How to Install Ubuntu 20.04?

Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (Focal Fossa) is one of the most stable and popular releases of the Ubuntu operating system. As an LTS (Long-Term Support) version, it offers five years of support, ensuring regular security updates and software patches. Ubuntu 20.04 is a great choice for both beginners and experienced users, whether you’re setting it up for personal use, software development, or a server environment. If you’re looking to install Ubuntu 20.04, you’ve come to the right place.

This detailed guide will walk you through every step of install Ubuntu 20.04, including how to upgrade from older versions like Ubuntu 18.04 and how to migrate to a newer version like Ubuntu 22.04. Whether you’re installing it on your personal computer, setting up a server, or creating a dual-boot system alongside Windows, we’ve got all the information you need.

Introduction to Ubuntu 20.04

Ubuntu 20.04, also known as Focal Fossa, was released in April 2020. It is a long-term support (LTS) release, This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a stable and secure operating system that they can rely on for years.

Ubuntu 20.04 features the GNOME desktop environment, which has been optimized for better performance and a more user-friendly experience. It includes a wide range of pre-installed software, such as the Firefox browser, LibreOffice suite, and several other useful tools. It’s also fully compatible with a variety of hardware, making it ideal for both older and newer systems.

This release also boasts several performance improvements, security enhancements, and the ability to run modern software on a wide range of devices.

Prerequisites for Installation

Before you start the installation process, make sure your system meets the following minimum requirements:

Hardware Requirements

CPU: 2 GHz dual-core processor or higher.
RAM: 4 GB (8 GB or more is recommended for better performance).
Disk Space: 25 GB of free space (more is recommended for additional software and files).
Graphics: A graphics card and monitor capable of 1024×768 resolution.

Software Requirements

A USB flash drive (4 GB or larger) or a DVD to create a bootable installation media.
A working internet connection for updates and downloads (optional but recommended).

Additionally, you should back up all important data before proceeding with the installation. This ensures that you don’t lose anything important during the process.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install Ubuntu 20.04

Now that you have your system ready, let’s dive into the installation process. Follow the steps below to install Ubuntu 20.04.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

To begin, you need to create a bootable USB drive with the Ubuntu 20.04 installation media. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Download Ubuntu 20.04 ISO

Visit the official Ubuntu download page and download the Ubuntu 20.04 ISO file.
Select Ubuntu Desktop for personal computers or Ubuntu Server if you’re setting up a server.

Step 2: Create Bootable Media

Use a tool like Rufus (for Windows) or Startup Disk Creator (for Ubuntu) to create a bootable USB drive.

For Windows Users:
1. Download and open Rufus from rufus.ie.
2. Insert your USB drive.
3. In Rufus, select the Ubuntu 20.04 ISO file and the USB drive.
4. Click Start, and wait for the process to complete.
For Ubuntu Users:
1. Insert your USB drive and open Startup Disk Creator.
2. Select the Ubuntu 20.04 ISO and the USB device.
3. Click Make Startup Disk and wait until it finishes.

Now that you have your bootable USB, you can move on to the installation.

Installing Ubuntu 20.04

Step 1: Boot from the USB Drive

Insert the bootable USB into your computer and restart.
Enter your system’s BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2, F12, or Esc) during startup.
Set the USB drive as the primary boot device and save the changes.

The computer should boot from the USB, and you’ll see the Ubuntu 20.04 installer.

Step 2: Begin the Installation Process

Once Ubuntu loads, you’ll be presented with two options: Try Ubuntu and Install Ubuntu. Click Install Ubuntu.
Choose your language and keyboard layout, then click Continue.
Select your Wi-Fi network (if applicable) and make sure your system is connected to the internet.
Choose whether to install third-party software for graphics, Wi-Fi, and multimedia. This is optional, but it can help with hardware compatibility.

Step 3: Disk Partitioning

You will be prompted to choose a disk partitioning option. For most beginners, the Erase disk and install Ubuntu option is the easiest. This will delete all existing data on the disk and install Ubuntu cleanly.

If you prefer to create custom partitions, you can choose Something else and manually partition your disk.
If you’re upgrading from a previous version of Ubuntu, the installer will offer the option to upgrade without erasing your files.

Step 4: Set Your Timezone and User Information

Choose your timezone from the map.
Set up your user account and password. You can also choose to log in automatically without a password.

Step 5: Finalize Installation

Click Install Now to begin the installation process. Ubuntu will automatically install itself, and this may take some time depending on your system’s specifications.

Once the installation is complete, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Make sure to remove the USB drive when instructed to avoid booting into the installer again.

Upgrading from Ubuntu 18.04 to 20.04

If you’re currently running Ubuntu 18.04 and want to upgrade to Ubuntu 20.04, here’s how to do it:

Backup your data: It’s important to back up your files before upgrading.
Update your system: Open the terminal and run: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
Start the upgrade: To upgrade to Ubuntu 20.04, run: sudo do-release-upgrade Follow the on-screen instructions, and the system will guide you through the upgrade process.

How to Upgrade from Ubuntu 20.04 to 22.04

If you’re already using Ubuntu 20.04 and want to upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04, follow these steps:

Backup your data: Always back up your files before an upgrade.
Update your system: Open the terminal and run: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade sudo apt dist-upgrade
Start the upgrade: To upgrade to Ubuntu 22.04, run: sudo do-release-upgrade Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade.

Setting Up Ubuntu 20.04 Dual Boot with Windows

If you want to set up Ubuntu alongside Windows, you can do so by following these steps:

Backup your data: Before starting, back up all important files.
Shrink your Windows partition: Use the Disk Management tool in Windows to shrink the Windows partition and create free space for Ubuntu.
Create a bootable USB: Follow the steps above to create a bootable USB for Ubuntu 20.04.
Install Ubuntu: Boot from the USB drive, and during the installation, choose Install Ubuntu alongside Windows.
Finish installation: Once the installation is complete, reboot your system. The GRUB bootloader will allow you to choose between Ubuntu and Windows each time you start your computer.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While installing Ubuntu 20.04 is typically straightforward, there are a few common issues that users may encounter:

Boot issues: If your computer doesn’t boot into Ubuntu after installation, check the BIOS/UEFI settings and ensure the boot order is set correctly.
Wi-Fi not working: If your Wi-Fi isn’t working after installation, try installing additional drivers: sudo apt install linux-firmware
Graphics issues: If your graphics are not working correctly, you may need to install proprietary drivers for your GPU via the Additional Drivers utility.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Install Ubuntu 20.04 is a rewarding experience, whether you’re switching from Windows, upgrading from an older version of Ubuntu, or setting up a server. With this comprehensive guide, you should be able to get Ubuntu up and running on your system smoothly.

After installation, take time to explore Ubuntu’s features, install your favorite software, and customize the system to suit your needs. Keep your system up-to-date with regular updates, and you’ll have a secure, stable environment for work, play, or development.

If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with others who may benefit. Leave a comment below if you have any questions or encounter any issues during installation. Happy computing with Ubuntu!