In this article, we are going to tell you How to Install Ubuntu on Windows 10.

To run your preferred Linux tools without moving computers or setting up a virtual environment, install the Ubuntu distribution alongside Windows 10. Microsoft is working to increase the number of developers who write code on all platforms, but with Windows 10 as their primary tool. To make this happen, however, the business has teamed up with the creators of Ubuntu Linux (Canonical) to enhance the Windows 10 command line toolkit.

Installing Linux distributions is simple once you’ve configured your device using the Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL2) platform, even if Linux integration into Windows 10 is not by default included. And in this article, we will go thoroughly with the details. 

What is Ubuntu?

Ubuntu is one source of Linux distribution which is also open-source and sources Debian. Ubuntu is recognized as a good distribution for beginners and is promoted by Canonical Ltd. This system distributor was initially developed for use on the PC desktop, but it is a good server for other desktop interfaces too. The word “ubuntu,” which means “humanity to others,” is derived from the African Zulu language.

GNOME, a graphical user interface (GUI) and a bunch of desktop programs for Linux, is used by Ubuntu’s default installation. GNOME, which is akin to the Windows desktop interface, was created to make Linux simple to use for non-programmers.

What is Linux Distribution?

We have a clear idea that the Linux kernel is free and open source. However, there are still features to it. It is used globally by programmers, teams, and nonprofit and for-profit units to create operating systems that are modified to their individual requirements.

Many businesses guard their Linux operating systems to thwart hacker attempts. Others openly give up their Linux distributions to the general public so that anyone can use it. These Linux operating system variations are known as distributions.

Features of Ubuntu

The following are some of Ubuntu’s key characteristics:

• Ubuntu’s desktop version works on every standard Windows software, including Firefox, Google Chrome, VLC, and others.
•  LibreOffice office program is also advanced.
• Thunderbird, an in-built application that supports emails in Ubuntu, enables users to work with email services like Exchange, Gmail, Hotmail, etc.
• Numerous free applications are available for users to browse and edit images.
• Applications exist for managing videos as well as sharing videos among users.
• The clever searching feature on Ubuntu makes it simple to find material.
• The fact that it is a free operating system supported by a sizable open-source community is its strongest feature.

How is Ubuntu Different from Linux?

The Linux kernel is at the core of Ubuntu. Ubuntu depends on Linux’s design to interact with a computer’s hardware and carry out its intended functions. The commands used by Ubuntu adhere to the same guidelines and practices as thousands of other Linux distributions. However, Ubuntu has a distinct look and set of functionality.

Ubuntu is comparable to other well-known operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, and even mobile operating systems like Android because it contains a graphical user interface (GUI). There is no need to memorize a long list of terminology or commands because the OS displays apps as icons or menu options that you may select with the mouse or keyboard. Ubuntu is simple to use if you’ve used previous operating systems that use a graphical user interface.

Installing Ubuntu on Windows 10

Installing Linux on VirtualBox allows you to use it occasionally as a test drive. You’ll need at least 15 GB of free disc space to install Linux. Help yourself in this situation by using MiniTool Partition Wizard.

Here is a quick tutorial for setting up Linux in VirtualBox:

Step 1. To get VirtualBox, click here.

Step 2. Visit this page to get Linux OS (Linux Mint).

Step 3. Launch VirtualBox and specify the Linux system name, type, and version.

Decide how much RAM the Linux operating system will use.

Step 4. Set it in the hard drive.

Step 5. Choose your Linux iso file.

Step 6. Start the Linux OS installation and configuration.

Install Ubuntu on Windows 10 by Dual Booting

Dual-booting Ubuntu and your current version of Windows 10 is another way to install Ubuntu on Windows 10. There will be a different operating system installed called Ubuntu.

You will be given the choice to boot to Windows 10 or Ubuntu when your computer turns on.

To dual-boot Windows 10 and Ubuntu, follow these 3 steps. The following subsections cover the specifics of each stage.

Step 1. Make Room on the Hard Drive for New Files

On your current Windows 10 hard drive, some space is available as the first step in this section. On this partition, Ubuntu will be set up. Create free space on the hard drive to install Ubuntu for instructions on how to carry out this procedure.

Step 2. Turn off UEFI Secure Boot in Windows 10

Disabling Windows 10 Secure Boot is the next step after making room to install Ubuntu alongside Windows 10 was freed up. To guarantee that Ubuntu will boot, this step is required.

Nevertheless, disabling UEFI secure boot carries a certain amount of danger. One danger is that boot sector malware might easily infect your copy of Windows 10.

Step 3. Install Ubuntu on the Free Partition

Installing Ubuntu on Windows 10 is the last stage in the dual-boot installation process.

Tips for Installing Ubuntu

1. Operate Ubuntu on a Virtual Machine

You may use your computer’s virtual machine to run Ubuntu, just like other operating systems. In a window on your current Windows or Mac desktop, the virtual machine runs Ubuntu. 

While virtual machines are slower than running the operating system on your computer directly, you will be able to sample Linux without even restarting your machine. In particular, the 3D effects on the Ubuntu desktop will run more smoothly on conventional machines but less smoothly in a virtual environment.

2. Start Booting from USB Drive 

The input of a live USB or CD drive is among the simplest ways to begin using Ubuntu. You can use your USB stick, CD, or DVD to restart any machine you come across after installing Ubuntu on the disc. Without making any modifications to the machine’s hard drive, Ubuntu will start up when the computer boots from the removable media you supplied.

3. Access Another PC

Because Linux and Ubuntu are multi-user and safe by default, you can ask a person who already uses Ubuntu to set up a guest account and grant you access for a period to test it out. You can install Teamviewer, run it simultaneously with your friend, and request that they permit you to use their computer remotely. Because Teamviewer is cross-platform compatible, it is unaware of whether you are using a Mac or Windows computer.

Install Dual Boot Ubuntu on Mac Using Virtual Box

Running macOS and Ubuntu simultaneously will “slow down” your Mac. Less will be noticeable the more memory you have and the faster your CPU and/or hard drive are.

Follow these directions:

Step 1. Go to the Ubuntu download page and download Ubuntu first.

Step 2. You must now download and set up VirtualBox. Launch VirtualBox from your Applications folder once the installation is complete.

Step 3. After VirtualBox has opened, select New.

Step 4. Assign a name to your “virtual machine.” Click the Continue button after that.

Step 5. You must now choose how much memory (RAM) you will leave for macOS and how much you will allot to Ubuntu when it is operating.

Step 6. Click Create after selecting Create a virtual hard disc now on the Hard drive page.

Step 7. Select VirtualBox Disk Image (VDI) and then click Continue.

Step 8. Select dynamically assigned, then click Continue

Step 9. Use the “slider” to select the Ubuntu “hard drive” size that you want to create. Select what you want, then click Create.

Step 10. Tap on the Install button.

Step 11. Select System Preferences by clicking the button.

Step 12. The “lock” icon can be found in the bottom left corner of the screen. Check the box next to the entry for Virtualbox in the list after entering your password.

Step 13. When asked, choose Later.

Step 14. You’ll be asked to find a file once you’re back in Virtualbox. To open a folder, select the “folder” symbol next to the Empty menu.

Step 15. Go to the Ubuntu.iso file that you downloaded back in step 1 and open it. Choose it, then click “Open“

Step 16. Click Start now.

Step 17. Finally, click on Ubuntu Install.

Benefits of using Ubuntu

1. Free to Use

It is without a doubt a significant benefit of using Ubuntu Linux. The cost of downloading, setting up, and utilizing Ubuntu Linux is zero. Simply generate a bootable ISO or burn it to a USB device, get it from Canonical’s website, or go to your preferred torrent source. In order to cut expenses, it is also being used by several governmental and educational institutions worldwide. Additionally, the majority of the software is free.

2. Free Customization

Although Windows 10 is more customizable than its predecessors, you can only customize specific features. As soon as you install Ubuntu, you can customize it. The most recent version makes use of the GNOME desktop environment, which enables you to customize practically every aspect of your UI/UX, including workspaces, fonts, system animations, notification noises, popup styles, and popup appearance.

3. Regular Security Updates

Similar to the desktop version, Ubuntu Server releases maintenance updates every six months. Also available is a five-year Standard Security Maintenance (SSM) window.

It doesn’t mean that your security support will continue when that window closes though. The Ubuntu Advantage plans include longer-term Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) for legacy applications. You may receive an additional five years of protection, depending on the version of the Ubuntu Server you are using.

Cons of Using Ubuntu

1. Limited Access to Applications

The limited selection of programs available with Ubuntu is one of its main drawbacks. Although the OS and some of its apps are free to download, Windows and macOS’s equivalents are noticeably superior. Due to their larger user populations, major developers also favor creating for Apple Inc. and Microsoft Corporation.

Keep in mind that many widely used Windows and macOS software have Linux equivalents. However, they still have diverse user interfaces and features or functionalities.

2. Lesser Customizing Options

Ubuntu is a Linux distribution, as you may know. Other Linux distributions, such as Linux Mint, are lighter than Ubuntu. Ubuntu is less configurable and has higher system requirements. Comparing Ubuntu with Debian, the latter offers more customization options.

 Although less customizable than other Debian OS, Ubuntu is still a Debian operating system. At its core, Debian employs the Linux kernel. Linux Mint is a Debian-based operating system that is lighter and more individualized than Ubuntu.

3. Poor Gaming System

The major drawback of the Ubuntu operating system is this. Any modern game cannot be played at all on this platform. You might need to install an emulator, WINE, or any other external software if you still wish to play games. Ubuntu does not offer visuals like those seen in Windows, for example. As a result, Ubuntu’s users have very subpar graphic support. So if you like to play games, stay away from this operating system.

Conclusion

Ubuntu can become a handy OS if you want to try a different version of your desktop. So far, all the features of the open-source operating system are harmless and beneficial for geeks. So, if you want, this should be a good start installing Linux on your desktop. Hopefully, this post brought you some understanding of the OS.

FAQs

1. Is Ubuntu Good for Desktops?

Programmers are known to favor Ubuntu as their operating system. This is primarily due to the operating system’s open-source nature, which enables programmers to fully comprehend how it functions.

2. Install Windows First or Ubuntu?

Add Ubuntu to your Windows 10 installation. Most likely, Windows 10 is already set up on your computer or laptop, and you want to add Ubuntu as a second operating system. Even though neither system is currently installed, you should first install Windows 10 before configuring dual boot with Ubuntu.

Also read: Top 7 Courses to Learn Programming in 2022

Last Updated on January 23, 2023 by Apeksha Soni