This article is a step-by-by guide on how to switch from Windows to Ubuntu.

Are you tired of using Windows?

Maybe Shells.com can make it easier for you?

Or maybe.. You would like this on your local machine.

Hey, you’re one step closer to closing the digital divide

And you might want to finally make the switch to Linux distro.

There are various Linux distros available out there, such as LinuxMint, Shells, Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.

But if you want to go with a free alternative to Mac or Windows, try Ubuntu.

You may want to switch to Ubuntu, for its productive, secured, robust, fast, and easy-to-use interface.

Let’s have a look at the steps to making the switch from any version of Windows to Ubuntu.

Step 1: System Requirements for Switching from Windows to Ubuntu

The minimum system requirements to be fulfilled before switching from Windows to Ubuntu are:

1. 2 GB system memory
2. 2 GHz dual-core processor or above
3. 25 GB free space on the hard disk
4. Active internet connection
5. Installer media, such as a DVD or a USB

Verifying your computer’s compatibility is essential in order to know if your computer will work with Ubuntu.

Even if your PC’s software doesn’t have native support for Ubuntu, Wine should do the job.

Step 2: Creating a Backup

Creating a backup is a must before installing Ubuntu on your Windows computer.

For this purpose, use external media, such as DVDs, CDs, etc.

And make a copy of files, folders, videos, images, and all other important documents.

If you don’t create a backup in any external media, you might lose your data permanently.

There’s a simple backup procedure for Windows 7 users.

• Click on the Start button
• Go to the Control Panel
• Then click on Backup Your Computer
• Finally, Backup or Restore

Step 3: Downloading Ubuntu

Now, head over to Ubuntu’s download page.

Download Ubuntu’s Desktop version available by hitting the Download Ubuntu.

As you click on the green Download button, a Thank You page will appear on your screen.

Apart from general Ubuntu downloads, you can get Ubuntu Server, Ubuntu Cloud, and Ubuntu for IoT.

Here you can also find how to burn DVDs on Ubuntu in the Tutorials section.

Ubuntu has these latest Flavours – Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu Kylin, Xubuntu, Ubuntu Studio, etc.

Ubuntu lets you check its older releases as well.

Step 4: Boot Your PC

To boot your PC with Ubuntu CD, you can manually choose the optical drive or change the order in your computer’s BIOS.

Get detailed instructions here.

After few seconds, you’ll get a window that asks if you want to install or Try Ubuntu. Click on Try Ubuntu.

Within a minute, you’ll find the basic Ubuntu desktop.

You should be able to access most of your hardware including sound, network, and graphics.

Some older wifi cards and video cards may have compatibility issues with Ubuntu.

For any hardware-related queries, feel free to visit Ubuntu Forums.

You can also check the LinuxQuestions’ Hardware Compatibility List.

Step 5: Install Ubuntu

Once you’ve successfully booted your PC into the live Ubuntu desktop, double-click on the Install icon.

The installation process will take you through choosing your location, language, and keyboard layout.

Be careful while partitioning your disk.

Because by choosing the wrong partition, you could nuke your Windows drive.

So, to avoid the potential risk, run a full backup.

The safest possible way of installing Ubuntu is by creating free space on an already existing drive.

Alternatively, you can do that by adding a new hard drive.

This option isn’t always available, so resize the partitions to free up space using the sliders.

Step 6: Collect Data from Windows

Are you afraid of losing your important bookmarks while switching from Windows to Ubuntu?

Do not worry.

You can still have Firefox bookmarks, documents, photos, and music files from the Windows partition.

Ubuntu can do that for you without much fuss.

It can bring over all the files from the Windows Partition to your Ubuntu desktop.

Collecting your data is one of the easy yet vital steps while switching from Windows to Ubuntu.

This is one of the amazing things about Ubuntu.

So, you don’t have to have your pre-loaded data deleted from the machine while switching to Ubuntu.

And You’re Done... Switch from Windows to Ubuntu

In the final step of switching from Windows to Ubuntu, confirm your installer’s settings.

Then, press Install.

Wait for 20-40 minutes while installation is underway.

Finally, finish the installation process by rebooting your PC.

From the boot manager, select the Ubuntu entry.

Hope you find this article useful and I’ll bring more such helpful articles for you.