How to Replace Windows with Linux (Ubuntu) Permanently: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

If you have decided to completely replace your Windows operating system with Linux, you are in the right place. This guide will walk you through the entire process of removing Windows and installing Ubuntu, leaving your computer with just one fast, secure operating system.

Before we begin, it is highly recommended that you already know the basics of what Linux is. Note that this guide is for a clean installation, meaning it will not show you how to dual-boot or use a virtual machine. This process will completely erase Windows and all data from your computer.

Let's get started!

Essential Pre-Installation Steps

Before you delete anything, you must protect your current data and your Windows activation license.

1. Save Your Windows Activation Key

If you ever decide to switch back to Windows in the future, you will need your product key. You can easily find it using the Command Prompt or by customizing your Windows Terminal if you use it frequently.

Method 1: Check if the key is stored in BIOS/UEFI

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the following command:

If your PC came with Windows preinstalled, this may display the product key. Copy the key and save it securely (e.g., write it down on a piece of paper or save it to your phone).

2. Back Up Your Important Files

This process will erase everything on your hard drive. Please back up all your photos, documents, and important files to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage before taking any further action.

Step 1: Disable BitLocker Encryption

If your Windows drive is encrypted with BitLocker, you need to turn it off so Linux can format and partition the drive during installation.

1. Open your Terminal or Command Prompt as an Administrator.
2. Check the current BitLocker status to see if encryption is enabled:
3. This shows whether BitLocker is enabled and the encryption percentage.

This command displays whether protection is enabled and the encryption percentage. If it is enabled, you'll need to turn it off.

3. To disable BitLocker encryption, use the following command:

Note: Replace C: with the drive letter you want to decrypt if Windows is installed on a different drive.

4. Verify the decryption status again to ensure it says "Protection is Off." Once disabled, you can close the terminal.

Step 2: Download Ubuntu and Rufus

Next, you need to download the Linux operating system ISO and the flashing utility to create your installation media.

Download Ubuntu (The Operating System)

Ubuntu is one of the most popular, stable, and beginner-friendly Linux distributions available.

1. Visit the official Ubuntu website.
2. Click on the Download option in the main navigation.
3. Select Get Ubuntu Desktop.
4. Choose the LTS (Long-Term Support) version (e.g., Ubuntu 24.04 LTS). The LTS version is highly recommended because it offers five years of free security and maintenance updates.
5. Click download and wait for the ISO file to complete.

Download Rufus (The USB Flashing Tool)

Rufus is a free, open-source utility that lets you write the Ubuntu installation files onto a USB drive to make it bootable.

1. Go to the official Rufus website.
2. Scroll down to the download section and choose the Portable Version. The portable version is convenient because it runs immediately without installation.

Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Drive

Now, we will write the Ubuntu OS onto your USB flash drive. Warning: This step will format your USB drive and erase all existing files on it. Make sure you've backed up its contents first.

1. Insert an empty USB flash drive (minimum 8GB recommended) into your computer.
2. Launch the Rufus software you just downloaded. It should automatically detect your USB drive under "Device."
3. Click the Select button and locate the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file.
4. Leave all other settings as their default values.
5. Click Start. If Rufus prompts you to download additional GRUB files or asks for writing mode, accept the recommended defaults (e.g., write in ISO Image mode) and click OK.
6. Wait a few minutes for the status bar to show "Ready." Your bootable Linux drive is now prepared!

Step 4: Change BIOS Settings (Disable Secure Boot)

To configure your PC to start from the USB drive instead of loading Windows, you must adjust the system BIOS/UEFI settings.

1. Shut down your computer completely.
2. Turn it back on and immediately start tapping the BIOS key repeatedly (common BIOS keys are Esc, F2, F10, or Del depending on your computer manufacturer).
3. Once you enter the BIOS/UEFI utility menu, navigate using your keyboard arrow keys.
4. Go to the Security, Authentication, or Boot tab.
5. Locate Secure Boot and set it to Disabled.
6. Locate USB Boot or change the boot order priorities to Enable booting from USB devices.
7. Navigate to the Exit tab, choose Save Changes and Exit (often F10), and allow your computer to reboot.

Step 5: Boot from USB and Install Ubuntu

Now it is time to boot into the installer and set up Linux!

1. As your computer restarts, press your Boot Menu key repeatedly (usually F12, F9, or F8 depending on the motherboard).
2. A boot selection menu will appear. Select your USB Flash Drive as the boot device and press Enter.
3. Your system will load the Ubuntu startup menu. Select Try or Install Ubuntu.

The Installation Setup

Once the Ubuntu desktop installer launches, follow the setup wizard step by step:

Welcome to Linux!

Click the Install button, sit back, and relax. The installation process will take a few minutes to copy files and set up system configurations. Make sure your computer remains plugged into a reliable power source during this time.

Once the installation is complete, a prompt will appear. Click the Restart Now button. When the screen prompts you to remove the installation medium, pull out your USB flash drive and press Enter.

Your computer will boot directly into your brand-new, fast, and secure Ubuntu Linux operating system. Welcome to your new computing environment!