How to Install Ubuntu from a USB Stick

The ability to install an operating system from a portable medium like a USB stick has revolutionized the way we manage and deploy software. For users of Linux distributions, particularly Ubuntu, this method offers a flexible and efficient approach to setting up new systems, upgrading existing ones, or even running a live environment without altering the main hard drive. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a bootable Ubuntu USB stick and then installing Ubuntu from it, a fundamental skill for anyone looking to explore or utilize this popular open-source operating system.

Preparing Your Ubuntu USB Installation Media

Before you can begin the installation, you need to create a bootable USB drive containing the Ubuntu installer. This involves downloading the Ubuntu ISO image and then “burning” it onto a USB drive in a way that makes it bootable by your computer.

Downloading the Ubuntu ISO Image

The first step is to obtain the Ubuntu operating system image. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, provides various versions of Ubuntu, with the Long Term Support (LTS) releases being the most stable and recommended for general use.

Visit the Official Ubuntu Website: Navigate to the official Ubuntu download page (ubuntu.com/download/desktop).
Choose Your Ubuntu Version: You will typically see options for the latest LTS version and potentially a newer, non-LTS version. For most users, especially those new to Ubuntu, the LTS version is the preferred choice due to its extended support period and stability.
Download the ISO File: Click the download link for your chosen version. This will initiate the download of a large .iso file. Ensure you have a stable internet connection, as these files can be several gigabytes in size.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

Once you have the Ubuntu ISO file, you need a tool to write it to your USB drive, making it bootable. Several free and reliable tools are available for different operating systems.

For Windows Users: Rufus

Rufus is a widely recommended, lightweight, and efficient utility for creating bootable USB drives.

Download Rufus: Go to the Rufus website (rufus.ie) and download the latest portable version.
Insert Your USB Drive: Connect a USB drive (at least 8GB in size is recommended) to your computer. Important: All data on the USB drive will be erased during this process, so back up any important files beforehand.
Launch Rufus: Run the downloaded Rufus executable.
Configure Rufus:
- Device: Select your USB drive from the dropdown menu.
- Boot selection: Click “SELECT” and browse to the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded.
- Partition scheme: For modern computers, “GPT” is generally recommended. If you are installing on older hardware, you might need to select “MBR.” Rufus often auto-detects the appropriate setting based on the ISO.
- Target system: This usually defaults correctly based on the partition scheme (UEFI for GPT, BIOS for MBR).
- Volume label: You can leave this as is or give it a descriptive name.
- File system: Leave this at the default, typically FAT32.
- Cluster size: Leave this at the default.
Start the Process: Click “START.” Rufus will warn you that all data on the USB drive will be destroyed. Confirm by clicking “OK.” The process may take several minutes.
Completion: Once Rufus indicates “READY,” your bootable Ubuntu USB drive is created. Close Rufus and safely eject the USB drive.

For macOS and Linux Users: Etcher

Etcher is a popular, cross-platform tool known for its simplicity and reliability.

Download Etcher: Visit the Etcher website (balena.io/etcher) and download the version for your operating system. Install it if necessary.
Insert Your USB Drive: Connect your USB drive (at least 8GB). Remember, all data will be erased.
Launch Etcher: Open the Etcher application.
Select Image: Click “Flash from file” and select the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded.
Select Target: Click “Select target” and choose your USB drive from the list. Be very careful to select the correct drive.
Flash: Click the “Flash!” button. Etcher will handle the process of writing the ISO to the USB drive and verifying it. This might require administrative privileges.
Completion: Once Etcher reports “Flash Complete!,” you can safely eject the USB drive.

Booting from the USB Drive and Starting the Installation

With your bootable USB drive ready, the next step is to configure your computer to boot from it. This process involves accessing your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings.

Accessing BIOS/UEFI and Changing Boot Order

Every computer has a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) that controls the startup sequence. You need to tell it to boot from the USB drive instead of your hard drive.

Insert the USB Drive: Plug your bootable Ubuntu USB drive into a USB port on the computer where you want to install Ubuntu.
Restart or Power On Your Computer: Turn on your computer.
Enter BIOS/UEFI Setup: Immediately after powering on, you will need to press a specific key to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup utility. This key varies by manufacturer but is commonly one of the following: F2, F10, F12, DEL, or ESC. The correct key is usually displayed briefly on the screen during the initial startup (e.g., “Press DEL to enter Setup”). If you miss it, restart and try again.
Navigate to Boot Options: Once in the BIOS/UEFI setup, look for a section related to “Boot,” “Boot Order,” “Boot Sequence,” or “Startup.” The exact wording and layout will differ depending on your computer’s motherboard.
Change Boot Order: Within the boot options, you will see a list of devices your computer can boot from. Use the arrow keys (or mouse if your UEFI supports it) to move your USB drive (it might be listed by its brand name or as “USB HDD,” “Removable Device,” etc.) to the top of the boot order.
Save and Exit: Locate the option to “Save and Exit” (often F10). Confirm that you want to save the changes. Your computer will restart.

The Ubuntu Boot Menu

If you have correctly configured the boot order, your computer will now boot from the USB drive. You should see the GRUB bootloader menu for Ubuntu. Here, you will have a few options:

Try Ubuntu: This option allows you to run Ubuntu directly from the USB drive without installing it on your hard drive. It’s an excellent way to test hardware compatibility and get a feel for Ubuntu.
Install Ubuntu: This option begins the installation process directly.
Other options: You might see options for checking the disk for defects or for advanced troubleshooting.

For this guide, select “Install Ubuntu” and press Enter.

Installing Ubuntu

The Ubuntu installer is a graphical and user-friendly process that guides you through each step.

Welcome and Keyboard Layout

Welcome Screen: After a brief loading period, you will be presented with the “Welcome” screen.
Keyboard Layout: Choose your preferred keyboard layout. You can type in the text box to test it. Click “Continue.”

Updates and Other Software

“Updates and other software” Screen: This screen offers crucial options for your installation:
- Normal installation: Installs a web browser, utilities, office software, games, and media players.
- Minimal installation: Installs a web browser and basic utilities.
- Other options:
  - Download updates while installing Ubuntu: Highly recommended if you have a stable internet connection. This ensures you get the latest security patches and software updates from the start, saving you time later.
  - Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware and additional media formats: This option is also highly recommended. It installs proprietary drivers and codecs that are necessary for many hardware components (like Wi-Fi cards and graphics cards) and for playing various media files.
Choose Installation Type: Select your preferred installation type and then decide whether to download updates and install third-party software. Click “Continue.”

Installation Type: Disk Partitioning

This is arguably the most critical step. It determines how Ubuntu will be installed on your hard drive. You have several choices:

Erase disk and install Ubuntu: This is the simplest option. It will delete everything on your selected hard drive and set up Ubuntu automatically. Use this with extreme caution, as it will remove all existing operating systems and data. If you are installing Ubuntu on a new, empty drive, or if you want to dedicate the entire drive to Ubuntu, this is the easiest choice.
Install Ubuntu alongside [Other OS]: If you have another operating system (like Windows) already installed, this option will attempt to resize the existing partition and create space for Ubuntu. This is a common choice for dual-booting.
Something else: This option provides manual partitioning. It’s for advanced users who want complete control over how their disk is partitioned. You can create, delete, and resize partitions (e.g., for /, /home, swap).

For most users, if dual-booting, “Install Ubuntu alongside [Other OS]” is the most straightforward. If you’re installing on a blank drive or want to dedicate the drive to Ubuntu, “Erase disk and install Ubuntu” is also simple.

If you choose “Something else” (Advanced Partitioning):

You’ll see a list of your drives and partitions.
Select free space or an existing partition you wish to use.
Click the + button to create a new partition.
Root Partition (/): This is where the Ubuntu system files will reside.
- Size: Allocate at least 20-30 GB.
- Type: Primary or Logical.
- Location: Beginning or End of free space.
- Use as: Ext4 journaling file system.
- Mount point: /.
Swap Area (Optional but recommended): Used as virtual memory when your RAM is full.
- Size: Typically recommended to be equal to your RAM size, or at least 2-4 GB.
- Use as: swap area.
Home Partition (/home) (Optional but recommended): Separating your home directory allows you to reinstall Ubuntu without losing your personal files and settings.
- Size: Allocate the remaining space.
- Use as: Ext4 journaling file system.
- Mount point: /home.
EFI System Partition (for UEFI systems): If your system uses UEFI, you’ll need an EFI partition. It’s usually already created if you’re dual-booting with Windows. If not, create one:
- Size: 100-500 MB.
- Use as: EFI System Partition.
Device for boot loader installation: Ensure this is set to your main hard drive (e.g., /dev/sda).

After making your selection, click “Install Now.” You will receive a warning about changes to disk partitions. Confirm if you are satisfied.

Where Are You?

This screen prompts you to select your timezone. Click on the map or type your city to set it. Click “Continue.”

Who Are You?

Your Name: Enter your full name.
Your Computer’s Name: This is the network name for your computer.
Pick a username: This will be your login name.
Choose a password: Select a strong password.
Confirm your password: Re-enter your password.
Log in automatically or Require my password to log in: It’s generally more secure to require a password.

Click “Continue.”

Installation Progress

The installer will now begin copying files and configuring your system. This process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more, depending on your computer’s speed and the options you selected. You’ll see a slideshow of Ubuntu’s features during this time.

Installation Complete

Once the installation is finished, you will see a message stating, “Installation is complete. You need to restart the computer in order to use your new installation.”

Restart Now: Click the “Restart Now” button.
Remove Installation Media: The system will prompt you to remove the installation medium (your USB stick) and press Enter. This is crucial; if you don’t remove the USB and press Enter, your computer might boot from the USB again.

First Boot and Post-Installation Steps

After restarting, your computer should boot into your newly installed Ubuntu system.

Initial Login

If you set a password, you will be greeted with the login screen. Enter your username and password to log in.

Post-Installation Configuration

Ubuntu usually performs very well out of the box, but there are a few things you might want to do:

Software Updater: Even if you selected to download updates during installation, it’s a good idea to run the Software Updater. Search for “Software Updater” in the application menu and run it. It will check for any remaining updates and install them.
Additional Drivers: Search for “Software & Updates” in the application menu. In the “Additional Drivers” tab, Ubuntu will check if there are any proprietary drivers for your hardware (like NVIDIA or AMD graphics cards, or specific Wi-Fi adapters) that might improve performance or functionality. If available, select the recommended proprietary driver and apply the changes. You’ll likely need to restart your computer after installing these.
Explore: Familiarize yourself with the Ubuntu desktop environment (GNOME, by default). Explore the application menu, settings, and pre-installed applications.

Installing Ubuntu from a USB stick is a rewarding process that opens the door to a powerful, flexible, and free operating system. Whether you’re a seasoned Linux user or a complete beginner, mastering this installation method is an essential skill for leveraging the full potential of Ubuntu.