How to Install Ubuntu to Replace Windows 10 on Your PC

3. Select the keyboard layout

The next step is to configure the keyboard layout, meaning the relationship between the physical keys and the characters shown on screen.

By default, if you use a standard QWERTY keyboard, select English (US) or the variant that matches your keyboard. This ensures that the keys correspond to your typing habits.

Ubuntu provides a test area so that you can type a few characters and check that everything works as expected.

If you use another keyboard type, such as Canadian or Swiss, this is where you can select the most suitable variant. As with accessibility, this setting can be changed later in the system settings.

4. Connect to the Internet

The installer then offers to connect your computer to the Internet. This step is important because it allows Ubuntu to download the latest updates and some hardware drivers during installation.

• Wired connection (Ethernet): if your PC is connected to the router with a network cable, detection is automatic. You do not need to configure anything.
• Wi-Fi connection: the installer displays available networks. Select yours and enter your Wi-Fi password.

If you prefer to install Ubuntu without the Internet, you can skip this step. Installation will continue, but some components will have to be added manually after restarting.

Connecting to the Internet now is strongly recommended. It gives you an up-to-date system that is ready to use after installation, without requiring large updates at the first start.

5. Try or install Ubuntu

At this stage, the installer offers two options:

• Try Ubuntu: starts the system directly from the USB drive without installing anything on the hard drive. It is an excellent way to test the interface, check hardware compatibility (Wi-Fi, sound and graphics) and get familiar with Ubuntu. All changes made in this mode are temporary and disappear after restarting.
• Install Ubuntu: immediately starts the installation process on your computer. Choose this option if you want to replace Windows 10 or install Ubuntu on a new drive.

If your goal is to say goodbye to Windows 10 and switch permanently to Ubuntu, select Install Ubuntu. You will then be guided step by step until the process is complete.

Even if you have made up your mind, it can be useful to spend a few minutes in live mode (Try Ubuntu) to check that your hardware works correctly. This avoids unpleasant surprises after installation.

6. Choose the installation type

Ubuntu then offers two installation methods for different types of users:

• Interactive installation: the guided mode designed for most users. Each step is explained on screen, including software selection, disk configuration and account creation. It is ideal for a first Ubuntu installation.
• Automated installation: intended for advanced users, this mode runs a predefined installation without intervention. It is mainly used in professional environments where Ubuntu is deployed on several machines.

To replace Windows 10 on a personal computer, choose Interactive installation. You will receive step-by-step guidance that limits errors and makes the process much more accessible.

Even in interactive mode, you can customize certain settings, such as software, partitioning and the username. It is a good compromise between simplicity and flexibility.

7. Choose the software to install

Ubuntu then asks you to choose the type of software installation. Two options are available:

• Default installation: installs only the key components, such as the web browser and a few basic utilities. It suits users who want to build their environment themselves.
• Full installation: also installs LibreOffice, multimedia software such as audio and video players, and other everyday tools. The system is immediately ready to replace Windows.

If you are new to Linux or want a ready-to-use experience, Full installation is the best choice. You will have a complete environment from the first start.

Even if you choose the default installation, you can easily add software later through the Ubuntu Software Center or the command line.

8. Enable additional software

By default, Ubuntu does not include some proprietary components, such as graphics drivers and multimedia codecs, for licensing reasons. Without any action, some audio or video files and certain Wi-Fi or graphics cards may not work correctly after installation.

To avoid this, the installer offers two checkboxes:

• Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware support: adds the proprietary drivers needed for your graphics card (NVIDIA or AMD) and Wi-Fi card to work fully.
• Download and install support for additional media formats: lets you play common audio and video files such as MP3, MP4 and AVI, which are not supported natively for legal reasons.

Checking both boxes ensures that your system is compatible with your hardware and can play your media from the first start.

9. Choose the partitioning method

We have reached the most delicate installation step: managing the hard drive. This is where you decide where and how Ubuntu will be installed. Two main options are available:

• Erase disk and install Ubuntu: removes everything from the hard drive (Windows, personal files and software) and installs Ubuntu instead. This is the simplest solution if you want to switch permanently to Linux.
• Manual partitioning: intended for advanced users, this mode lets you create, modify or delete partitions. It is essential if you want to keep Windows and install Ubuntu in dual boot, or create a custom partition layout.

⚠️ Warning: if you choose Erase disk, all data in Windows will be permanently deleted. Before confirming, back up important documents to an external drive, USB drive or cloud storage.

To replace Windows 10 with Ubuntu, the fastest and safest method is Erase disk and install Ubuntu. The installer automatically creates the required partitions and configures the system.

If you are unsure or want to keep Windows alongside Ubuntu, choose Windows and Ubuntu dual boot. You can then choose between Windows and Ubuntu each time the computer starts.

10. Create your user account

The last configuration step is to create your main user account, which you will use to sign in and administer Ubuntu.

You need to provide the following information:

• Full name: used to identify the account in the interface.
• Computer name: useful when connecting your PC to a local network, so the machine can be identified easily.
• Username: the identifier used to sign in. By convention, use lowercase letters without accents.
• Password: choose a strong password of at least 8 characters, mixing letters, numbers and symbols. You will enter it twice for confirmation.

By default, Ubuntu asks for the password every time you sign in. It is strongly recommended to leave this option enabled, especially if other people can access your computer.

This user account also has administrative rights through the sudo command, allowing you to install or modify software. If you create other accounts later, you can limit their permissions for greater security.

11. Select your time zone

Ubuntu then asks you to set your geographical location. This setting automatically adjusts the date, time and certain formats used by the system, such as currency, number format and calendar.

For use in France, select Paris – Europe/Paris. If you live elsewhere, choose the city closest to your time zone. Ubuntu detects your location through the Internet connection, but you can also set it manually on the map.

12. Check the settings before installation

Before starting the installation, Ubuntu displays a summary of your choices. This screen lets you check that everything is configured correctly before changes are applied to the hard drive.

It includes:

• The selected partitioning method, such as Erase disk and install Ubuntu.
• The hard drive selected for installation.
• The chosen software installation type, full or minimal.
• The additional software enabled, including proprietary drivers and media codecs.

Take the time to read every item carefully. If everything matches your expectations, click Install to start.

⚠️ From this point on, changes to the hard drive become irreversible. Make sure you have backed up your important files before continuing.

13. Installation progress

The installation can now begin. Ubuntu automatically copies the system files, configures the partitions and installs the software you selected, either the full or minimal version.

This stage takes between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on your computer’s performance and drive speed. During this time, the installer displays screens explaining Ubuntu’s main features, including its modern interface, integrated tools, software management and security.

Once installation is complete, a message confirms that Ubuntu is ready to use. Click Restart Now to finish.

⚠️ Before the PC restarts, remember to remove the installation USB drive. If it remains connected, the computer may launch the installer again instead of starting the new system.

Welcome to Ubuntu: first steps after installation

Once Ubuntu is installed and you have signed in, you will discover a simple and uncluttered desktop, along with essential tools that you will soon use.

After signing in, you arrive at the Ubuntu desktop, the main workspace where everything begins. Here is a quick overview of the essential elements:

• The taskbar on the left: this is the dock, which displays your favourite and open applications. You can pin your preferred software for quick access.
• Running applications: they appear in the dock with a small indicator. Click one to reopen it or switch to it.
• The “Show Applications” button: at the bottom of the dock, it opens a complete view of installed applications organized by category.
• The Home folder: this is the equivalent of Windows’ This PC. It contains your documents, pictures, videos and other files.
• The system menu in the top right: groups the controls for sound, network, brightness and power. This is also where you can suspend or shut down your PC.

Ubuntu’s interface is designed to be intuitive. If you are coming from Windows, you will quickly find your bearings. You can also customize it with themes, icons and different dock layouts.

2. The App Center

Ubuntu has its own App Center, similar to the Microsoft Store or the App Store. This is where you can easily search for and install new software.

For example, searching for GIMP lets you find the free alternative to Photoshop and install it with one click. You will also find LibreOffice, VLC, games and thousands of other applications.

3. The Ubuntu file manager

The file manager lets you browse your documents, pictures, videos and downloads. Every user has a Home folder containing organized directories such as Documents, Music and Pictures.

The logic is similar to Windows File Explorer, making it easy for new users to get started.

4. The terminal

Ubuntu offers a powerful terminal for users who want to stay in control. Although almost everything can be managed through the graphical interface, some commands can be faster.

If the terminal intimidates you, do not worry: most everyday tasks, such as browsing, installing software and managing files, can be done without touching it. It remains an essential tool for advanced users.

From Windows 10 to Ubuntu: what to remember

Installing Ubuntu instead of Windows 10 is not complicated if you follow the steps in order: prepare the PC, create a bootable USB drive, start the installation and configure the system. In just a few minutes, an old computer or one that is not compatible with Windows 11 can enjoy a second life.

Ubuntu is a durable, secure and completely free alternative to Windows 10. With long-term support (LTS), regular updates and a large software catalogue, it provides a modern experience for most everyday uses, including browsing, office work, multimedia and even gaming.

If Ubuntu is not quite right for you, there are other interesting Linux distributions: Linux Mint for its simplicity, Fedora for its latest innovations, Arch Linux for its speed or Debian for its stability. The free-software world offers great variety, so everyone can find an environment that suits them.