This wikiHow teaches you how to install Ubuntu Server on a Windows computer. Ubuntu Server is a free Linux-based server operating system, which you can use to host web services.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Create an installation drive
Step 1. Open the Ubuntu Server download page
Go to https://www.ubuntu.com/download/server in your computer's web browser.
Step 2. Click Download
It's a green button on the right side of the page. The Ubuntu Server disk image (ISO) will begin to download.
Step 3. Open the Rufus website
Go to https://rufus.akeo.ie/ in your computer's web browser.
Step 4. Download Rufus
Scroll down to the "Download" heading, then click Rufus 3.1 below the header to start the file download.
Step 5. Plug a flash drive into the computer
Insert a memory that has at least 4 GB of storage capacity into one of the USB ports on the computer.
Keep in mind that the flash drive will be completely erased during the installation drive creation process. You will want to copy any existing files in memory to the computer before continuing
Step 6. Run Rufus
Double-click the downloaded Rufus file, then click Yes when asked.
Step 7. Click SELECT
It's on the right side of Rufus's window. This will open the file explorer window.
Step 8. Open the downloaded ISO file
Go to the Ubuntu Server file location, then double-click on it to open it in Rufus.
Step 9. Click START
It is located at the bottom of Rufus's window. The ISO file will start burning to the flash drive.
- You may need to click some pop-up windows (for example, click okay to start the process) before you start recording to the flash drive.
Step 10. Wait for the recording to finish
This may take several minutes. After the flash drive finishes burning, you can continue to the next part.
Don't unplug the flash drive when the recording is done. You need to leave the unit connected during the entire installation process
Part 2 of 3: Change the computer's boot order
Step 1. Locate the BIOS key
Each computer has a specific key that, when pressed repeatedly while the computer is starting, opens the BIOS menu. This key varies from computer to computer, but you can usually find the specific key for a computer by checking the model and manufacturer followed by "BIOS key."
- You can also find the BIOS key in your computer's manual.
- The BIOS key is usually one of the function keys (for example, F12), the Clear key, or the Esc key.
Step 2. Turn off the computer
Click on Beginning
, click the icon Switched on
, and click To turn off.
You can only change the computer's boot order from the BIOS, which is a menu that can only be opened during a period of time during which the computer starts
Step 3. Turn on the computer
You will have to continue to the next step as soon as you press the switch on the computer.
Step 4. Start by pressing the BIOS key
As soon as the computer boots, quickly press the key that opens the BIOS menu. You can stop pressing the key as soon as the BIOS page opens.
If the computer completes the restart cycle, you will need to turn it off again and try again
Step 5. Locate the section "Boot order (boot)" use the left and right arrow keys, scroll through the BIOS tabs until you find a list of boot items
- You may need to select Boot order (or something similar) and press ↵ Enter to open the menu.
- Each computer has a unique BIOS, so check the manual or online documentation if you can't find the menu for Boot order.
Step 6. Select the name of the flash drive
Press the "Down" arrow key until you get to the name of the flash drive.
The flash drive could be named "Removable Disk" or something similar
Step 7. Move the flash drive to the top of the list
In most cases, you will have to press the + key until the name of the flash drive is at the top.
If pressing the + key doesn't work, see the key legend at the bottom (or side) of the BIOS screen for the correct key
Step 8. Save and exit
Press the "Save and Exit" key, which is listed in the key legend. Doing so will save your changes and you will exit the BIOS screen.
- You may need to confirm your choice by pressing another key before continuing.
- If the computer finishes restarting in Windows, you will need to restart it again before continuing.
Part 3 of 3: Install Ubuntu Server
Step 1. Select a setup language
Use the arrow keys to scroll up and down until you find the language you want to use, then press ↵ Enter.
Step 2. Select a keyboard layout if necessary
If you are using a different keyboard layout than the one selected in the center of the screen, scroll down to the current layout and press ↵ Enter, then scroll to the one you want to use and press ↵ Enter again.
Step 3. Continue to the next page
Scroll down to select Ready at the bottom of the page, then press ↵ Enter.
Step 4. Select Install Ubuntu and press ↵ Enter.
It's at the top of the screen.
Step 5. Skip the network setup page
Scroll down and select Ready, then press ↵ Enter.
Step 6. Enter the proxy details if necessary
If you use a proxy for the network, select the text field and press ↵ Enter, then enter the proxy details.
Skip this step if you don't use a proxy
Step 7. Open the next page
Scroll down and select Ready, then press ↵ Enter.
Step 8. Configure the mirror settings
Scroll down and select Ready, then press ↵ Enter.
Step 9. Select the disk on which you want to install Ubuntu Server
Choose Use a full disk and press ↵ Enter, then select the disk and press ↵ Enter.
Keep in mind that this will completely overwrite the disk with Ubuntu Server, so the hard disk will be erased
Step 10. Confirm the disk settings
Scroll down and select Ready and press ↵ Enter.
Step 11. Select Continue and press ↵ Enter.
Doing so will bring you to the server settings page.
Step 12. Enter the server information
Fill in the following fields:
- Name: put your name here.
- Server name - Add a nickname for the server.
- Choose a username: enter the username you would like to use.
- Choose a password - Create a strong password for the server.
- Confirm password: repeat the password entered.
Step 13. Confirm the server settings
Scroll to the bottom of the page to select Ready, then press ↵ Enter.
Step 14. Add additional services if necessary
If you want to add snaps, which are additional services to those of the server installation, select the snaps you want to add and press space.
Step 15. Confirm the additional services
Scroll down and select Ready and press ↵ Enter. At this point, Ubuntu Server will begin to install.
Step 16. Restart the computer when prompted
Choose Restart now at the bottom of the screen and press ↵ Enter.