I have Dell Inspiron with Windows10 installed. I would like to switch to Kubuntu

I need to install an Ubuntu distribution (preferably Kubuntu), overwriting the existing OS (Windows10). Do I have to make changes to the BIOS to make this work?

Solution 1:

Your question depends heavily on what hardware you have, so it would be helpful for you to read the documentation for your motherboard.

Before installing an operating system is the best time to update your motherboard firmware, but it's probably not required. If you chose to do so, follow the documentation for your motherboard carefully and do not interrupt a firmware flash in progress.

Ubuntu maintains official tutorials for basic tasks such as:

• Create a bootable USB stick on Windows

• Install Ubuntu desktop

You will have to consult with your motherboard's documentation for the method to boot from Ubuntu installation media.

The tutorial for creating bootable media on Windows suggests Rufus to flash the Ubuntu ISO to the USB, but I find Etcher to be a lot more user-friendly for this task.

If this is the first time you are installing Ubuntu and you choose to completely replace Windows, you can ensure that the installation will go smoothly by formatting (erasing) your disk prior to the installation. To do this, boot from the USB and choose "Try Ubuntu" and use the "Disks" application to "Format" your disk. This will effectively erase the disk. That makes sure that the Ubuntu installer is working with a clean disk and it will offer you a guided installation and create the needed partitions and file systems automatically.

It's generally recommended to choose the GPT partition scheme when formatting the disk to install a modern operating system. With a GPT disk, when it's time to install Ubuntu, make sure you boot the USB in "UEFI" mode instead of BIOS/legacy. Again, you will need to check the documentation for your motherboard to learn the particular quirks of your hardware.