Downloading Ubuntu Linux is straightforward: head to the official Desktop page, save the ISO, and write it to a USB drive using a tool like balenaEtcher.
Installing Ubuntu on your PC starts with a single ISO file — no cost, no registration. The process takes about 20 minutes from download to first boot, and this guide walks you through every click. Whether you’re setting up a dedicated Linux machine or dual-booting alongside Windows, the official Ubuntu Desktop download gives you a free, open-source operating system with five years of security updates. Ubuntu is one of the most widely used Linux distributions, known for its ease of use and strong community support.
What You Need Before You Download
Before grabbing the ISO, gather these items: a computer with at least 4GB RAM and 25GB free space, a USB flash drive (4GB or larger), and a stable internet connection. Important: Flashing the USB will erase everything on it, so back up any files. Ubuntu Desktop is free and supports most PCs and laptops from the last decade.
Step 1 – Download the Ubuntu ISO File
Go to the official Ubuntu Desktop download page — it currently offers Ubuntu 26.04 LTS. Click the download button to save the ISO image to a folder where you can find it later. The file is about 5GB, so make sure you have enough free space on your hard drive. This ISO is the raw installer; copying it to a USB won’t work — you need special software to write it properly.
| Step | Action | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Download ISO | Visit ubuntu.com/download/desktop and save the image | Current version is Ubuntu 26.04 LTS |
| 2. Create bootable USB | Open balenaEtcher, select the ISO, choose your USB drive, click Flash! | This will erase the USB – back up first |
| 3. Boot from USB | Insert the USB, restart the computer, press F12 (or the boot-menu key) and select the USB device | Boot key varies by manufacturer (F2, F10, Esc, Del) |
| 4. Start Installer | Select “Install Ubuntu” from the GRUB menu | Alternatively, try Ubuntu first from the live environment |
| 5. Choose language and layout | Select your language, keyboard layout, and click Continue | English (US) is default for USA users |
| 6. Set location and timezone | Click on your approximate location on the map or type the city, then Continue | This sets system time zone |
| 7. Review summary and install | Check the chosen options, then click Install | Erases the target drive – ensure you’ve backed up |
| 8. Restart and remove USB | When installation finishes, click Restart Now, remove the USB when prompted, and press ENTER | First boot will ask for your username and password |
Step 2 – Create a Bootable USB Drive
You cannot simply copy the ISO file to a USB drive. Use a dedicated tool like balenaEtcher, which works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Download and install balenaEtcher, then open it. Click Flash from file and select your downloaded Ubuntu ISO. Next, choose your USB drive from the list (be careful to select the correct one). Click Flash! and wait for the process to finish. balenaEtcher will verify the image automatically.
Step 3 – Boot from USB and Install Ubuntu
Plug the USB drive into the PC where you want to install Ubuntu. Restart the computer and watch for the manufacturer’s logo. Press F12 repeatedly (or the boot-menu key for your system — common alternatives are F2, F10, Esc, or Del) to bring up the boot menu. Select your USB drive from the list. The computer will boot into Ubuntu’s live environment. From there, click Install Ubuntu. Follow the on-screen prompts: choose your language and keyboard layout, then on the map screen click your approximate location to set the time zone. During installation, you’ll be given options to erase the entire disk for a fresh Ubuntu-only system, or to install alongside an existing operating system like Windows. The automatic dual-boot option handles resizing partitions, but always back up important data before proceeding. You’ll also set a username and password. Review the installation summary, then click Install. The process takes 10–15 minutes. When it finishes, click Restart Now. You’ll be prompted to remove the USB drive and press ENTER to reboot into your new Ubuntu system.
Alternative Method: Install Ubuntu via Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
If you just want to run Ubuntu inside Windows without dual-booting, use the Windows Subsystem for Linux. Open the Microsoft Store and search for Ubuntu. The official package from Canonical provides Ubuntu 24.04.1 LTS. Click Get and the WSL environment installs in minutes. This gives you a full terminal with apt package manager — ideal for developers and command-line work. It’s not a graphical desktop, so it’s best for users who need the Linux command line rather than a full desktop environment.
| Mistake | Why It Happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Copying the ISO to USB instead of writing it | Windows users may drag and drop the file, thinking it will work | Use balenaEtcher or Rufus to write the image “raw” to the USB |
| Forgetting to back up the USB drive | Flashing erases all existing data on the USB | Move important files to your computer or another drive before flashing |
| USB not booting automatically | Boot order in BIOS may not include USB first | Use the boot-menu key (often F12) during startup to manually select the USB |
| Skipping the summary screen before Install | Rushing through the installation | Always review the summary to confirm encryption, partitions, and erase settings |
Whether you choose a full desktop install or a lightweight WSL environment, Ubuntu is one of the most accessible Linux distributions available. With the ISO in hand and these steps, you can be up and running in less than an hour.
References & Sources
- Ubuntu Desktop. “Download Ubuntu Desktop” Official download page for Ubuntu 26.04 LTS ISO.
- Ubuntu Tutorials. “Install Ubuntu Desktop” Official step-by-step installation guide.