How to Install and Configure Linux on Your PC

3 February 2026

So, you're thinking about making the leap to Linux, huh? Maybe you’ve heard about its open-source awesomeness, or you’ve just had enough of Windows or macOS. Whatever your reasons, welcome! Installing Linux might seem a bit intimidating at first, but trust me—it’s much easier than you think. I’m here to walk you through the process step by step, and before you know it, you'll be running Linux like a pro!

Whether you want to breathe new life into an old PC or create a dual-boot system alongside your current OS, this guide covers it all. By the end of this article, you'll know how to install and configure Linux on your PC, hassle-free. Let’s dive in!

What is Linux, and Why Should You Use It?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the installation process, let’s quickly cover why you might want to use Linux in the first place.

Linux is an open-source operating system (OS). Unlike Windows or macOS, which are proprietary, Linux is free and available to everyone. There are no licenses, fees, or subscriptions. You don’t even need to worry about annoying pop-ups asking you to upgrade. Plus, Linux is super customizable. You can tweak almost every aspect of it, from the desktop environment to the core system settings.

Reasons to Choose Linux:

- Free and Open-Source: Linux is 100% free. No need to buy a license or subscribe to anything.
- Security: Linux is known for its solid security. It’s less prone to viruses and malware compared to Windows.
- Performance: Linux can run on older hardware with ease, making it perfect for reviving an old PC.
- Customization: You can tailor Linux to your exact needs, whether you're a developer, gamer, or everyday user.

Now that you know why Linux is awesome, let’s get into how to actually install and configure it on your PC.

Step 1: Choose a Linux Distribution (Distro)

First things first, you need to pick a Linux distribution, or distro for short. A distro is basically a version of Linux that comes with different pre-installed software, desktop environments, and package managers. There are hundreds of distros out there, but don't worry, we’ll focus on the most popular ones.

Popular Linux Distributions:

- Ubuntu: Perfect for beginners. It’s user-friendly, has a large community for support, and is widely used.
- Linux Mint: Another great beginner-friendly distro, Mint is known for its ease of use and similarity to Windows.
- Fedora: Ideal for developers, Fedora offers cutting-edge features and is backed by Red Hat.
- Debian: Known for its stability and minimalism, Debian is great if you want a robust and lightweight system.
- Arch Linux: Designed for advanced users, Arch gives you full control but requires more technical know-how.

For this guide, we’ll use Ubuntu, as it’s one of the most popular and beginner-friendly distros out there. However, the installation process is similar for most distros.

Step 2: Download the Linux ISO File

Once you’ve chosen your distro, the next step is to download the ISO file. This is essentially a digital copy of the Linux installation media.

1. Go to the official website of your chosen distro (e.g., Ubuntu).
2. Download the latest version of the ISO file. Don't worry—it’s free!
3. Make sure to pick the right version for your system. If you’re not sure, most modern PCs are 64-bit, so go for the 64-bit version.

Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Drive

Now that you have the ISO file, you’ll need to create a bootable USB drive. This is what you’ll use to install Linux on your PC.

What You’ll Need:

- A USB drive with at least 8GB of storage.
- A tool to create the bootable USB. I recommend Rufus for Windows or Etcher for macOS and Linux.

Steps to Create a Bootable USB:

1. Insert your USB drive into your PC.
2. Download and install Rufus (or your preferred tool).
3. Open Rufus and select your USB drive.
4. Choose the Linux ISO file you downloaded earlier.
5. Click "Start" to create the bootable USB.

This process can take a few minutes, so grab a coffee while you wait. Once it’s done, you’ll have a fully functioning bootable USB ready to install Linux.

Step 4: Boot from the USB Drive

Now comes the exciting part—actually booting into Linux! You’ll need to restart your computer and boot from the USB drive.

1. Restart your PC and press the key to access the boot menu (usually F12, ESC, or DEL depending on your system).
2. In the boot menu, select your USB drive.
3. Your PC will boot into the Linux live environment. From here, you can either try Linux without installing it or go straight to the installation process.

Step 5: Install Linux

Alright, now you’re ready to install Linux on your PC. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Choose Install

Once you’ve booted into the live environment, you’ll see an option to “Install [Distro Name]”. Click it.

2. Select Language and Keyboard Layout

You’ll be prompted to select your preferred language and keyboard layout. Choose whatever works best for you and click "Continue."

3. Prepare Disk Space

Here’s where you decide how you want to install Linux:
- Erase disk and install Linux: This option will wipe your hard drive and install Linux as the only OS.
- Install Linux alongside Windows: If you want to dual-boot (i.e., run Linux alongside Windows), select this option.

If you choose dual-booting, the installer will automatically partition your drive for you. Easy peasy.

4. Set Time Zone

Next, you’ll select your time zone. Just click on your location on the map and proceed.

5. Create a User Account

Here, you’ll set up your user account. Enter your name, choose a username, and set a password. You'll also get an option to encrypt your home folder for added security.

6. Begin Installation

Once everything is configured, click "Install Now", and the installation process will begin. This can take a little while, so relax and let the installer do its thing.

Step 6: First Boot and Configuration

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Linux on your PC. Now let’s configure it.

1. Update Your System

Once you boot into your newly installed Linux system, the first thing you should do is update your software.

Open the terminal (don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds!) and run the following commands:

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

This will ensure that your system has the latest updates and security patches.

2. Install Drivers

Linux is pretty good at detecting hardware automatically, but sometimes you’ll need to install additional drivers for things like your GPU or Wi-Fi card. On Ubuntu, you can do this by going to Software & Updates > Additional Drivers.

3. Install Essential Software

Now it’s time to install the software you need. Linux comes with a lot of built-in apps, but you might want to add more, like:
- Web Browser: Firefox comes pre-installed, but you can install Chrome or Brave if you prefer.
- Office Suite: LibreOffice is the default, but you can also install WPS Office or OnlyOffice.
- Media Player: VLC is a great choice for audio and video playback.

You can install most software using the terminal or the Ubuntu Software Center.

bash
sudo apt install vlc

4. Customize Your Desktop

One of the best things about Linux is how customizable it is. You can change your desktop environment, tweak the appearance, and install new themes or icons. The sky’s the limit!

Step 7: Enjoy Your New Linux System!

That’s it! You’ve installed and configured Linux on your PC. Now it’s time to explore and enjoy your new operating system. Whether you’re using it for work, development, or just browsing the web, Linux gives you an incredible amount of power and flexibility.

Pro Tip: Learn Basic Terminal Commands

Even though Linux has a graphical interface, learning a few basic terminal commands can go a long way in making your experience smoother. Commands like `ls`, `cd`, `cp`, and `mv` will help you navigate and manage your files quickly.

Conclusion

Installing and configuring Linux on your PC might seem like a daunting task at first, but as you’ve seen, it’s not that complicated. With the right tools and a bit of patience, you’ll have Linux up and running in no time.

Whether you’re looking for a more secure OS, want to breathe life into an old PC, or just want to try something new, Linux is a fantastic choice. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t switch sooner!