by Raven Harman |
Last Updated: June 2, 2022 Laptop computer users should know how to install Linux on Windows laptops because of the features provided by Linux. A lot of us fear Linux and consider it suitable for IT professionals only.
However, in reality, it is an extremely efficient, reliable, user-friendly, and secure operating system that is lightweight and available free of cost. There are a bunch of websites like GitHub from where you can download Linux distributions easily.
However, installing Linux on Windows 7, 8, or 10 is not that easy. So, if you are a first-time installer then we don’t recommend you to install Linux on a Windows laptop. In case you don’t install Linux in the right way, then you can end up losing your pictures, videos, or official files quite easily.
In more than 90% of cases, data recovery is not possible at all. Even if you find somebody then he or she might ask for a handsome amount of money from you. In such a case, you will surely feel hesitant as you can’t risk yourself by providing somebody access to your pictures or videos. To counter these issues, we recommend you first learn how to install Linux on the laptop.
In this blog post, we are providing you a detailed step-by-step tutorial for installing Linux on Windows operating system. So, without facing any time, let’s move ahead to our tutorial:
Table of Contents
14 Key Features of Linux Operating System
Although the majority of us prefer using Microsoft Windows as we consider it more convenient. There are a lot of misconceptions about Linux. Most of us consider that Linux is not attractive and it is difficult to operate. However, in reality, Linux is an extremely useful operating system that is fully packed with exciting features. If you already know the features then you’re welcome to skip to the next section.
Otherwise, have a look at these promising features:
- Lightweight and doesn’t consume too much disc or RAM space
- Highly compatible with computers with varying hardware configuration
- Huge application repository to download and install thousands of of free software applications
- Built-in Libre Office
- Completely secure against unauthorized access, viruses, and spyware
- Available free of cost
- Open source so if you are technical enough then you can change its functionality
- Very attractive and easy to use GUI
- Compatible with different keyboard layouts and languages
- Supports multi-user environment effectively
- Efficient multi-tasking
- Rich set of built-in device drivers
- Excellent hierarchal file system to organize your folders and files easily
- Full-optioned shell to execute administrator commands
The best part is that you can enjoy all these features by using Linux with Windows. By following a few simple and easy steps you can install Linux on Windows 10, 8, and 7 as well.
Top 5 Best Linux OS Distributions in 2022
We’ve analyzed the number of downloads and ratings of different Linux distributions from all around the world. Almost all the distributions are rated excellent by the users. However, the following 5 distributions have won our list of top 5 Linux Distributions for the year 2022.
- Ubuntu
- Fedora
- RedHat
- Kali Linux
- Mint
Install Linux on Laptop Windows – Beginner Tutorial with Pictures
We’ve created this detailed tutorial for our readers and you can use this for installing any Linux flavor on any version of the Windows operating system. For the sake of the tutorial, we’ll provide you details on installing Ubuntu on a laptop with Windows 7. We are sure that by following these steps you’ll not face any problem in installing Linux on Windows 8 and 10.
There are two methods for installing Ubuntu on a Windows laptop. You can install it by using either an executable file or suitable virtual machine software. For beginners, using virtual machine software is easy. We divide our tutorial into three parts.
PART A: Download Resources
To install Linux on Windows, you’ll need to download two things:
- Download and install any suitable virtual machine software
- Linux Ubuntu distribution
Download and Install Virtual Machine Software (Step # 1)
Virtual machine software creates a secure and virtual environment. You can use this environment for installing a variety of operating systems without facing any issues related to data loss.
Here are two popular software that you can use:
- VMWare
- Oracle VM Virtual Box
Oracle VM Virtual Box is freely available on the internet and easy to use. So, we would recommend you to use it. First of all, you’ll need to download it.
LINK: https://www.virtualbox.org/wiki/Downloads
Wait for some time and after the download process finishes click on the executable file to begin its installation. You can easily follow the installation wizard to get it done. After successful installation, you’re good to go.
Get the ISO File for Ubuntu 16.04 (Step # 2)
As Linux is free so it is readily available on the internet. The next thing you’ll need is the image file (ISO file) for Linux Ubuntu 16.0. So, download it from a reliable source, and please do remember the folder where you’ve placed the file because you’re going to use it.
LINK: http://old-releases.ubuntu.com/releases/15.10/
PART B: Create and Configure Virtual Drive
Before beginning Ubuntu installation, you first need to create a virtual drive in Oracle VM Virtual Box. You can follow the following steps to configure your virtual drive properly.
Open Oracle VM Virtual Box and Create New Virtual Drive (Step # 1)
If you’ve successfully installed Oracle Virtual Box then you’ll be able to find its icon on your desktop easily. So, go on a run it. Oracle VM Virtual Box is extremely easy to use. In the top left corner, you’ll find an icon labeled as ‘New’. Click on it to create a new virtual machine.
Virtual Machine Basic Information (Step # 2)
After you click on the ‘New’ button, you’ll see a dialog box asking for different information. You’ll need to enter the following information:
- Name: You can add any name
- Type: Operating System you want to install
- Version: Distribution
Fill in the details like this and click ‘Next’ to proceed.
Choosing Suitable Memory Size (Step # 3)
Just like your laptop, a virtual machine also requires some portion of memory/RAM to operate efficiently. The wizard will ask you to select a suitable RAM size for installing Linux Ubuntu on LaptopWindows. For efficient operation, Ubuntu requires at least 1 GB memory size. However, if you have plenty then you can go for a bigger size. Choose a suitable memory size and click ‘Next’.
Create a Virtual Hard Drive (Step # 4)
For managing Ubuntu files, you’ll need a virtual hard drive. Choose the ‘Create a virtual hard drive now and click ‘Create’.
When you click ‘Create’, the wizard will ask for the type of virtual drive. There are a bunch of options with each has certain things to offer. However, as a beginner, you are good to go with VDI (VirtualBox Drive Image) which is usually the first option. Select the option and hit ‘Next’.
The next thing you’ll need to do is to select the ‘Storage Type’. Most users prefer ‘Dynamic allocated’ due to its plus points and it is the default selected option. So, hit ‘Next’ without any thoughts.
Oracle Virtual Box will ask for the folder name and size. For simplicity, we’ll go with the same name ‘Test’ but you can change it according to your preferences. Linux Ubuntu is a compact operating system so go with a 10 GB virtual hard disk size which is good enough for storing software packages and your data along with Ubuntu. Hit ‘Create’ for moving ahead.
It takes a few seconds to create and configure the virtual machine. On successful creation, you can see the details easily.
PART C: Install Linux Ubuntu on Windows Virtual Machine
After you’ve successfully created the virtual drive the next step is to begin the installation. Here are a few steps to successfully install Ubuntu on Windows 7.
Start the Virtual Device (Step # 1)
Choose the virtual device from the left panel and click the ‘Start button. This will start your virtual machine.
Choose the Ubuntu Image File (Step # 2)
After starting the virtual machine, you’ll need to provide the path of the Linux Ubuntu image file.
Click on the browse icon and go to the path where you have downloaded the Linux Ubuntu image file.
Select the appropriate file and click ‘Open’.
When the selected file appears click on ‘Start’. This will begin to Install Linux on Laptop Windows.
Begin Installing Linux (Step # 3)
From the bunch of menu options select the ‘Install Ubuntu’ option and hit ‘Enter’.This will start the installation wizard.
Select Language (Step # 4)
In this step, the Ubuntu setup asks for your language preferences. Choose your language and click ‘Continue’.
Status Information (Step # 5)
After language selection, the setup displays status information and asks if you want to install third-party software or not. Leave all the options there and hit ‘Continue’.
Choose Installation Type (Step # 6)
Now, this is a little tricky step. Ubuntu setup displays a bunch of options for the installation type. As you are working with the virtual machine so choose the ‘Erase disk and install the Ubuntu option without worrying. After selecting the options click ‘Install Now.
Clicking ‘Install Now’ will display a message.
Simply go with ‘Continue’.
Select Region (Step # 7)
Choose your region so that Ubuntu can adjust your time zone accordingly. Select your region and click the ‘Continue’ button.
Choose Keyboard Layout (Step # 8)
You can change your keyboard layout options. However, most of the keyboards use an English (US) layout which is QWERTY. So go on and choose your layout and hit ‘Continue’.
Enter User Detail (Step # 9)
This is the last and final step. Go on and enter your information such as computer name, user name, and password. These things are necessary so keep remembering these things.
Just fill in your details and click the ‘Continue’ button. This will begin installing Linux Ubuntu.
Be patient and wait for few minutes after which the installer will ask for restarting the system to do the necessary configuration. Click on the ‘Restart Now’ to reboot the virtual machine.
After rebooting, the virtual machine will restart and after configuration, you will be able to see the Ubuntu login screen.
Enter the password that you set during the installation process and enjoy all the features of Linux Ubuntu on your windows laptop.
Wrap Up
Linux is a highly sophisticated, powerful, and user-friendly operating system that has a lot for you. We’re sure that with this step-by-step guide on how to install Linux on a Windows Laptop, you’ll not face any sort of problems in installing Linux on a Laptop with Windows 7, 8, and 10.
By carefully installing Oracle Virtual (VM) Box and configuring the virtual machine, you can install any Linux version by using the same method. However, if you still feel confused then please be free to write to us.