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Asked: 2024-09-24T13:32:11+05:30 In:

What are the steps to generate a bootable USB drive for installing Ubuntu on a PC?

I’ve been thinking about diving into the world of Linux, and I’ve decided to go with Ubuntu for my first experience. The thing is, I’ve never created a bootable USB drive before, and honestly, I’m a little lost on where to start. I know there are a ton of resources out there, but they all seem to use jargon that goes right over my head.

So, I was hoping you could help me out. What are the steps I need to follow to generate a bootable USB drive to install Ubuntu on my PC? If you could walk me through it or share any tips, I’d really appreciate it!

To give you a bit more background, I’m currently using Windows 10, and I plan to use an 8GB USB stick. I’ve read that you need to download the Ubuntu ISO file first, but that’s about as far as I’ve gotten. Should I be using any specific software to make the USB bootable? I’ve seen names like Rufus and UNetbootin floating around—are those worth using, or is there something else that’s better?

Also, any advice on how to set my computer to boot from the USB would be super helpful. I know that involves messing around with some BIOS settings, which sounds a bit daunting to me! And just to make things interesting, I’m a total newbie when it comes to installing operating systems, so the simpler the steps, the better.

If you’ve successfully gone through this process yourself, I’d love to hear your personal experiences. Were there any hiccups or surprises along the way? It’s always nice to know what to expect, right? Thanks in advance for your help! I’m really excited about getting this to work so I can finally explore Ubuntu.

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    2 Answers



    1. Creating a Bootable USB Drive for Ubuntu

      To create a bootable USB drive for Ubuntu using your Windows 10 PC, the first step is to download the latest Ubuntu ISO file from the official Ubuntu website. After downloading, you’ll need software to create the bootable USB drive; Rufus is a great choice for beginners due to its straightforward interface. Plug in your 8GB USB stick, and launch Rufus. In Rufus, select your USB drive under the “Device” dropdown, then choose the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file by clicking “SELECT.” Ensure the partition scheme is set to “MBR” for most systems, and finally, click “START” to create the USB. This process will format your USB stick, so make sure to back up any important data you have on it!

      Once your bootable USB is ready, you’ll need to adjust your PC’s boot settings. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings; commonly, you can do this by pressing a specific key (like F2, F10, DEL, or ESC) during the boot process—check your computer’s manual for specifics. Inside the BIOS, locate the “Boot Order” settings and move your USB stick to the top of the list. Save your changes and exit the BIOS. When your computer restarts, it should boot from the USB stick and launch the Ubuntu installation process. During installation, you might encounter prompts asking about partitioning or updates, but don’t worry; you can use the default options for a hassle-free installation. Expect a simple guide through the setup process, and, if you run into any issues, online forums and tutorials can be very helpful. Enjoy exploring Ubuntu!




    2. Creating a Bootable USB for Ubuntu

      Creating a Bootable USB for Ubuntu

      Sounds like a fun journey you’re about to embark on! Here’s a straightforward guide to help you create a bootable USB drive for Ubuntu. Don’t worry; I’ll keep it as simple as possible!

      What You Need:

      • An 8GB USB stick (make sure to back up any important files on it, as this process will erase everything on it).
      • Ubuntu ISO file (We’ll get that soon).
      • Software to make the USB bootable (Rufus is a good choice for Windows users).

      Steps to Create Your Bootable USB:

      1. Download the Ubuntu ISO:

        • Go to the official Ubuntu website.
        • Select the version you want (like Ubuntu 22.04 LTS) and click the download button.
      2. Download Rufus:

        • Visit the Rufus website.
        • Scroll down to find the download button and grab the latest version.
      3. Run Rufus:

        • Insert your USB stick into the computer.
        • Open Rufus. It should automatically detect your USB drive.
        • Under “Device,” make sure your USB stick is selected.
        • Under “Boot selection,” click “SELECT” and choose the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded earlier.
        • Leave the other options as their defaults unless you’re comfortable changing them.
        • Click the “START” button and confirm any prompts that pop up.
      4. Wait for it to Finish:

        • This part doesn’t take too long. Once it’s done, you’ll see “READY” in Rufus.

      Booting from the USB:

      1. Restart Your Computer:

        As it’s starting up, look for a prompt that tells you which key to press to enter the BIOS/Boot Menu. It’s usually one of the following: F2, F10, DEL, or ESC. If you miss it, just restart again!

      2. Access the BIOS/Boot Menu:

        Use the mentioned key to enter the BIOS/Boot menu. In BIOS, look for a section called “Boot” where you can set the USB drive as the first boot option.

        Make sure to save changes (usually by pressing F10 or selecting “Save and Exit”).

      3. Boot from USB:

        Your computer should now boot from the USB stick and take you to the Ubuntu installation screen!

      Personal Tips:

      When I did this, I was surprised how smooth it went! Just make sure that your USB stick is working fine. If it doesn’t show up in Rufus, try a different USB port. Sometimes, using a USB 2.0 port works better than USB 3.0 for the process.

      Take your time, and don’t hesitate to look up specific steps if you stumble along the way. Enjoy your exploration of Ubuntu!


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