Installing Ubuntu on a UEFI Firmware Laptop: A Comprehensive Guide
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a modern firmware standard that has almost replaced the traditional BIOS. It is widely used in modern laptops and provides advanced features for system booting and security. This guide will walk you through the process of installing Ubuntu 20.04 or later on a UEFI firmware laptop, specifically with a pre-installed Windows 8 64-bit system.
Prerequisites
Before you begin with the installation, make sure you have the following:
A live USB/CD with Ubuntu 20.04 or later: Use a USB drive or CD/DVD that contains a full copy of the Ubuntu bootable installer. Back up your data: This is extremely important. The installation process may result in data loss, so ensure you have all of your important files backed up. Admin privileges: You need administrative privileges to install Ubuntu.Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Follow the instructions below to successfully install Ubuntu on your UEFI firmware laptop:
Step 1: Prepare Your USB Drive
Download the Ubuntu ISO file from the official website ().
Use a tool, such as Rufus (free and available for Windows), to create a bootable USB drive. Select the USB drive, choose the downloaded Ubuntu ISO file, and configure the settings to create a UEFI bootable USB drive.
Step 2: Boot from USB Drive
Insert the prepared USB drive into your laptop and restart your computer.
At the startup screen, look for a UEFI firmware setting that allows you to choose the boot device. It's often labeled as 'Boot' or 'Uefi Boot'. Use the function keys (usually F2, F12, or Esc) to enter the UEFI firmware settings.
In the UEFI settings, set the USB drive as the first boot device. Exit the UEFI settings and your computer should now boot from the USB drive.
Step 3: Begin the Installation Process
Once the live session starts, choose Install Ubuntu from the main menu. Switch to the preferred language, and then click Continue.
The installer will now load. You may see a prompt asking for internet access. Since you don't have access yet, you can continue to the next step and enable network access if needed.
Step 4: Partitioning the Disk
In the Installation Type screen, you will see two options—Something else or Erase disk and install Ubuntu. The latter option is easier for beginners but may remove any pre-installed OS. Select Something else if you want to keep your pre-installed Windows 8 or any other partitions.
Select the drive (usually /dev/sda) and click Change. At this point, you will see a list of available partitions. Create a new partition for Ubuntu and set the following options:
Size: Allocate the size you want (e.g., 20GB for boot, swap, and root partitions). Type: Primary (recommended) or Logical (if you have extended partitions). File System: Use Ext4 for the root ( '/') partition and Swap Area for the swap partition. Mount point: For the root partition, set the mount point to /. You can leave the other partitions with their default mount points.Step 5: Configure Additional Options
You will now see a summary of the partitions and opportunities to configure additional options. Look for the following settings:
Select the root partition and check the Format the new partition box. Leave the Encrypt the new Ubuntu installation for security box unchecked to simplify the setup. Select the swap partition and check the Swap area checkbox. Select the Installation type and ensure that Install Ubuntu alongside Windows 8 is checked. Choose the Zones on the installation and confirm your selections. Select your Language, Keymaps, and TimeZone. You can also enable the Graphical login screen to make your system more user-friendly.Step 6: Complete the Installation
When you have finished configuring, click Install Now. The installation process will begin, and you will need to confirm the changes and click Continue.
Once the installation completes, you will be prompted to remove the USB drive and restart the machine. Press Restart Now and your laptop will reboot.
Step 7: Post-Installation Steps
After restarting, your laptop will boot into the newly installed Ubuntu. You may need to perform a few post-installation steps to ensure everything works correctly:
Set the correct time and date: Go to System Settings > Clock and Regions > Date and Time to set the correct time and date. Update your system: Open a terminal and type `sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade` to update your system. Install necessary software: Install any software you need, such as GNOME Software or Ubuntu Software.Conclusion
Installing Ubuntu on a UEFI firmware laptop is a straightforward process once you understand the steps involved. By following the guide provided, you can successfully install Ubuntu alongside your pre-installed Windows 8 system, ensuring a balanced and customizable computing experience.
FAQ
Q: Can I install Ubuntu on a UEFI firmware laptop without removing the existing Windows 8?
A: Yes, you can. The process we outlined here allows you to install Ubuntu alongside an existing Windows 8 installation. This is possible because you partition the disk during the installation, creating space for Ubuntu.
Q: What if the internet is not available during the installation process?
A: The installer won't be able to download necessary packages during the installation. However, you can still complete the installation without internet access. You will be prompted to connect to the internet later for updates and package installations.
Q: Can I switch between Ubuntu and Windows 8 after installation?
A: Yes, if you installed Ubuntu using the Install Ubuntu alongside Windows 8 option, you will have the option to choose between the two operating systems during the startup. The GRUB bootloader will manage booting into both operating systems.