What You Will Need
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Choose Your Distribution
If this is your first time using Linux, we recommend Ubuntu or Linux Mint. Both offer polished desktop experiences, massive community support, and work great on most hardware right out of the box.
Visit our distributions guide to compare options and pick the one that suits your needs.
Download the ISO Image
Head to the official website of your chosen distribution and download the latest ISO file. For Ubuntu, this is typically around 4.5 GB. Always download from official sources to ensure you get a safe, unmodified image.
Create a Bootable USB Drive
You will need a tool to write the ISO image to your USB drive. Popular options include:
- balenaEtcher — Cross-platform, beginner-friendly, works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Rufus — Windows only, fast and reliable with advanced options
- Ventoy — Create a multi-boot USB with multiple ISOs at once
Simply select your downloaded ISO, choose your USB drive, and click write. The process takes a few minutes.
Boot from the USB Drive
Restart your computer and access the boot menu. The key varies by manufacturer:
- Dell / Lenovo: F12
- HP: F9 or Esc
- ASUS: F8 or Esc
- Acer: F12
- Apple Mac: Hold Option key
Select your USB drive from the boot menu. Most distributions will launch a live environment where you can test Linux without installing anything.
Try the Live Environment
Before committing to an installation, explore the live desktop. Check that your Wi-Fi works, your display looks correct, and applications load properly. This is Linux running entirely from your USB drive with nothing installed on your hard drive.
Install Linux
When you are ready, double-click the "Install" icon on the desktop. The installer will guide you through:
- Language and keyboard layout selection
- Network connection for downloading updates during installation
- Installation type — erase the entire disk or set up a dual-boot alongside Windows
- Timezone and location settings
- User account creation with your name and password
Click install and wait 10-20 minutes while the system copies files to your hard drive.
Reboot and Enjoy
Once installation is complete, remove your USB drive and restart. You will be greeted by your new Linux desktop. Log in with the credentials you created and start exploring your new operating system.
Dual Boot vs. Full Installation
You do not have to choose between Linux and your existing operating system. Dual booting allows you to keep Windows (or macOS) alongside Linux and choose which one to load each time your computer starts.
During the installation step, select "Install alongside Windows" instead of "Erase disk." The installer will resize your existing partition and create space for Linux automatically.
After Installation: First Steps
Update Your System
The first thing to do after a fresh install is update all packages:
Install Essential Software
Linux comes with a software centre for graphical application browsing, but you can also install apps from the terminal:
Learn the Terminal
While you can use Linux entirely through the graphical interface, learning basic terminal commands will make you much more productive. Head over to our command line guide to start learning.
Common Concerns Addressed
Will my hardware work?
Most modern hardware is supported out of the box. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, printers, and displays typically work immediately. The live USB test in step 5 will confirm compatibility before you install.
Can I run Windows applications?
Many Windows applications can run on Linux using compatibility layers like Wine or Proton (for games via Steam). For professional software, check if a native Linux version or alternative exists first.
Is Linux safe?
Linux is inherently more secure than many alternatives due to its permission model, open-source nature, and smaller target surface for malware. Regular updates keep your system protected. Learn more in our security guide.
Ready to learn the command line?
Command Line Basics →