If you’re eager to explore the Ubuntu operating system but only have a Windows 11 computer, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the steps to install Ubuntu alongside Windows 11, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Requirements
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- A USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage
- A Windows 11 computer
- The Ubuntu ISO file
Creating a Bootable USB Installer
- Download Ubuntu ISO: Start by downloading the latest Ubuntu ISO file from the official Ubuntu website.
- Use Rufus to Create Bootable USB:
- Open the Rufus tool on your Windows 11 computer.
- Select your USB drive from the device list.
- Navigate to the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file.
- Be aware that the data on the USB drive will be erased during this process.
- Complete the Bootable Installer: Once you’ve configured Rufus, click on “Start” to create your bootable Ubuntu installer.
Booting from USB
- Access BIOS Settings: Restart your computer and access the BIOS settings (usually by pressing a key like F2, F12, or DEL during boot).
- Set USB as Boot Device: In the BIOS menu, set the USB drive as the primary boot device. Save the settings and exit.
Installing Ubuntu
- Select “Try or Install Ubuntu”: When your computer boots from the USB drive, you’ll see options. Choose “Try or Install Ubuntu.”
- Installation Process:
- Select “Install Ubuntu” from the options presented.
- Set up your keyboard layout.
- Choose the default installation settings.
- Install Alongside Windows:
- When prompted, select the option to install Ubuntu alongside Windows 11. This will configure your computer to run both operating systems.
- Resize the Partition (Optional): If you wish, you can resize the partition allocated for Ubuntu. This allows you to control how much space each operating system uses.
- Create an Administrator Account: During the installation, you’ll create an administrator account for Ubuntu. You can also choose to enable automatic login for convenience.
- Complete the Installation: The installer will copy files to the newly created partition. Once the process is complete, you’ll be prompted to restart your computer.
Final Steps
- Remove the USB Drive: Before rebooting, make sure to remove the USB drive.
- Dual Boot Menu: Upon restarting, you’ll be greeted with a boot menu allowing you to select between Windows 11 and Ubuntu.
- Testing the Installations:
- Choose Ubuntu to verify the installation was successful.
- After checking Ubuntu, you can reboot and select Windows 11 to ensure everything works smoothly.
Conclusion
You have successfully installed Ubuntu alongside Windows 11 on your computer. Now you can switch between the two operating systems with ease, maximizing your computing experience. Enjoy exploring Ubuntu.
