To install Linux on an SSD, back up your files, create a bootable USB installer, start the computer from it, then select the SSD and the installation method that matches your goal. Choosing “erase disk” replaces the selected disk’s contents; an alongside option is intended to keep an existing operating system, but its availability depends on the computer’s configuration.
The steps below use Ubuntu Desktop as a specific example. Other Linux distributions may have different storage requirements, installer screens, and partitioning choices.
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Before installing: back up and check the SSD
Copy important files from the computer to separate storage before changing partitions. Confirm which physical drive is the SSD you intend to use, especially if the computer has more than one drive. Selecting the wrong disk can destroy its data.
- Check that your chosen Linux distribution supports your computer and storage controller.
- If using Ubuntu Desktop, its installation guide specifies at least 25 GB of storage.
- Ubuntu recommends trying its live environment first to check that the hardware works with the distribution.
Ubuntu-specific storage guidance is in Ubuntu’s Desktop installation guide; do not assume its figures or screens apply to every distribution.
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Create a bootable USB installer
For the Ubuntu Desktop example, use a USB flash drive of 8 GB or larger. Creating installation media erases the USB drive, so back up anything stored on it first. Download the installation image from the distribution’s official project page and follow that project’s instructions to make the USB bootable.
Start the installer in the right firmware mode
Restart the computer, open its firmware boot menu, and choose the USB installer. Menu keys and labels vary by manufacturer. If you plan to keep an existing operating system, boot the installer in the same firmware mode—UEFI or legacy—as that operating system. Ubuntu’s UEFI guidance explains this requirement for dual boot.
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Choose an installation method
Ubuntu’s installer offers guided choices as well as manual partitioning. Compare the consequences before continuing:
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall| Installer choice | What it does | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Erase disk and install | Replaces data on the selected disk. | When Ubuntu should be the only operating system on that disk and its existing contents can be erased. |
| Install alongside | Is designed to retain the existing operating system and allocate space for Ubuntu. | When keeping another operating system, if the option is available for the computer’s disk layout and configuration. |
| Manual partitioning | Lets you control the partition layout. | For advanced users who understand the partitions and boot setup required by their system. |
If Ubuntu will replace the existing contents
Select the guided erase-disk option only after confirming that the installer identifies the SSD you intend to erase. Read the disk and deletion warnings carefully. Stop if the target drive or consequences are unclear.
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- Capacity Display Variance: 1TB external ssd often appears as around 931GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 1 TB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
If you want to keep Windows or another operating system
Choose the alongside option if Ubuntu offers it, then check the selected drive and space allocation before confirming. It is designed to preserve the existing operating system, but the result depends on the machine’s configuration.
Ubuntu’s guide identifies BitLocker and some Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) configurations as potential blockers. An enabled BitLocker installation cannot be accessed safely for Ubuntu’s alongside workflow; Ubuntu directs readers to disable BitLocker or install to a separate, unencrypted disk. The installer also does not support some PCs using Intel RST in the described configuration. Follow Ubuntu’s guidance for these cases rather than changing firmware storage settings without instructions specific to your computer.
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If you partition the SSD manually in UEFI mode
A manual UEFI installation needs an EFI System Partition (ESP). Ubuntu’s community-maintained UEFI guide describes a FAT32 ESP and recommends 200 MiB. If reusing an ESP for dual boot, do not format it. Because installer details can change, follow the current installer’s directions for the specific computer and proceed manually only if you understand the partition layout.
Complete the installation and reboot
Follow the installer’s prompts for your user account, network, and updates. When it finishes, restart the computer and remove the USB installer when prompted. If the computer returns to the USB installer instead of starting the installed system, use the firmware boot menu to select the SSD or its Linux boot entry.
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SSD trimming after installation
Linux does not require constant manual SSD trimming. Ubuntu’s fstrim manual for Ubuntu Noble and util-linux 2.39.3-9ubuntu6.6 says a once-weekly run is sufficient for most desktop and server systems. It also cautions that very frequent trimming or continuous discard may negatively affect poor-quality SSD devices. Avoid adding mount options as a universal performance tweak.
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