02 Ubuntu on Windows#

Goal#

This guide will walk you through the process of installing Ubuntu on your Windows computer using VirtualBox, a free virtualization tool that allows you to run Ubuntu in a window—like an app—without modifying your existing Windows installation.

Using a virtual machine (VM) is often the easiest and safest way for you to get a Unix-like development environment.

Please note that I haven’t personally validated every step of this process. Besides, your computer might have custom or simply different settings. If you encounter issues, consult the VirtualBox/Ubuntu documentation or reach out to other members.

Prerequisites#

  • A Windows computer with:

    • At least 8 GB RAM (16 GB recommended)

    • At least 20–30 GB free disk space

  • Internet connection

  • Permission to install software

  • Ubuntu ISO (downloadable from ubuntu.com)

Steps#

1. Introduction#

Why install Ubuntu (or Linux in general) on a Windows computer?

  • Seamless Code Integration: Aligns your environment with Linux/macOS (Unix-based) systems, reducing platform-specific bugs.

  • Consistent File Paths: Ensures compatibility with Unix-style file paths and case-sensitive filesystems.

  • Efficient Package Management: Use APT and other tools for easy installation and management of dependencies.

  • Improved Development Tools: Access to Bash, Docker, SSH, and open-source utilities that streamline collaboration.

  • Better Collaboration: Reduces “works on my machine” variability and aligns dev environments across teams.

Virtual machines make this possible without altering your actual Windows installation.

2. Setup#

Step 2.1 — Download VirtualBox#

  1. Visit: https://www.virtualbox.org

  2. Click Downloads.

  3. Select Windows hosts.

  4. Run the installer and follow the prompts (default options are fine).

Step 2.2 — Download the Ubuntu ISO#

  1. Visit: https://ubuntu.com/download

  2. Choose Ubuntu Desktop LTS (recommended for stability).

  3. Download the .iso file (around 4–5 GB).

Step 2.3 — Create a New Virtual Machine#

  1. Open VirtualBox.

  2. Click New.

  3. Fill in:

    • Name: Ubuntu

    • Type: Linux

    • Version: Ubuntu (64-bit)

  4. Click Next.

Step 2.4 — Allocate RAM#

  • Choose how much memory to give the VM:

    • 4 GB (4096 MB) minimum

    • 8 GB or more recommended if your system allows

Click Next.

Step 2.5 — Create Virtual Hard Disk#

  1. Select Create a virtual hard disk now.

  2. Choose:

    • Type: VDI (VirtualBox Disk Image)

    • Storage: Dynamically allocated

  3. Set size: 20–40 GB depending on needs.

Click Create.

Step 2.6 — Attach the Ubuntu ISO#

  1. Select your new VM in the VirtualBox list.

  2. Click Settings → Storage.

  3. Under “Controller: IDE,” click the empty disk icon.

  4. On the right, click the small disk icon → Choose a disk file…

  5. Select the Ubuntu ISO you downloaded.

Click OK.

3. Execution#

Step 3.1 — Start the VM#

Click Start and the Ubuntu installer will launch.

Step 3.2 — Install Ubuntu#

When the Ubuntu splash screen appears:

  1. Choose Try or Install Ubuntu.

  2. Select your language.

  3. Click Install Ubuntu.

Follow the installation wizard:

  • Keyboard Layout: Keep default or adjust.

  • Updates and Other Software:

    • Normal installation (recommended)

    • Check “Install third-party software” if needed for Wi-Fi/media

  • Installation Type:

    • Choose Erase disk and install Ubuntu This only affects the VM’s virtual disk, not your real Windows disk.

  • Username and Password: Create a user you’ll use for development.

Click Install Now and wait for installation to complete.

Step 3.3 — Restart#

After installation finishes, restart the VM when prompted. If the ISO boots again by accident, shut down the VM, remove the ISO from Settings → Storage, and start it again.

4. Verification#

After Ubuntu boots into the desktop:

Verify system basics#

Open the terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T):

lsb_release -a

You should see Ubuntu version information.

Verify internet connectivity#

ping -c 3 google.com

Verify package installation works#

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Optional: verify shared folders (if configured)#

Check /media or /mnt for your Windows-shared folder.

Troubleshooting#

VM won’t start / 64-bit options missing#

  • Enable Virtualization Technology (VT-x/AMD-V) in BIOS.

  • Close software that conflicts with virtualization (e.g., Hyper-V, WSL2, Docker Desktop). You may need to disable Hyper-V in Windows Features.

Ubuntu installation freezes#

  • Increase RAM or video memory in VirtualBox settings.

  • Switch Graphics Controller to “VMSVGA”.

No internet in VM#

  • In VirtualBox: Settings → Network → Adapter 1 → NAT.

Screen resolution is low#

  • Inside Ubuntu terminal, install Guest Additions:

    sudo apt install virtualbox-guest-dkms virtualbox-guest-x11

    Then reboot.

Next Steps#

You now have a functional Ubuntu VM. Continue with: 03_command_line