How to Install Ubuntu on Windows 11

Is it advisable to install Ubuntu on Windows 11?

Windows 11 is the most recent significant iteration of Microsoft's Windows NT operating system, which was released on October 5, 2021. Windows 11 is the second most prevalent Windows version in use, with a global usage rate of 24% as of July 2023. Ubuntu is a Linux distribution that is primarily composed of free and open-source software and is based on Debian. It is the most widely used Linux distribution, and numerous individuals prefer to employ it to learn Linux and Unix or develop programs.

Some individuals may wish to install Ubuntu on a Windows 11 PC in order to develop cross-platform applications without abandoning Windows, or for other reasons. Thereafter, they may implement the subsequent methodologies. Utilize the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Utilize virtual machine software, such as VMware. Ubuntu and Windows 11 are dual-bootable. Which approach should you implement? After reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of these methods, you will be able to make an informed decision.

WSL 2: It also employs VM technology. Its benefits include a fast startup, simple installation, close integration with Windows, and lightweight design. Its primary drawback is its lack of support for graphical user interfaces. WSL is advised for the sole purpose of executing Linux command-line utilities, Bash shell scripts, and GNU/Linux command-line applications.

VM: It provides a comprehensive Ubuntu experience and features a pleasant interaction with Windows 11. Furthermore, Ubuntu is executed in an isolated environment. Windows 11 will not be impacted if Ubuntu experiences an issue. The issue is that the performance of the PC may be impacted if Ubuntu is installed over Windows 11.

Dual Boot: It provides the optimal Ubuntu efficacy and experience. Its deficiencies include inadequate security, inadequate interactivity, and restricted hard drive storage. Ubuntu may necessitate additional disk space as its usage increases. It may be necessary to resize the partition.

How to Install Ubuntu on Windows 11 Using WSL

The Windows Subsystem for Linux enables developers to execute GNU/Linux tools, such as the majority of command-line tools, utilities, and applications, directly on Windows without the need for a traditional virtual machine or dual-boot setup. The most recent version is WSL 2.

Step 1: Install WSL.

Type "turn Windows features on or off" in the Windows Search bar and then launch the corresponding application. Select the checkboxes located in front of the Virtual Machine Platform and Windows Subsystem for Linux by scrolling down. Afterward, select "OK."When necessary, restart your computer.

Step 2: Download and install the Linux kernel update program.

For x64 platforms, obtain the WSL2 Linux kernel update package. Microsoft provides this installation link. Execute this application and finalize the configuration.

Step 3: Ubuntu installation.

Navigate to the Microsoft Store and conduct a search for Ubuntu. To obtain it, choose an Ubuntu version. It is also possible to initiate Ubuntu from this location. Afterward, you may commence the process of configuring and utilizing Ubuntu.

How to use VMware to install Ubuntu on Windows 11

One of the most widely used virtual machine programs is VMware. Ubuntu can be installed on a Windows 11 PC using this software.

Step 1.  Ddownload and install VMware on your Windows 11 computer.

Step 2: Access the Ubuntu official website to obtain the Ubuntu ISO.

We suggest that you obtain the LTS version due to its increased stability.

Step 3: Install Ubuntu on VMware.

1. Open VMware and select File > New Virtual Machine. Continue by selecting Custom (advanced).

2. Select "Use ISO image" when the operating system installation prompts you to specify the location.

3. Then, select the Ubuntu ISO file that you downloaded by clicking the Browse button. The guest operating system and VMware Tools will be installed automatically by the Ubuntu system using Easy Install after the virtual machine is created.

4. Enter your full name, user name, and password in the Easy Install Information window. Ubuntu's login process involves the use of a user name and password.

5. Ubuntu's hostname is denoted as "Full Name."The Ubuntu VM should be assigned a name and the installation location should be selected.

6. Set up the processor.

7. If Ubuntu necessitates a dual-core processor with a clock speed of 2GHz or higher, verify that the total number of processor cores is at least 2.

8. Allocate memory to the virtual machine. 2GB to 4GB is the recommended amount. Continue until you are prompted to specify the disk capacity.

9. A minimum of 25GB is necessary. Continue to select the "Next" icon, and subsequently Complete the process of creating the Ubuntu virtual machine.

10. the Ubuntu VM will turn on and execute the installation procedure automatically. The sole requirement is to await the conclusion of the installation process.

Dual Boot Windows 11

Stage 1. Generate a Bootable USB Drive for Ubuntu Step

Step 1: Download the Ubuntu ISO file and subsequently install an encoding program such as Rufus.

Step 2: Insert a USB flash drive with a minimum of 8 GB of storage capacity into your computer.

Step 3: Launch Rufus. Select the USB drive under the "Device" category. Click on "SELECT" in the "Boot selection" section and select the Ubuntu ISO file that you have recently downloaded. Ensure that the partition scheme is GPT, as Windows 11 exclusively supports UEFI and the system disk must be a GPT disk.

Step 4: Click "Start" and maintain the default settings for all other parameters. Wait until the burning process is finished and confirm the burning operation. Rufus should be terminated after that.

Stage 2. Create an unallocated space for the installation of Ubuntu

To dual boot Windows 11 and Ubuntu, it is necessary to designate a distinct, unallocated space for the Ubuntu installation. If your computer has only one partition and this partition has an adequate amount of free space, you can utilize Disk Management to reduce the partition to access the unallocated space. Ensure that the unallocated space is a minimum of 25GB.

Nevertheless, AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is superior if your computer has multiple partitions. This free disk partition software can extract unallocated space from multiple partitions. Furthermore, it is capable of converting MBR to GPT without data loss, cloning a hard drive, and recovering data from a hard drive.

In order to allocate free space you should take the following steps: First of all, please download the Demo version to follow this guide. If you prefer the free version, you can use Merge Partition feature to add unallocated space to any partition or merge two contiguous partitions without data loss.

Step1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional (PA Pro). The fresh interface displays conditions of the physical disk.

Step2. As we can see from the graphic view, there is enough unused space on D drive, so we’d like to allocate free space from D drive to C drive. Right-click D drive and select "Allocate Free Space".

Step3. In the pop-up window, we could specify the free space to be allocated and the destination partition that the free space will be added to.

Step4. View "Pending Operations" on the sidebar in case of corrections and then click "Apply" on the toolbar to execute pending operations.

Apart from allocating free space, AOMEI Partition Assistant also helps perform advanced operations like resize/move partition, merge partitions, split partitions, clone disk, copy partition, dynamic disk management and a lot more. In additional, all the features work well with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista and XP.

Tips: ● Partition manager server tool, AOMEI Partition Assistant Server Edition provides powerful partition management for Server 2025/2022/2019/2016/2012, including R2, both 32 and 64 bit. ● AOMEI Partition Assistant Unlimited Edition and Technician Edition allow unlimited license and usage in one company or several companies, both of them cover all the features on partition management.

Stage 3. Install Ubuntu on Windows 11

Currently, you must adhere to the guide provided below in order to dual-boot Ubuntu and Windows 11.

Step 1: Power down the Windows 11 computer and insert the bootable USB drive into your computer.

Step 2: Turn on your computer. To access the firmware, press the BIOS key after the PC logo appears. The BIOS key should be visible at the bottom of the PC logo screen. In the event that it is not visible, you may also conduct an online search for it based on the model of your personal computer.

Step 3: Navigate to the Boot or Security menu in the firmware and locate the Secure Boot option. Ensure that it is disabled, as this option will obstruct Ubuntu from booting.

Step 4: Navigate to the Boot tab to designate the USB drive as the boot device. Then, press F10 to exit the firmware and save the modifications. Various alternatives are presented to you, and you are required to select Ubuntu.

The disk will be examined by Ubuntu. Following the conclusion of the verification procedure, you will be directed to the Ubuntu Install page. Click on the "Install Ubuntu"

Step 5: Choose some installation options.

1. Choose the Keyboard layout. English (US) is recommended.
2. Choose Updates and other software. Keep the default options.
3. Choose Installation type. Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager is recommended. Then, click Install Now.

Step 6: Ubuntu will detect the unallocated space and partition it. Click Continue to confirm that you want to write changes to disks.

Step 7: Choose your zone. This is related to the time displayed by Ubuntu. Then, enter Your name and Your computer’s name. Pick a username and choose a password.

Step 8: Ubuntu installation will commence. It is sufficient to await the conclusion of the installation procedure. When your computer prompts you to restart, do so. Next, you may eliminate the USB drive.

How to change between Windows 11 and Ubuntu

If you want to boot from Ubuntu, you should do as follows:

1. Power on your computer and enter the firmware.
2. Disable Secure Boot.
3. Exit the firmware.
4. Choose Ubuntu.

If you want to boot from Windows 11, you should do as follows:

1. Power on your computer and enter the firmware.
2. Enable Secure Boot. If you don’t do this, you will encounter errors when booting Windows 11.
3. Exit the firmware.
4. Choose Windows Boot Manager.

To sum up

Installing Ubuntu on Windows 11 can solve many problems, whether you're a developer, student, or tech enthusiast. By using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), VMware, or setting up a dual-boot system, you can tailor your Ubuntu experience to fit your specific needs. Each method has its unique benefits, from the seamless integration of WSL to the isolated environment of VMware and the high performance of dual-booting. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, and you'll have Ubuntu up and running on your Windows 11 machine in no time. Enjoy exploring the versatile and powerful world of Ubuntu alongside your Windows 11 setup