How to Install Ubuntu on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ubuntu, a popular Linux distribution, has gained immense recognition among developers and tech enthusiasts due to its user-friendly interface, open-source nature, and robust performance. If you’re a Windows 11 user looking to explore the world of Linux, you’ll be happy to know that it’s possible to run Ubuntu alongside Windows without replacing your existing operating system. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of installing Ubuntu on Windows 11 using a dual boot setup.

Prerequisites:

Before we dive into the installation process, make sure you have the following:

• A Windows 11 computer with at least 20 GB of free disk space.
• A USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage capacity.
• A stable internet connection to download Ubuntu and related software.

Step 1: Download Ubuntu

First, head over to the official Ubuntu website (https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop) and download the latest LTS (Long-Term Support) release. LTS releases are generally more stable and receive updates for a longer period. Once the ISO file is downloaded, keep it handy, as you’ll need it later.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

Next, you’ll need to create a bootable USB drive containing the Ubuntu ISO file. We recommend using Rufus (https://rufus.ie/) or Etcher (https://www.balena.io/etcher/) for this purpose. Install the software, plug in your USB drive, and follow the on-screen instructions to create a bootable Ubuntu USB drive.

Step 3: Configure Windows 11 for Dual Booting

Before proceeding with the installation, you’ll need to make some changes in Windows 11 to ensure a seamless dual-boot experience. Follow these steps:

1. Open Disk Management by right-clicking the Start button and selecting ‘Disk Management.’
2. Locate your primary drive (usually labeled as ‘C:’), right-click it, and choose ‘Shrink Volume.’
3. Allocate at least 20 GB of space for Ubuntu by entering the desired amount in the ‘Enter the amount of space to shrink in MB’ field, then click ‘Shrink.’

Step 4: Boot from the USB Drive

Now, it’s time to boot your computer from the Ubuntu USB drive. To do this:

1. Restart your computer and press the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, F12, or DEL) to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings.
2. Locate the ‘Boot Order’ or ‘Boot Priority’ settings and move the USB drive to the top of the list.
3. Save the settings and exit the BIOS or UEFI.

Step 5: Install Ubuntu

Your computer should now boot into the Ubuntu Live environment. Follow these steps to install Ubuntu:

1. Select your language and click on the ‘Install Ubuntu’ button.
2. Choose your keyboard layout and click ‘Continue.’
3. On the ‘Installation type’ screen, select ‘Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager’ and click ‘Install Now.’
4. Confirm the partition changes by clicking ‘Continue.’
5. Choose your timezone, create a user account, and provide the required information.
6. The installation will begin. Once it’s complete, click ‘Restart Now’ to finish the process.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Ubuntu on your Windows 11 computer. Now, whenever you boot your PC, you’ll see a boot menu allowing you to choose between Windows 11 and Ubuntu. This dual-boot setup provides the perfect environment for you to explore and learn Linux without sacrificing your Windows 11 experience. Happy exploring!