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Home / How to Install Linux on Windows 7 Step by Step

How to Install Linux on Windows 7 Step by Step

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Linux is the foundation of thousands of open source operating systems designed to replace Windows and Mac OS. It is free to download and install on any computer. Because it is open source, there are a variety of different versions, or distributions, available developed by different groups. Follow this guide for basic instructions on how to install any version of Linux, as well as specific instructions for some of the most popular ones.

  1. 1

    Download the Linux distribution of your choice. If you're new to Linux, consider trying a lightweight and easy to use distribution, such as Ubuntu or Linux Mint. Linux distributions (known as "distros") are typically available for free to download in ISO format. You can find the ISO for the distribution of your choice at the distribution's website. This format needs to be burned to a CD or USB stick before you can use it to install Linux. This will create a Live CD or Live USB.

    • A Live CD or Live USB is a disk that you can boot into, and often contains a preview version of the operating system that can be run directly from the CD or USB stick.
    • Install an image burning program, or use your system's built-in burning tool if you are using Windows 7, 8, or Mac OS X. Pen Drive Linux and UNetBootin are two popular tools for burning ISO files to USB sticks.

  2. 2

    Boot into the Live CD or Live USB. Most computers are set to boot into the hard drive first, which means you will need to change some settings to boot from your newly-burned CD or USB. Start by rebooting the computer.

    • Once the computer reboots, press the key used to enter the boot menu. The key for your system will be displayed on the same screen as the manufacturer's logo. Typical keys include F12, F2, or Del.
      • For Windows 8 users, hold the Shift key and click restart. This will load the Advanced Startup Options, where you can boot from CD.
      • For Windows 10 users, go to advanced boot in settings and click "Restart Now."
      • If your computer doesn't give you direct access to the boot menu from the manufacturer's splash screen, it's most likely hidden in the BIOS menu. You can access the BIOS menu in the same way that you would get to the boot menu. At the manufacturer splash screen, the key should be listed in one of the bottom corners.
    • Once you're in the boot menu, select your live CD or USB. Once you've changed the settings, save and exit the BIOS setup or boot menu. Your computer will continue with the boot process.

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  3. 3

    Try out the Linux distribution before installing. Most Live CDs and USBs can launch a "live environment", giving you the ability to test it out before making the switch. You won't be able to create files, but you can navigate around the interface and decide if it's right for you.

  4. 4

    Start the installation process. If you're trying out the distro, you can launch the installation from the application on the desktop. If you decided not to try out the distribution, you can start the installation from the boot menu.

    • You will be asked to configure some basic options, such as language, keyboard layout, and timezone.

  5. 5

    Create a username and password. You will need to create login information to install Linux. A password will be required to log into your account and perform administrative tasks.

  6. 6

    Set up the partition. Linux needs to be installed on a separate partition from any other operating systems on your computer if you intend dual booting Linux with another OS. A partition is a portion of the hard drive that is formatted specifically for that operating system. You can skip this step if you don't plan on dual booting.

    • Distros such as Ubuntu will set a recommended partition automatically. You can then adjust this manually yourself. Most Linux installations require at least 20 GB, so be sure to set aside enough room for both the Linux operating system and any other programs you may install and files you may create.
    • If the installation process does not give you automatic partitions, make sure that the partition you create is formatted as Ext4. If the copy of Linux you are installing is the only operating system on the computer, you will most likely have to manually set your partition size.

  7. 7

    Boot into Linux. Once the installation is finished, your computer will reboot. You will see a new screen when your computer boots up called "GNU GRUB". This is a boot loader that handles Linux installations. Pick your new Linux distro from the list. This screen may not show up if you only have one operating system on your computer. If this screen isn't being presented to you automatically, then you can get it back by hitting shift right after the manufacturer splash screen.

    • If you install multiple distros on your computer, they will all be listed here.

  8. 8

    Check your hardware. Most hardware should work out of the box with your Linux distro, though you may need to download some additional drivers to get everything working.

    • Some hardware requires proprietary drivers to work correctly in Linux. This is most common with graphics cards. There is typically an open source driver that will work, but to get the most out of your graphics cards you will need to download the proprietary drivers from the manufacturer.
    • In Ubuntu, you can download proprietary drivers through the System Settings menu. Select the Additional Drivers option, and then select the graphics driver from the list. Other distros have specific methods for obtaining extra drivers.
    • You can find other drivers from this list as well, such as Wi-Fi drivers.

  9. 9

    Start using Linux. Once your installation is complete and you've verified that your hardware is working, you're ready to start using Linux. Most distros come with several popular programs installed, and you can download many more from their respective file repositories.

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  1. 1

    Install Ubuntu . Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distros currently available. There are two releases available: a long term release and a short term release with the latest features. The long term release has more software support.

  2. 2

    Install Fedora . Fedora is another very popular distribution. Fedora is much more common in enterprise systems and business settings.

  3. 3

    Install Debian . Debian is another popular distro for Linux enthusiasts. It is considered one of the most bug-free versions of Linux.[1] Debian also has a large number of software packages available.

  4. 4

    Install Linux Mint . Linux Mint is one of the newest distros available, and is quickly growing in popularity. It is built off of the Ubuntu system, but contains many tweaks based on user feedback.

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Add New Question

  • Question

    What do I do now that I have downloaded Linux Mint 64-bit?

    Living Concrete

    Living Concrete

    Top Answerer

    You must now burn the ISO to a disk or create a live USB. Please see the very first step of this article, or take a look at the more specific article, Install Linux Mint.

  • Question

    Could I also have Windows 7 at the same time?

    Community Answer

    While it is possible to have both on the same computer, it is only possible to use one at a time.

  • Question

    What if Linux isn't installing correctly?

    Community Answer

    Try installing it again, or check your hard-drive space. Maybe your computer does not support the version that you've installed, so try with another one.

  • Question

    I have a computer with no operating system. Can I install Linux in it to make it work?

    LexingtonMineral Blaine

    LexingtonMineral Blaine

    Community Answer

    Yes you can by having a CD or flash drive with Linux on it. You will have to pick which one in the boot up menu which either F8 or F12. Turn on the computer, insert either a CD or flash drive. Turn off the computer, then turn on the computer and read what's on the screen. Select either F8 or F12 for boot up menu then the computer should start running the installation.

  • Question

    I just wanted to use Linux for some time what do I have to do?

    MOHMMD ELFA

    MOHMMD ELFA

    Community Answer

    Just use the Live CD or USB environment. You can browse privately because cookies aren't saved. It is the ultimate private browsing solution. Some distros like Lubuntu a lighter version of Ubuntu are great for low end hardware and It also looks very good. Lubuntu 18.10 LTS and below use LXDE while 19.04 and higher use LXQt. The latest version is 20.04 Focal Fossa.

  • Question

    Is there a way to use Terminal to get Linux installed with certain commands, somehow?

    Community Answer

    There are Linux distributions such as ArchLinux and Gentoo which are manually installed using terminal commands, but you shouldn't use them unless you already know the internals of the GNU/Linux system. You might have meant the terminal already installed on your current OS (Terminal on Mac, Command Prompt on Windows, various on Linux). This is far trickier. There are some (very advanced) ways of remotely installing Linux from your current machine onto a separate machine using your built-in terminal. As for using your preinstalled terminal to install Linux on that same machine, this is not possible.

  • Question

    I already have Windows 7 as my OS. I want to install Linux and have a RAM of 2GB. How should I do it?

    Nithik Ramesh

    Nithik Ramesh

    Community Answer

    Just follow the above steps to install Linux. Linux is lightweight and consumes less memory than Windows, so Linux would perform better. 2GB of RAM is more than enough to run Linux. If you want to dual boot Linux along with Windows, make sure to choose that option when you are installing it. If the distro you chose doesn't have the feature to install alongside another OS, you will have to manually partition and format your hard disk. Most distros do come with that option. Try using Linux Mint.

  • Question

    Can I install Linux on an external USB drive and always boot from there or does it need to be on the PC's main drive?

    Nithik Ramesh

    Nithik Ramesh

    Community Answer

    Yes, you can. But in the above mentioned distros you cannot create and save files. So you will have to use a portable disttro like Slax.

  • Question

    How to install Kali Linux?

    Nithik Ramesh

    Nithik Ramesh

    Community Answer

    All Linux distros have a similar method of installing. Just follow the instructions above and you'll be good to go.

  • Question

    Is Kali Linux good for hacking?

    Nithik Ramesh

    Nithik Ramesh

    Community Answer

    Yes, Kali is one of the best OS for hacking. But if you are a beginner, first learn the basics of Linux terminal shell using another OS like Mint and then you can switch to Kali. Kali Linux is extremely powerful and is not recommended to be used as a daily driver.

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  • Have your computer physically connected to the internet while you install.

  • Have patience; some of these steps take time.

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  • If you do not choose to partition your hard drive and dual-boot, all of your data will be deleted.

  • Your old operating system may be deleted! All of the data on your computer may be deleted! Be cautious.

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About This Article

Article SummaryX

1. Download the distribution of your choice.
2. Create a Live CD or Live USB drive.
3. Boot from the installation media.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Create an account.
6. Create partitions.
7. Finish the install and reboot.
8. Sign in and set up your environment.

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How to Install Linux on Windows 7 Step by Step

Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Linux