Install Linux without CD or USB | Dual Boot | UEFI | Step-by-Step (2021)
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Downloading Linux Distribution
- Creating Partitions
- Formatting the Partition
- Downloading Universal USB Installation Tools
- Booting from the Installer Partition
- Disabling Secure Boot in BIOS
- Launching the Boot Menu
- Installing Ubuntu on Dual Boot
- Changing UEFI Boot Order
- Conclusion
Installing Linux Without CD, DVD, or USB
Introduction
In this article, we will guide you on how to install Linux without using a CD, DVD, or USB. We will specifically focus on installing Ubuntu 20.10 on dual boot with Windows 10 in UEFI mode. By following the steps provided, you will be able to successfully install Linux on your system. So, let's get started!
Downloading Linux Distribution
The first step in installing Linux without a CD, DVD, or USB is to download your preferred Linux distribution system. We recommend downloading Ubuntu 20.10 from the official Ubuntu website. Simply visit the website and click on the "Download" button to initiate the download.
Creating Partitions
Once the Ubuntu ISO file is downloaded, we need to create two partitions on our system. The first partition will be used for the bootable Linux, and the second partition will be allocated for the Linux system itself. To create these partitions, follow the steps below:
- Open File Explorer and right-click on "This PC".
- Click on "Manage" and go to "Storage" > "Disk Management".
- Shrink your existing partition to create free space for the new partitions.
Formatting the Partition
After creating the partitions, you need to format the partition where you will place the Ubuntu installer. Follow these steps to format the partition:
- Right-click on the partition and select "Format".
- Choose the appropriate file system format for the partition (e.g., NTFS or FAT32).
- Proceed with the formatting process and wait for it to complete.
Downloading Universal USB Installation Tools
To make the partition bootable and copy the Ubuntu installer onto it, you will need to download the Universal USB Installation Tools. You can find the download link in the description below. Once downloaded, follow these steps:
- Launch the Universal USB Installation Tools.
- Select the Linux distribution (Ubuntu) and the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file.
- Click on "Show all drives" and locate the small partition where you copied the Ubuntu installer.
- Click on "Create" and wait for the process to finish.
Booting from the Installer Partition
Now that the installation partition is created, you need to boot your computer from it to install Ubuntu. Follow these steps carefully:
- Restart your computer.
- Enter the BIOS and disable the secure boot. The steps may vary depending on your computer brand. Refer to the comment section for a list of common boot keys associated with different brands.
- Save your configuration and exit the BIOS.
- Launch the boot menu during startup.
- Select the EFI file and boot from the Ubuntu installer partition.
- Choose the appropriate option to boot into the installer (e.g., "boot64.efi").
Installing Ubuntu on Dual Boot
With the Ubuntu installer booted, you can now proceed to install Ubuntu on dual boot with Windows. Follow these steps:
- Click on "Install Ubuntu" from the installer menu.
- Choose the keyboard layout and click "Continue".
- Select the starting applications according to your preference.
- Choose the free partition you created earlier.
- Click on the "+" sign to create a partition for Ubuntu (if required).
- Click "Continue" to apply the changes.
- Confirm the changes by clicking "Continue" again.
- Set the time zone and create a user account.
- Click "Continue" to start the installation process.
- Once the installation is complete, restart your computer.
Changing UEFI Boot Order
After installing Ubuntu, the UEFI firmware on your motherboard is still configured to boot first from the Windows Boot Manager. To boot into Ubuntu, you need to change the UEFI boot order and prioritize the GNU GRUB (Ubuntu Boot Manager). Here's what you need to do:
- Access the UEFI firmware settings.
- Change the boot order and put GRUB in the first position.
- Save the changes and exit the UEFI settings.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Ubuntu 20.10 on your computer without using a CD, DVD, or USB. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can now enjoy dual booting with Windows and Ubuntu on your system. If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments section below. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more informative videos.
Highlights:
- Install Linux without a CD, DVD, or USB
- Dual boot Ubuntu 20.10 with Windows 10 in UEFI mode
- Download Ubuntu ISO file from the official website
- Create partitions and format the installation partition
- Use Universal USB Installation Tools to make the partition bootable
- Disable secure boot in BIOS and launch the boot menu
- Choose the EFI file to boot from the Ubuntu installer partition
- Install Ubuntu on dual boot with default partitioning
- Change UEFI boot order to prioritize GNU GRUB (Ubuntu Boot Manager)
FAQ:
Q: Can I perform this installation process on any computer?
A: Yes, you can follow this installation process on any computer that supports UEFI mode.
Q: Is it necessary to disable secure boot in BIOS?
A: Yes, disabling secure boot is necessary to boot from the Ubuntu installer partition.
Q: Can I choose a different Linux distribution instead of Ubuntu?
A: Yes, you can choose any Linux distribution of your preference and follow the same installation process.
Q: Will I lose my data on the Windows partition during the Ubuntu installation?
A: No, as long as you carefully follow the installation steps and choose the correct partition, your Windows data will remain unaffected.
Q: Can I uninstall Ubuntu and revert to a single Windows installation?
A: Yes, you can uninstall Ubuntu by removing the Ubuntu partitions and restoring the Windows Boot Manager as the primary boot option in the UEFI settings.
