How to Install Ubuntu Linux on Windows 10

If you want to try Linux without installing Ubuntu on your Windows PC, you can set up an Ubuntu virtual machine. Here's how to install Ubuntu in VirtualBox on Windows 10.

Instructions in this article are for installing Ubuntu 18.04 on Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

Why Use an Ubuntu Virtual Machine?

Installing Ubuntu in a virtual machine allows you to try the version of Linux without affecting Windows. The virtual Linux operating system will perform the same way as it would when installed to the physical hard drive, and any software installed in the virtual machine remains intact after rebooting. Virtual machines can be easily backed up and restored, so it's no big deal if you mess something up.

How to Install Ubuntu on Windows 10 With VirtualBox

To install Ubuntu as a virtual machine on Windows 10:

Download VirtualBox for Windows and install it on your computer.
Download the Ubuntu ISO file you want to install from the Ubuntu download page.

The current version of Ubuntu only works on 64-bit machines. Check the Windows Control Panel to tell if you're running a 32-bit or 64-bit system.
Open VirtualBox and select New in the top taskbar.
Give your VM a name, choose Linux as the Type, then choose Ubuntu as the Version and select Next.

If you're using a 32-bit version of Windows, you can install an older 32-bit version of Ubuntu instead.
Choose how much RAM you want to assign to the virtual machine and select Next. The recommended minimum is 1024 MB.

The amount of memory you set aside is only used while the virtual machine is running.
Choose Create a virtual hard disk now and select Create.

If you just want to run Ubuntu as a live image, choose Do not add a virtual hard disk. You must create a virtual hard drive to save the changes you make in Ubuntu.
Choose VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image) and select Next.
Choose Dynamically allocated or Fixed size for the storage type and select Next.

A fixed size disk performs better because the virtual machine doesn't have to increase the file size as you install software.
Choose how much space you wish to set aside for Ubuntu and select Create.

The amount of space you allocate for your virtual machine determines how much room you have to install applications, so set aside an ample amount.
The name of your virtual machine will now appear on the left side of the VirtualBox manager. Select Start in the toolbar to launch your VM.
This is the point where you need to choose the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded earlier. If the VM doesn't automatically detect it, select the folder next to the Empty field.
Select Add in the window that pops up.
Choose your Ubuntu disk image and select Open.
Select Choose.
Select Start.
Your VM will now boot into a live version of Ubuntu. Choose your language and select Install Ubuntu.

If you select Try Ubuntu, you can run the installer later by double-clicking Install Ubuntu on the desktop.
Choose your keyboard layout and select Continue.
Choose Normal installation or Minimal installation, then select Continue.

Check the boxes under Other Options to download updates and install third party software for Ubuntu.
Choose Erase disk and install Ubuntu and select Install Now, then select Continue to ignore the warning.

This step will not erase your computer's physical hard drive; it only applies to the virtual machine.
Choose your time zone on the map, then select Continue.
Set up your user account and select Continue.

You can choose to encrypt your home folder for extra security.
Select Restart Now.

How to Install Guest Additions for Ubuntu

After restarting your VM and booting into Ubuntu, you may notice that the desktop doesn't scale correctly if you choose to view it in full-screen mode. You can fix this problem by selecting the VBox_GAs icon to install VirtualBox Guest Additions.

Guest additions must be downloaded and mounted separately from the Ubuntu ISO.