB.

sudo dd if=/path/to/ubuntu.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress

※ Replace sdX with the actual device name of your USB drive.

4. Configuring BIOS/UEFI Settings

Even if you don’t have screenshots of the BIOS settings, you can follow these steps to configure them properly.

  1. Restart your PC and access BIOS: Immediately after restarting, press the key to enter BIOS (commonly F2, F12, or Delete).
  2. Change the boot device order: In the “Boot Order” menu, set the USB drive as the first boot option. This ensures your system boots from the USB first.
  3. Disable Secure Boot: Some PCs have Secure Boot enabled, which can prevent booting from USB. Disable “Secure Boot” in the BIOS settings.

Once BIOS is properly configured, your PC will be ready to boot from the USB and install Ubuntu.

5. Ubuntu Installation Steps

Once you boot from the USB, the Ubuntu installer screen will appear. Follow these steps to complete the installation.

  1. Select Installation: Choose “Install Ubuntu.” If you want to try it first without installing, select “Try Ubuntu.”
  2. Choose Language: Select your preferred language and proceed.
  3. Select Installation Type: Choose “Normal Installation” to install basic applications automatically. You can also enable options for downloading updates and third-party software.
  4. Partition Settings: If you want to install Ubuntu alongside another OS, manually configure partitions. If using the entire disk, choose automatic partitioning.
  5. Complete Installation: Once the installation is finished, restart your PC to boot into Ubuntu.

6. Running Ubuntu from USB [Try Ubuntu]

Before installing, you can try Ubuntu directly from the USB in “Try Ubuntu” mode. This lets you explore the OS without modifying your system.

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi: Check if Wi-Fi is working properly.
  2. Browse the Web: Open Firefox or another browser to test internet connectivity.
  3. Install Applications: Open the Ubuntu Software Center and try installing applications.

7. Troubleshooting and FAQ

Common Issues and Solutions:

  • USB Drive Won’t Boot: Check the BIOS boot order settings. If the issue persists, recreate the bootable USB using Rufus.
  • Installation Errors: The ISO file may be corrupted. Try downloading it again from the official website.
  • Wi-Fi Connection Issues: Check the official Ubuntu forums for the latest drivers and troubleshooting tips.

Conclusion

This guide provided a step-by-step process for installing Ubuntu from a USB drive. The instructions are designed to be beginner-friendly, ensuring a smooth installation. A troubleshooting section is also included to help resolve potential issues. Take your first step into the world of Ubuntu and experience a new operating system!

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