Welcome to Ubuntu 24.04 LTS—a powerful, user-friendly operating system perfect for beginners and tech enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re setting up a personal laptop or a development drive, this release offers stability and cutting-edge features.
Our walkthrough simplifies the installation from start to finish. We’ll cover hardware checks, media creation, and partitioning, so you’re confident every step of the way. No prior experience? No problem!
Compatible with certified devices like the Framework Laptop 13, Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ensures a smooth process. Let’s turn setup into a stress-free experience together.
Why This Guide to Installing Ubuntu Works for Everyone
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS makes setup easy for all skill levels. Our method blends screenshot-ready steps for visual learners with advanced partitioning tips for pros. No matter your experience, we’ve got you covered.
The latest Ubuntu runs flawlessly on older machines and modern devices like the Framework Laptop. We tested every step against official docs and real-world setups. This ensures reliability.
Accessibility matters too. Screen reader support is built into the installer. Windows users will find dual-boot guidance, while enterprises get security tips. Everyone enjoys a stress-free install Ubuntu desktop experience.
From decade-old PCs to cutting-edge hardware, our tested methods work universally. Let’s make your transition smooth and successful.
System Requirements for Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
Your computer’s specs determine how smoothly Ubuntu 24.04 LTS will run. Whether you’re upgrading or starting fresh, here’s what you’ll need.
Hardware Basics
- Storage: Minimum 25GB (50GB recommended for extra apps and files).
- RAM: 4GB works, but 8GB+ ensures faster multitasking.
- Processor: 2GHz dual-core or better.
- Display: 1024×768 resolution or higher.
For dual-boot setups, allocate extra space—Windows and Ubuntu share the drive. We suggest 100GB if you’re keeping both.
UEFI vs. Legacy BIOS
Most modern computers use UEFI, but older ones may need Legacy BIOS mode. Check your system settings before you install.
Framework Laptop 13 Tips
This device runs Ubuntu 24.04 LTS flawlessly. Enable Secure Boot in UEFI for smoother setup.
WiFi and Bluetooth
Ensure your adapter supports Linux. Most Intel chips work instantly, but Broadcom may need extra drivers.
Preparing Your Installation Media
Ready to turn your flash drive into an Ubuntu installer? We’ll walk you through each step to ensure a flawless setup. Grab an 8GB+ USB—this will be your installation media.
Use balenaEtcher (Mac/Linux/Windows) or Rufus (Windows only) to flash the ISO. Both tools are free and user-friendly. Always verify the ISO checksum—this prevents corrupted downloads.
For Framework Laptop 13 users, disable Secure Boot in UEFI first. Some USB ports work better than others—try the left-side port if the flash process stalls.
Need to install Ubuntu on multiple devices? Prepare several drives at once. Label them clearly for classrooms or offices.
If your USB isn’t recognized, try reformatting it to FAT32. Check the LED light—steady activity means it’s working. Still stuck? Use a different usb flash drive.
Booting from USB or DVD
Your system is ready—now it’s time to access the boot menu. Restart your computer and tap the manufacturer-specific key repeatedly. For most devices, it’s F12, ESC, F2, or F10.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet for common brands:
- Dell: F12
- HP: ESC or F9
- Lenovo: F12 or Enter + F1
- Framework Laptop 13: Rapidly tap F12 *before* the logo appears
If you see Linpus lite among the options, select it—this often indicates your usb flash drive. Press enter to confirm your choice.
Stuck? Check your boot mode. Modern systems use UEFI, while older ones may need Legacy BIOS. Switch modes in your BIOS settings if the drive isn’t detected.
For Framework users, disable Secure Boot temporarily if the menu won’t appear. Still no luck? Try another USB port or reformat your drive to FAT32.
We’ve got your back—every system boots differently, but patience and these tips will get you there.
Starting the Ubuntu Installer
The Ubuntu installer greets you with a world of possibilities—let’s explore them together. Your first step is selecting from 80+ language choices. This ensures everyone feels at home, no matter their locale.
Accessibility shines here. Enable high-contrast screen mode or text-to-speech for visual impairments. The magnifier tool and on-screen keyboard help users with motor challenges. We’ve designed this to be inclusive from the start.
Framework Laptop 13 owners: double-check your keyboard layout. Non-US users might see warnings—pick the right one to avoid typos later. Calibrate the touchpad if clicks feel unresponsive during setup.
- GRUB Menu: Press Tab to tweak boot parameters if needed.
- Recovery Mode: Use this if the installer freezes (rare but handy).
Every option is clearly labeled. Take your time—this foundation ensures a smooth ride ahead.
Connecting to a Network
Stay connected from the start—Ubuntu makes networking simple. Most setups automatically configure DHCP for network access. Just select your WiFi or plug in Ethernet during the install process. We’ve got your back if things don’t connect instantly.
Framework Laptop 13 users enjoy blazing-fast WiFi 6/6E speeds. The antennas auto-optimize for signal strength—no tweaking needed. For other devices, proprietary drivers may prompt during setup. Click “Install” when prompted for Broadcom or Realtek chips.
Keep your system secure with immediate updates. Online installations fetch the latest patches automatically. Behind a corporate firewall? Enter proxy server details when the installer asks about HTTP/HTTPS settings.
No internet? The software center works offline after installation. Download drivers later via USB if needed. Enterprise users should prepare network certificates beforehand for seamless domain joins.
Ubuntu syncs your clock via timesyncd during setup. Double-check the time zone matches your location—this prevents login issues later. Travelers can adjust it post-install through settings.
Pro tip: Weak signal? Framework owners should position the laptop’s antenna strip facing the router. Other laptops may need proprietary drivers from “Additional Drivers” post-install.
Choosing Your Installation Type
Your installation journey begins with choosing the right setup. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS offers flexible options, whether you’re a home user or an IT pro. Let’s simplify your decision.
Dual-boot or clean install? Keep Windows alongside Ubuntu for versatility, or wipe the drive for a fresh start. Dual-booting requires 100GB+ space, while a clean install Ubuntu setup frees up resources.
For enterprises, Autoinstall JSON files automate deployments. Advanced users can leverage LVM or ZFS for scalable storage. Framework Laptop 13 owners: Enable TPM-based encryption during setup for extra security.
Ubuntu Core suits IoT devices, while Desktop fits most laptops. Need a safety net? Create a recovery partition—10GB is ideal for emergencies.
Every process is designed for clarity. We’ve got your back, no matter which path you pick.
Partitioning Your Hard Drive
Partitioning your drive is simpler than you think—let’s break it down. Whether you’re setting up a dual-boot or going all-in on Ubuntu, smart layout choices boost performance. We’ve got your back with pro tips tailored to your needs.
Running into BitLocker conflicts? Disable Windows encryption first—this ensures smooth partitioning. For Framework Laptop 13 owners, NVMe optimizations kick in automatically. Just select “Erase disk and install Ubuntu” for peak speed.
- Size matters: Allocate 30GB for root (/) and 10GB for /home if separating partitions
- LVM thin provisioning: Perfect for developers needing flexible storage pools
- ZFS fans: Enable compression and snapshots during setup
Modern systems favor swap files over partitions—they’re easier to resize later. The installation wizard suggests 1.5x your RAM size automatically. Need more control? Manual partitioning offers every option.
Resizing Windows partitions? Back up first—NTFS can be tricky. Framework users enjoy hassle-free expansion with their modular drive bays. Either way, we’ll guide you through each step safely.
Setting Up User Accounts and Passwords
Let’s secure your system with the right user setup. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS makes account creation simple while keeping safety front and center. Your choices here shape daily access and admin control.
Framework Laptop 13 owners get a bonus—fingerprint login. Enable it during account creation for tap-to-unlock convenience. The driver auto-installs if you check “Third-party software” during setup.
- Enterprise-ready: Integrate Active Directory for centralized credential management
- Password managers: Works seamlessly with Bitwarden and KeePassXC
- Guest sessions: Temporary accounts auto-delete after logout
- Username tips: Avoid special characters for compatibility
Prevent unauthorized access with manual login instead of auto-login. For shared devices, require a password after screensaver activation. Sudoers file edits? Use visudo
to safely configure privileges.
We’ve designed this to balance convenience and security. Whether you’re a solo developer or managing office workstations, these controls keep your system safe.
Location and Time Zone Settings
Time zone configuration impacts everything from login security to software updates. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS makes this simple with automatic detection, but we’ll show you how to fine-tune it. Perfect timing means fewer headaches later.
Framework Laptop 13 users enjoy BIOS-level time sync. This prevents CMOS battery drain issues common in other devices. Just enable “Synchronize with hardware clock” during install for worry-free accuracy.
Dual-boot systems sometimes show wrong time. Windows uses local time while Ubuntu prefers UTC. Our fix: run timedatectl set-local-rtc 1
in Terminal after setup.
- Military time fans: Switch to 24-hour format in Settings > Region & Language
- Daylight savings: Handled automatically unless you disable “Network Time”
- Enterprise networks: Input custom NTP server addresses for precise synchronization
Multiple operating systems? Ubuntu usually corrects time conflicts, but check BIOS settings if issues persist. Framework owners should update firmware first—this often resolves CMOS discrepancies.
We’ve designed these options to work seamlessly. Whether you’re traveling or managing servers, your clock stays accurate. That’s one less thing to worry about!
Installing Third-Party Software
Customizing your system with extra tools unlocks Ubuntu’s full potential. We’ll help you choose the right software for gaming, creativity, or work—without the guesswork.
NVIDIA users get three driver options: open-source Nouveau, tested proprietary drivers, or the latest Ubuntu-certified versions. Proprietary drivers boost gaming performance, while open-source offers better stability. Framework Laptop 13 owners enjoy fingerprint support—just enable it in “Additional Drivers.”
Media creators need codecs for MP3 and H.264 playback. The install wizard prompts you legally—check “Enable restricted formats” during setup. Prefer open alternatives? Ubuntu defaults to royalty-free Opus and AV1.
- Snap vs Flatpak: Snaps auto-update securely, while Flatpaks offer sandboxed apps
- Enterprise solutions: Ubuntu Pro delivers 10-year security updates for critical packages
- Framework extras: Add their dedicated repo for BIOS and peripheral optimizations
We’ve tested every combo—from Steam on NVIDIA to DaVinci Resolve on AMD. Your perfect setup is just a few clicks away!
Completing the Installation
You’re almost there—just a few final touches before your system is ready! The progress bar gives real-time feedback. If it pauses briefly, don’t worry. This usually means background tasks like partitioning are running.
Framework Laptop 13 users: Check the battery optimization guide post-install. Tweaks like TLP profiles extend runtime significantly. We’ve tested these steps for reliability.
- Log analysis: Review
/var/log/installer/
if errors occur. Most issues self-resolve. - UEFI verification: Ensure the bootloader installed correctly. Press Enter at the prompt to confirm.
- Drive health: SMART tests run automatically during setup. Warnings appear on the screen if action is needed.
The welcome wizard greets you post-reboot. Skip data collection if privacy is a priority—toggle the option during initial setup. Ubuntu Pro users can attach subscriptions here for extended security patches.
Pro tip: Framework owners should calibrate their touchpad via Settings > Devices. This ensures gestures work flawlessly from day one. Your installation is now a polished, personalized experience!
Post-Installation Steps
The real magic begins after installation—let’s optimize your experience. These pro tips will supercharge your desktop and keep it running smoothly. We’ve got your back every step of the way!
Framework Laptop 13 owners should check latest firmware first. Open Terminal and run fwupdmgr refresh
followed by fwupdmgr update
. This ensures all expansion cards and components work perfectly.
Security matters. Enable updates for Ubuntu Pro users with pro attach [TOKEN]
. This delivers 10 years of patches for critical software. Regular users get alerts through Software Updater.
- GRUB tweaks: Change timeout in
/etc/default/grub
(rememberupdate-grub
after) - Driver Manager: Handles NVIDIA/WiFi drivers better than manual install
- Timeshift: Set automatic snapshots—they’ve saved countless systems
Framework expansion cards need calibration. Test each slot with lsusb
after insertion. Our community recommends USB-C for docks and microSD for storage.
Enterprise users: Add your repositories through add-apt-repository
. Need Microsoft Teams or Zoom? Flatpak versions often work better than native packages.
Finally, explore our curated app picks—from LibreOffice for work to Lutris for gaming. Your optimized system is now ready for anything!
Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues
Hit a snag during setup? We’ve got solutions! From BitLocker conflicts to black screens, these fixes will get you back on track. You’re not alone—we’ve tested every solution.
BitLocker blocking your drive? Temporarily disable Windows encryption first. For Framework Laptop 13 users, toggle Secure Boot in BIOS—this often resolves boot errors instantly.
NVIDIA users seeing black screens? Try prime-select on-demand
in the live environment. Proprietary drivers sometimes need manual activation after installation.
- Live USB rescue: Press Tab at the GRUB menu to add
nomodeset
for graphics issues - Framework touchpads: Update firmware via
fwupdmgr
if gestures fail - Boot-repair tool: Automatically fixes GRUB errors when dual-booting
Enterprise systems with disk encryption? Check your BIOS options—some require TPM module activation. Our community support forums have detailed guides for Lenovo and Dell workstations.
Most issues resolve with patience and these pro tips. Still stuck? The Ubuntu live environment lets you backup files before retrying. We’re here to turn frustration into success!
Conclusion
You’ve successfully navigated the setup—now enjoy Ubuntu 24.04 LTS! From partitioning to user accounts, every step ensures a stable, fast system. Framework Laptop 13 owners: verify fingerprint login and firmware updates for peak performance.
Need help? Join our vibrant community forums. Share your experience or troubleshoot with experts. The latest Ubuntu features, like ZFS snapshots or Autoinstall, await your exploration.
Your drive is now a powerhouse. Customize it further—try GNOME extensions or Pro subscriptions for enterprise tools. We’re thrilled to see what you’ll create!