How to Install Ubuntu Linux on your Dell Computer

Table of Contents:

1. You want to Install Ubuntu on your Dell Computer?
2. Things to know and check before you start an install
3. Set up the Ubuntu Install
4. Install Ubuntu on your computer
5. Configuring the Ubuntu install
6. Install complete

You want to Install Ubuntu on your Dell Computer?

You want to install Ubuntu on your Dell computer? There are a few things that you must decide, and obtain, before you proceed with the guide below.

Have you checked whether Canonical has certified your computer type for Ubuntu?

• If not, then go to the Canonical site  and check if Canonical has tested and supports your model.

• If you have verified that your computer is supported, go to the next step.

Do you have a copy of the latest DVD or USB installation media from Canonical? These include the latest updates and fixes for this operating system.

You can download the appropriate Ubuntu ISO from: Canonical 

If you purchased your computer from Dell with Ubuntu already installed, there are recovery images on your computer. For more information, see the Dell Knowledge Base article: How to recover a Dell Ubuntu Image on your Dell Computer

Things to know and check before you start an install

There are three things to consider before you start installing Ubuntu:

1. What type of hardware are you are trying to install to?

2. Do your BIOS settings affect your installation?

3. What version of Ubuntu you are looking to install?

What type of hardware are you installing to, and does that affect your installation?

The type or format of your storage media can affect how you go about installing Ubuntu on your computer. It matters whether you are installing on:

• A new M2 card
• A standard Serial AT Attachment (SATA) hard drive
• Those same SATA hard drives setup in an Intel Matrix Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) configuration

• How to install the Ubuntu Operating System on a Dell OptiPlex Desktop with RAID
• How to Install Ubuntu and Windows 8 Through Windows 11 as a Dual Boot on your Dell Computer

What type of BIOS is set up on your computer, and does it affect your installation?

The difference between Legacy and Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) BIOS configurations can be the difference between a successful installation and a failure. Check out the linked articles below for more information about the subject:

• How to Install Ubuntu Developer Edition 14.04 on a Dell Computer Configured for the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) BIOS
• Update the Dell BIOS in a Linux or Ubuntu environment

Press the F2 key on start up to enter the BIOS setup screens. Ensure that:

• The BIOS is set to UEFI
• SATA Operation is set to Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) 
• Disable the Legacy option Read-Only Memory (ROM)s
• Disable the secure boot

Which version of Ubuntu are you looking to install?

Like any other operating system, Ubuntu is constantly looking to improve its usage and performance. The difference with Ubuntu is that you have two update options at any time:

The first is the most recent Long-Term Support (LTS) release.

This update is available every two years and Canonical fully supports it with updates for five years. It is considered a tested and stable build.

The second is the most recent Normal release.

This update is available every six months and Canonical only supports it with updates for nine months. These releases are considered to be cutting-edge, but they can have issues. Testers and developers usually use these updates.

If you are looking to upgrade to a new version of Ubuntu, check out the article: How to Upgrade your Ubuntu Operating System to the Latest Version.

Set up the Ubuntu Install

1. Insert the Ubuntu disk into your DVD drive or connect your bootable USB into a port on the computer.

2. Tap rapidly on the F12 key when the Dell logo appears during startup. This takes you to the Boot Once menu.

3. You can use the Cursor or Arrow keys to navigate the menu and select your choice. You can choose to either boot from USB or Boot from DVD Drive. Once your choice is selected, press the ENTER key.

4. When the computer reboots, choose the Try Ubuntu option. This option checks whether Ubuntu can see your hardware.

5. When you are ready to proceed, click the Install Ubuntu button. The install wizard should appear and prompt you through some choices.

6. Select your install language and click Continue.

7. The Keyboard layout window appears. Select the correct keyboard layout for your computer and click Continue.

8. The Preparing to install Ubuntu window appears. Choose the applicable options and click Continue.

Install Ubuntu on your computer

1. If you do not have a wired connection plugged in, the install takes you through setting up a Wireless Wi-Fi connection.

2. The Installation type window appears. Several options are available.

   1. If you want to Dual Boot install Ubuntu alongside other operating systems, read the guide below before you select the Something Else Option:

      • How to Install Ubuntu and Windows 8 Through Windows 11 as a Dual Boot on your Dell Computer

   2. If you want to install Ubuntu over your entire hard drive, click Erase disk and install Ubuntu. Then select the hard drive that you want to install Ubuntu onto and go to step 3.

      Note: This action erases all data and operating systems that are on the disk.

       

   3. If you want to manually set-up various custom partitions on the hard drive, see the guide below before you select the Something Else option:

      • How to Install Ubuntu with Multiple Custom Partitions on Your Dell Computer

3. Click Install Now. From this point onward, you cannot cancel the installation. 

Back to Top

Configuring the Ubuntu install

1. Next, you must set up a few configuration settings, starting with the Where are you?

2. Select your location from the options on the map or type it into the text box and click Continue.

3. Enter your personal information into the Who are you?

4. While the operating system is installing, the screen scrolls through screenshots that gives you further information about Ubuntu.

Back to Top

Install complete

When the install wizard finishes, the Installation complete message window appears. Click Restart Now to restart your computer.

Ubuntu is now installed. See the Dell Knowledge Base article: How to configure Ubuntu Linux after it is first installed on your Dell Computer for initial setup advice.

Recommended Articles

Here are some recommended articles related to this topic that might be of interest to you.

• How to configure Ubuntu Linux after it is first installed on your Dell Computer
• Update the Dell BIOS in a Linux or Ubuntu environment
• How to Download and Use the Dell Operating System Recovery Image in Ubuntu or Linux
• How to Install Ubuntu and Windows 8 Through Windows 11 as a Dual Boot on your Dell Computer
• How to Install Ubuntu Developer Edition 14.04 on a Dell Computer Configured for the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) BIOS

Additional Information: