To install Ubuntu on Windows 10, you have several options depending on your needs. Here are three common methods:
1. **Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)**:
This method allows you to run a Linux distribution alongside your existing Windows installation without the need for a virtual machine or dual-booting.
2. **Using a Virtual Machine**:
This method allows you to run Ubuntu as a virtual machine within Windows using software like VirtualBox or VMware.
3. **Dual Boot**:
This method installs Ubuntu alongside Windows, allowing you to choose which operating system to boot into.
Method 1: Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
1. **Enable WSL**:
Open PowerShell as an administrator and run:
wsl —-install
wsl —-update
This command will enable WSL and install the default Linux distribution, which is Ubuntu.
2. **Set up Ubuntu**:
After the installation is complete, you may need to restart your computer. Once restarted, launch Ubuntu from the Start menu. The first time you launch Ubuntu, it will ask you to set up a new user account and password.
3. **Update Ubuntu**:
Open the Ubuntu terminal and update the package list:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
Method 2: Using a Virtual Machine
1. **Download and Install VirtualBox**:
Download VirtualBox from the official website and install it.
2. **Download Ubuntu ISO**:
Download the Ubuntu ISO from official Ubuntu website.
3. **Create a New Virtual Machine**:
– Open VirtualBox and click “New”.
– Name your virtual machine and select “Linux” as the type and “Ubuntu” as the version.
– Allocate memory (RAM) to your virtual machine (at least 2048 MB recommended).
– Create a virtual hard disk (VDI) and allocate storage (at least 20 GB recommended).
4. **Install Ubuntu**:
– Start the virtual machine.
– Select the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded when prompted.
– Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu.
Method 3: Dual Boot
1. **Create a Bootable USB Drive**:
– Download the Ubuntu ISO from the official Ubuntu website.
– Use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive with the Ubuntu ISO.
2. **Partition Your Hard Drive**:
– Open Disk Management in Windows (Press `Win + X` and select “Disk Management”).
– Shrink an existing partition to make space for Ubuntu (at least 20 GB recommended).
3. **Disable Fast Startup and Secure Boot**:
– Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do > Change settings that are currently unavailable and uncheck “Turn on fast startup”.
– Enter your BIOS/UEFI settings during boot (usually by pressing `Del`, `F2`, or `Esc`).
– Disable Secure Boot.
4. **Install Ubuntu**:
– Insert the bootable USB drive and restart your computer.
– Boot from the USB drive (you may need to change the boot order in your BIOS/UEFI).
– Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ubuntu, selecting the option to install alongside Windows.
5. **Complete Installation**:
– Once the installation is complete, you will be able to choose between Windows and Ubuntu at boot time.
These methods cover the most common ways to install Ubuntu on a Windows 10 machine, whether you want a lightweight integration with WSL, a flexible setup with a virtual machine, or a full dual-boot system.
