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Learning path · Ready to start

Install Ubuntu Safely: A Complete Beginner Series

Install Ubuntu safely from download to first boot. Create a USB, choose disk and encryption options, and fix missing SSD, RST, VMD, and BitLocker issues.

Tested with Ubuntu Desktop 26.04 LTS · Last verified August 9, 2026

Who this path is for

Complete beginners, Windows users considering Ubuntu, and future web developers who want to understand every storage, firmware, and encryption decision before changing a computer.

Prerequisites

  • A computer on which you have permission to install an operating system
  • A separate USB flash drive that can be erased
  • A backup location for important files
  • Access to Windows before installation when Windows must be preserved
  • The ability to retrieve a BitLocker recovery key when encryption is active
  • Patience to stop rather than guess when the displayed drives do not match the guide

What you will be able to do

  • Choose whether to try Ubuntu, dual boot, replace Windows, use WSL, or use a virtual machine
  • Download the correct official Ubuntu Desktop image
  • Create a bootable installation USB without formatting the wrong device
  • Open a boot menu and start Ubuntu in UEFI mode
  • Test important hardware in the live session
  • Distinguish the USB installer from the internal disk
  • Diagnose an installer that shows only the USB drive
  • Explain RST, VMD, RAID, AHCI, BitLocker, partitions, and encryption in plain language
  • Choose appropriate installer options
  • Complete installation and verify that Ubuntu starts from the internal drive

A note on completion

This is a practical learning path, not a certified course. The time above is calculated from the lessons currently published and will grow as useful lessons are added.

Suggested order

Series chapters

Work through these lessons in order. Each one makes the next idea easier to place.

Chapter 1 — Decide and prepare

  1. 1.1Before You Install Ubuntu: Choose a Setup and Protect Your FilesChoose between trying Ubuntu, dual booting, replacing Windows, WSL, or a virtual machine, then protect the files and recovery keys you may need.18 minRead only
  2. 1.2How to Download Ubuntu Desktop SafelyDownload the correct Ubuntu Desktop ISO from the official site, understand LTS and amd64, and optionally verify the file before writing it to USB.16 minDownloads a file

Chapter 2 — Create the installation USB

  1. 2.1How to Create an Ubuntu Bootable USB with RufusCreate an Ubuntu installer USB with Rufus on Windows, choose the correct drive and options, and understand every warning before data is erased.22 minErases the selected USB
  2. 2.2Create an Ubuntu Bootable USB on Linux or macOSCreate an Ubuntu USB with Disks, Startup Disk Creator, or balenaEtcher without accidentally copying the ISO like an ordinary file.18 minErases the selected USB
  3. 2.3Ubuntu USB Not Booting? Use These Safe ChecksDiagnose an Ubuntu USB that is missing from the boot menu, starts Windows, or fails to load, using safe Rufus, UEFI, and USB checks.18 minRead only until media is recreated

Chapter 3 — Boot and test

  1. 3.1How to Boot Ubuntu from a USB DriveOpen your computer’s boot menu, choose the Ubuntu USB in UEFI mode, and understand the difference between Try Ubuntu, Install Ubuntu, and BIOS setup.16 minRead only when using Try Ubuntu
  2. 3.2Try Ubuntu Before Installing: Test Your Hardware FirstUse the Ubuntu live session to test Wi-Fi, display, audio, keyboard, touchpad, graphics, and storage before changing the internal drive.22 minRead only

Chapter 4 — Resolve storage and Windows blockers

  1. 4.1Ubuntu Installer Shows Only the USB Drive: Find the Missing SSDFind out why Ubuntu shows only the pendrive, identify the installer USB with lsblk, and stop safely before formatting the wrong drive.20 minStop before partitioning
  2. 4.2Intel RST, VMD, RAID, and AHCI Explained for UbuntuUnderstand why RST, VMD, or RAID settings can hide an SSD from Ubuntu and what to check before changing storage settings in firmware.22 minChanges firmware settings
  3. 4.3BitLocker and Ubuntu Dual Boot: Prepare Windows SafelyPrepare a BitLocker-protected Windows PC for Ubuntu dual boot and understand why the Install Alongside Windows option may be unavailable.22 minChanges Windows encryption

Chapter 5 — Make installer decisions

  1. 5.1Ubuntu Installation Options ExplainedChoose interactive installation, default or extended apps, updates, and third-party software with a clear explanation of what each option changes.16 minDoes not erase a disk yet
  2. 5.2Ubuntu Disk Setup Explained: Erase, Alongside, or ManualCompare Erase Disk, Install Alongside, and Manual Partitioning, identify the correct drive, and recognize destructive choices before continuing.22 minChanges internal-disk partitions
  3. 5.3Ubuntu Disk Encryption Options ExplainedCompare no encryption, passphrase encryption, and hardware-backed encryption, including startup behavior, recovery, compatibility, and risks.18 minProtects or exposes stored data

Chapter 6 — Finish and verify

  1. 6.1Complete the Ubuntu Installation and Set Up Your First BootFinish the installer, review the target disk, restart safely, remove the USB, update Ubuntu, check drivers, and verify the new installation.22 minErases or changes the selected internal disk

Chapter 7 — Troubleshoot

  1. 7.1Ubuntu Installation Troubleshooting for BeginnersMatch common Ubuntu installation symptoms to safe checks, including missing SSDs, RST, VMD, BitLocker, USB boot problems, and restart loops.20 minRead-only diagnosis first

After the current lessons

Put the idea into a small build

Use Ubuntu for a few days and verify that updates, networking, display, audio, suspend, and backups behave reliably. Desktop controls, terminal basics, software installation, and a complete web-development setup are planned next subjects, not prerequisites for finishing this installation.