Choosing the Right Ubuntu Installation Method and Preparing Your System

Hardware requirements

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS runs lighter than Windows but still needs sufficient resources for a smooth experience.

CPU : 2 GHz dual‑core or better; newer CPUs improve Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth driver support.

RAM : 4 GB usable, 8 GB feels like a primary desktop, 16 GB recommended for heavy multitasking, development, or container workloads.

Disk space : 25 GB minimum, 50 GB comfortable for daily use, more if Docker or development dependencies are planned.

Other : USB port for boot medium and a stable network connection for updates and driver installation.

If using a virtual machine, ensure enough RAM and that CPU virtualization (Intel VT‑x / AMD‑V) is enabled.

Installation method comparison

Virtual machine

Audience: newcomers, users who want to try Linux without altering the existing system, testing scenarios.

Pros: no disk partitioning, easy to discard and start over, runs alongside Windows.

Cons: performance loss, limited graphics and peripheral support.

Recommendation: first choice for beginners.

WSL 2

Audience: Windows power users and developers who need Linux command‑line tools.

Pros: fast startup, deep integration with Windows files, near‑native performance.

Cons: primarily a command‑line environment; GUI support exists but the desktop experience is not a full Ubuntu.

Recommendation: preferred by developers.

Dual‑boot

Audience: gamers and users who require both Windows performance and Linux capabilities.

Pros: full hardware access for Ubuntu, maximum performance, systems do not interfere with each other.

Cons: partitioning and boot‑loader configuration carry risk; switching requires a reboot.

Recommendation: best for a primary Linux desktop.

Single‑boot

Audience: Linux enthusiasts, owners of old hardware, developers who want a pure Linux environment.

Pros: pure Linux experience, maximized disk space.

Cons: Windows is no longer available unless reinstalled; some Windows‑only software needs alternatives such as Wine.

Recommendation: choose only after confirming the need.

Virtual machine details

Suitable users: complete beginners, people who want to try Linux without changing the current system, development testing.

Principle : install virtualization software (e.g., VMware, VirtualBox) on Windows/macOS and run Ubuntu inside it.

Advantages : safest option; if something breaks, simply delete the VM without affecting the host; can run Windows and Ubuntu simultaneously.

Disadvantages : performance overhead; less smooth than running on real hardware.

WSL 2 details

Suitable users: developers and anyone who needs Linux command‑line tools while staying in Windows.

Principle : Microsoft’s subsystem runs a Linux kernel on top of the Windows kernel.

Advantages : deep Windows integration, file sharing, very fast startup, performance close to native.

Disadvantages : although GUI apps are supported, the main strength is command‑line and development; desktop experience is not a full Ubuntu.

Dual‑boot details

Suitable users: gamers who need Windows for games and also want Linux performance.

Principle : partition the drive into two sections, install Windows on one and Ubuntu on the other, select the OS at boot.

Advantages : Ubuntu gets exclusive hardware resources, full performance, systems do not interfere.

Disadvantages : installation steps are more involved; partitioning carries risk and requires data backup; switching OS requires a reboot.

Single‑boot details

Suitable users: Linux purists, owners of legacy machines, developers who want a dedicated Linux box.

Principle : wipe the entire disk and install Ubuntu only.

Advantages : purest Linux experience, maximized disk space.

Disadvantages : Windows is no longer available unless reinstalled; some Windows‑only applications may need alternatives like Wine.

Pre‑installation checklist (dual‑boot / single‑boot)

Data and system level

Back up important data: copy desktop, documents, photos, and browser bookmarks to an external drive or cloud storage.

Record Windows BitLocker or device‑encryption recovery keys if they are enabled.

Disable Windows Fast Startup (otherwise partitions may stay locked and be unmountable).

Reserve space for the second OS: shrink the Windows partition to create unallocated space.

Firmware and boot level

Confirm the machine uses UEFI mode (most recent PCs do).

Secure Boot usually does not need to be disabled; consider turning it off only if driver issues arise with a dedicated NVIDIA GPU.

Know the key to open the boot menu (F12, F9, Esc, Del, etc.).

Preparing installation media (dual‑boot / single‑boot)

Step 1: Download Ubuntu ISO

Visit the official Ubuntu website and download the latest LTS ISO. If the network is slow, use a nearby mirror; the ISO content is identical.

Step 2: Prepare a USB drive

Use a USB stick of at least 8 GB. The writing process will erase all data on the drive, so back up anything important first.

Step 3: Write the ISO to the USB

Recommended tools:

Rufus (Windows)

Insert the USB and open Rufus.

Select the USB device.

Click “SELECT” and choose the downloaded Ubuntu ISO.

Choose GPT partition scheme for UEFI systems and set the target system to UEFI (if available).

Leave other options at default and click “START”.

Pick “Write in ISO Image mode”.

BalenaEtcher (cross‑platform)

Select Image → Select Drive → Flash.

Reference

[1]

Ubuntu official download page: https://ubuntu.com/download/desktop