How to Install Linux

Alright, you've picked your distro. Now what? Here's how to actually get Linux on your computer.

Before We Start

Back up your important files. I'm serious. Even if things go smoothly, having a backup is smart. Copy your photos, documents, and anything you can't live without to an external drive or cloud storage.

64-Bit?

Make sure you're downloading the 64-bit version. Almost all modern computers are 64-bit—if your computer was made after about 2007, you're almost certainly good. The 32-bit versions are mostly for very old hardware.

Option 1: Virtual Machine

Not ready to commit? No problem. Run Linux inside your current operating system using a virtual machine. This lets you test drive Linux without changing anything on your actual computer. Great for getting comfortable.

Steps:

  1. Download VirtualBox (it's free, works on Windows/Mac/Linux)
  2. Install VirtualBox like any other program
  3. Download the ISO file for your chosen distro
  4. Open VirtualBox, click "New" to create a virtual machine
  5. Give it some RAM (2048MB is a good start, more if you have plenty)
  6. Create a virtual hard drive (the default settings are fine)
  7. Start the VM, point it to your ISO file, and boot into Linux!

A good first step. You'll get a feel for Linux without any risk.

Option 2: Dual Boot

This is the most common path for people who are ready to go beyond testing. Your computer will have both Windows and Linux, and you pick which one to use when you turn it on. It's a stepping stone—many people start here and eventually move to full Linux.

My recommendation: use two drives if you can. One for Windows, one for Linux. It's much simpler and safer than partitioning a single drive. Only mess with partitioning if you really know what you're doing.

Steps:

  1. Download the ISO file for your chosen distro (from the official website!)
  2. Download a tool like Rufus (Windows) or Etcher (Mac/Linux)
  3. Use that tool to put the ISO on a USB drive
  4. Disable BitLocker first! Go to Windows Settings → Privacy & Security → Device Encryption, and turn it off. If you don't, you won't be able to access your Windows partition if something goes wrong.
  5. Restart your computer and press a key to enter the BIOS:
    • F12 — Dell
    • DEL — ASUS, MSI
    • F10 — HP
    • F2 — Lenovo
  6. In the BIOS, find the security settings and disable Secure Boot
  7. Find the boot order setting and put your USB first
  8. Save and exit, then your distro should boot
  9. Try Linux without installing first (the "Try" option)
  10. If you like it, click "Install" and follow the prompts
  11. When asked about partitioning, choose "Install alongside Windows" if using one drive, or manually set up your partitions if using two drives

Option 3: Full Wipe (The Goal)

If you're done with Windows and want the full experience, this is where you want to end up. Replace Windows entirely—no dual boot headaches, no sharing drives with another OS. Just Linux, all the way.

It's the cleanest option. No compromises, no holding back. Your whole system is free.

Steps:

  1. Back up EVERYTHING. Seriously. Everything.
  2. Download your distro's ISO
  3. Put it on a USB with Rufus or Etcher
  4. Disable Secure Boot in your BIOS first
  5. Boot from USB: enter BIOS, change boot order to put USB first
  6. When the installer asks about partitioning, choose "Erase disk" or "Use the whole disk"
  7. Follow the rest of the prompts

Not ready for this yet? That's fine. Start with option 1 or 2, and come back when you are.

Wait, Is Disabling Secure Boot Safe?

Yes, absolutely. Secure Boot is just a Microsoft feature that checks signatures on bootloaders. Turning it off doesn't expose you to more threats—it just gives you freedom to run what you want. Linux has its own security features, and disabling Secure Boot won't magically make your computer vulnerable.

You might have heard scary things about "disabling security," but this isn't that. It's just removing a Microsoft lock so you can boot whatever you want. Your system is still secure.

Don't Panic If Things Go Weird

Installation can be confusing the first time. That's okay. Search YouTube for "[your distro] install walkthrough" and watch someone do it. There's probably a hundred videos for whatever you chose.

Also, the Linux community is helpful. If you get stuck, search your error message—you're probably not the first person to have that problem.

Next: Common misconceptions →