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To install Ubuntu Desktop on an SSD, create a bootable USB installer, start the computer from it, then choose whether Ubuntu should use the whole SSD or share it with an existing operating system. Back up important files first: the installer’s “Erase disk and install Ubuntu” option erases the selected disk. The detailed walkthrough linked here is for Ubuntu Desktop 24.04; Canonical’s download page currently lists Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS, so screen labels may differ in that release.
What you need before installing Ubuntu on an SSD
Gather the computer, a spare USB flash drive, and the Ubuntu Desktop ISO downloaded from Canonical’s Ubuntu Desktop download page. Canonical recommends a USB drive of 8GB or larger for the 24.04 installation walkthrough. Writing the installer image erases the USB, so copy anything you want to keep off it first.
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Canonical lists 25GB of free hard-drive space and 6GB of system memory for Ubuntu Desktop 26.04.1 LTS. Its 26.04 release notes describe 25GB of free storage as a comfortable experience and specify a 2GHz dual-core processor or better. These are Ubuntu’s published requirements, not a recommendation to buy a particular SSD. Check that your computer supports the SSD’s form factor and connection if you are replacing or adding a drive.
Back up files from the computer before changing partitions or installing. If you are unsure which disk contains your files, stop rather than guessing. An internet connection is optional during installation, though it can help download updates and third-party drivers.
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- Use Try Ubuntu from the USB first if you want to check basic hardware compatibility without installing.
- For machine-specific compatibility information, consult Canonical’s certified hardware listings through the installation guide.
Create a bootable Ubuntu USB drive
- Download the Ubuntu Desktop ISO from Canonical.
- Connect the USB flash drive you are willing to erase.
- Use an image-writing application to write the ISO to the USB. Canonical’s 24.04 walkthrough demonstrates Rufus on Windows and Disks on Ubuntu. Copying the ISO file onto the USB as an ordinary file does not create installer media.
- Before starting the write, verify that the image writer has selected the intended USB drive. The writing process erases that drive.
Boot the computer from the USB
- Leave the newly created installer USB connected and restart the computer.
- Open the computer’s boot menu and choose the USB drive. F12 is common on PCs; Escape, F2, and F10 are also used. The key varies by manufacturer, so check the startup prompt or the computer’s documentation.
- Follow the installer’s prompts for language, accessibility options, and keyboard layout. You can connect to a network if available, but Canonical says, “The network connection is optional.”
If the computer starts its existing operating system instead, restart and try the boot-menu key again, or consult the manufacturer’s instructions for selecting a temporary startup device. If you want to check hardware first, choose “Try Ubuntu” when offered, then start the installer from the live desktop.
Choose how Ubuntu will use the SSD
The most important installer decision is whether to dedicate the selected SSD to Ubuntu or preserve another operating system. Confirm the disk by its displayed size and model, and check that it is the SSD you intend to use before accepting any erase or partitioning choice. With multiple drives connected, take extra care: the installer acts on the selected disk, which may not be the one you expect.
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| Choice | What it means | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Erase disk and install Ubuntu | Ubuntu uses the full selected disk; existing contents on that disk are erased. | A dedicated SSD when you have backed up its data and want Ubuntu as the only operating system on it. |
| Install Ubuntu alongside | The documented guided flow preserves the existing operating system and lets you choose a drive and space allocation. | A supported dual-boot setup where you want to keep the current operating system. |
| Manual partitioning | Lets you configure partitions directly rather than relying on the guided choices. | Experienced users who understand the disk and partition layout they need. |
These labels and behaviors are documented in Canonical’s Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 installation tutorial. The installer for 26.04 may present different screens or wording; use the current release documentation if labels differ.
Installing Ubuntu as the only system on the SSD
Choose “Erase disk and install Ubuntu” only when you want Ubuntu on that disk and have backed up anything stored there. Canonical’s guide says this option consumes the full selected disk. If another drive is attached, verify the selected model or capacity before continuing; erasing the wrong disk can destroy its data.
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Installing Ubuntu alongside Windows
Canonical documents an “Install Ubuntu alongside” path, but says the installer cannot safely access a Windows installation protected by BitLocker for this option. To use that documented path, BitLocker must be disabled first, or Ubuntu can be installed on a separate unencrypted disk. Make sure you understand the implications of changing BitLocker protection and have a backup before proceeding.
If Windows uses Intel Rapid Storage Technology (Intel RST), the 24.04 tutorial says the Ubuntu installer does not support it and installation may be blocked. Do not casually change firmware storage modes: follow Canonical’s RST/AHCI guidance and the computer manufacturer’s instructions, particularly when Windows is installed, because changing the setting can affect whether Windows starts.
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Select software and optional disk encryption
For a typical interactive setup, use the guided installer and choose the software selection that fits your needs. Canonical describes the default selection as containing the essentials, with more software available to install later. A network connection can enable downloads such as third-party drivers during setup.
In the Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 guide, disk encryption is available under Advanced features with the erase-disk route, and Canonical recommends “Use LVM and encryption.” The installer asks for the passphrase at startup to unlock the disk. Keep it somewhere safe: Canonical warns that data cannot be recovered without it. Disk-feature choices and availability can vary by release; the advanced reference also labels TPM-backed full-disk encryption experimental, so do not treat it as a universally available or established option.
Complete installation and update Ubuntu
- Review the installer’s disk summary before confirming. If it does not describe the intended SSD and installation plan, go back rather than proceeding.
- Wait for installation to finish, then restart when prompted and remove the USB installer when instructed.
- If you enabled encryption, enter the passphrase to unlock the disk, then log in to Ubuntu.
- After the fresh installation, apply updates using Software Updater or open Terminal and run
sudo apt updatefollowed bysudo apt upgrade.
Canonical’s Ubuntu 26.04 LTS release notes, dated 23 April 2026, state that the release receives five years of security updates and critical bug fixes through April 2031. The current download page lists 26.04.1 LTS.
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