Installing Ubuntu Without a Bootable USB Drive: A Comprehensive Guide

Installing Ubuntu when you lack a bootable USB drive can be a challenge, but it is possible with the right methods. This guide provides detailed steps to install Ubuntu on a Windows PC with UEFI firmware using alternative methods. Whether you prefer to use a DVD or an SSD, this article will cover the best practices to achieve your desired installation outcome.

Using a Partition and FAT32 File System

One effective method to install Ubuntu without a USB drive is to use a partition and FAT32 file system. Here are the steps:

Download the Installation ISO: Begin by downloading the Ubuntu installation ISO file from the official Ubuntu website. Mount the ISO: In File Explorer, double-click the ISO file to mount and open it. This will allow you to access its contents. Create and Format a Partition: Find a suitable space and create a partition of around 5 GB, then format it as FAT32. This partition will act as your boot drive. Copy Ubuntu Files: Go into the mounted ISO file and copy all the folders and files to the newly created FAT32 file system. Make sure to retain the folder structure to ensure proper installation. Adjust UEFI Boot Settings: Open the UEFI firmware settings and adjust the boot device priority to boot from the new FAT32 partition. Note that some UEFI implementations may not allow you to select a specific partition on a drive, and the PC must have a 64-bit CPU for versions of Ubuntu after version 18.11. Handle 32-bit Versions: If the PC manufacturer intended for the machine to run a 32-bit OS, you might need to add a bootx64.efi file alongside the bootia32.efi file in the FAT32 partition to ensure compatibility.

This approach allows you to install Ubuntu without a USB drive, and you can run the installation from a flash drive until you get the necessary disk to proceed with the installation.

Alternative Installation Methods

There are also other methods to consider if you don't have a bootable USB drive or a DVD.

DVD Installation: Burn the Ubuntu ISO to a DVD instead of using a USB. The process is similar to creating a bootable USB drive, but you use a DVD writer instead. Use an SSD: You can also install Ubuntu on a small SSD and use a larger HDD for data storage. This method provides you with a temporary installation until you can obtain a reliable installation medium. Use Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): If you prefer not to use a separate installation medium, you can install Ubuntu as a WSL instance using the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature.

Using Unetbootin for BIOS Devices

For BIOS devices, another method is to use Unetbootin. Here’s how to do it:

Download Unetbootin: First, download the Unetbootin software from the official website. Run Unetbootin: Open the application and from the drop-down menu under Type:, select Hard Disk. Select the ISO Diskimage: Choose the ISO file from where you downloaded the Ubuntu installation file and press OK. Reboot and Install: When you reboot your machine, you will be presented with a menu with two choices. Select the option to boot from Unetbootin, which will then lead you to the Ubuntu installation interface.

Remember to backup all important data before proceeding with this method to ensure that your data remains safe during the installation process.

Conclusion

Installing Ubuntu without a bootable USB drive can seem daunting, but with the right methods, it can be achieved. Whether you choose to use a partition and FAT32 file system, a DVD, or another method, you can successfully install Ubuntu on your Windows PC. Remember to consider the limitations of your UEFI firmware and potential compatibility issues with 32-bit versions. Happy installing!