How to Download and Install Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Beginner-Friendly Step-by-Step Guide)

1. What Is Ubuntu? A Beginner-Friendly Open-Source OS and Why It’s Popular

Ubuntu (oo-BOON-too) is one of the world’s most popular Linux distributions, used by people across the globe. As an OS choice alongside Windows and macOS, it’s widely adopted not only for personal use but also by companies and educational institutions. Ubuntu is available for free, and because it’s open source, users have the flexibility to customize it to their needs. It’s supported by a broad range of users—from beginners to advanced users—and it’s especially popular in Japan because a “Ubuntu Japanese Remix” edition is also available, offering strong Japanese-language support.

Three Reasons People Choose Ubuntu

Compared with other operating systems, Ubuntu offers several standout advantages. Below are three key points worth highlighting.

1. Free to use and highly cost-effective
   Because Ubuntu is open source, it’s generally provided at no cost for both personal and commercial use, and you can easily download and install it from the official website. It’s often used for research and education involving cutting-edge technology, and its big strength is that you can build a practical environment while keeping costs low.
2. High stability and strong security
   Ubuntu offers an enterprise-friendly “LTS (Long Term Support)” release that provides five years of long-term support and regular security updates. This makes it trusted for business server use and suitable for risk-conscious environments where stable operations matter.
3. Japanese language support and a rich support ecosystem
   The Japanese Remix edition includes the Japanese input method “Mozc” by default and provides robust Japanese display support as well. There are also many online communities—Japanese forums and Q&A sites—so it’s easy to find help when you run into setup or customization issues. In particular, the Japanese resources provided by the Ubuntu Japanese Team are extensive, making Ubuntu comfortable to use for Japanese-language users.

Ubuntu Use Cases and Version Overview

Ubuntu offers multiple editions designed to meet different needs, ranging from personal PCs to enterprise servers. The three main editions below make it easy to choose the right Ubuntu for your situation.

• Desktop edition: A version for general-purpose computers, suitable for home use, office work, and development environments. It uses a GUI (Graphical User Interface) similar to Windows and macOS, enabling intuitive operation. It also includes common apps such as a web browser, office software, and a multimedia player by default, so you can start using it right away.
• Server edition: A server-focused version for companies, educational institutions, and data centers. It typically omits a GUI and is designed primarily for command-line operation, making it ideal for advanced network administration and data processing. Using an LTS release ensures long-term operation and security updates.
• Japanese Remix edition: An edition optimized for users in Japan, developed by the Ubuntu Japanese Remix Team. It enhances Japanese input and display support, and includes the Japanese input system “Mozc” by default. It’s especially suitable for Japanese users who are new to Linux because it requires fewer post-install settings. Since you can download it from domestic mirror sites (such as the University of Toyama or Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), you can often show stable download performance as well.

With these different editions, Ubuntu can be used in ways that match your goals. Whether you’re using it at home, for business, or as a development environment, choosing the right edition for your purpose will help you get the most out of Ubuntu’s features.

2. What to Prepare Before Downloading

To install Ubuntu smoothly, it’s important to check the system requirements in advance and choose the right edition for your needs. In this section, we’ll explain recommended hardware specs and the characteristics of each edition so you can make the best choice for your setup.

System Requirements

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is known as a relatively lightweight Linux OS, but you still need a certain level of hardware to run it comfortably. Below is a general guideline for the Desktop edition.

• CPU: 64-bit capable processor (Intel or AMD)
• Memory: Minimum 2GB (4GB or more recommended)
• Storage: At least 25GB free (50GB or more recommended)
• Graphics: Support for 1024×768 resolution
• Network connection: Internet access is required for updates and installing additional software after installation

In particular, having 4GB or more of RAM tends to improve stability and overall responsiveness. If your PC doesn’t meet these requirements, you may want to consider lightweight Ubuntu flavors such as “Xubuntu” or “Lubuntu.” For more accurate requirements, refer to the official Ubuntu Desktop page as well.

How to Check Your System Specs

To confirm whether your PC meets Ubuntu’s requirements, try the following methods.

• On Windows: Open the Start menu → Settings → System → About to check your processor, memory, and system type (32-bit or 64-bit).
• On Mac: Open the Apple menu → About This Mac to check CPU, memory, and macOS version details.

How to Choose Between Ubuntu Versions

Ubuntu is available in multiple versions, each with different support lifecycles and features. Choosing the right version for your use case will help you use Ubuntu more comfortably.

LTS (Long Term Support)

LTS stands for “Long Term Support,” and it refers to Ubuntu’s stable release with guaranteed long-term maintenance. It’s well-suited for users who prioritize stability—such as businesses and educational institutions—and it reduces the need for frequent major upgrades after installation while remaining secure through ongoing updates. As of 2026, the latest LTS release is “Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.”

If you’re installing Ubuntu for the first time, choosing an LTS release is generally the safest option. There’s also a larger volume of troubleshooting information and known solutions, making it better for long-term use.

Regular Releases (Non-LTS)

Regular releases are intended for users who want to try the latest technologies and new features as soon as possible. A new version is released roughly every six months. While the support period is shorter, developers and tech enthusiasts often prefer them because they can experience the newest capabilities sooner.

Japanese Remix Edition

The Japanese Remix edition is designed for users in Japan and strengthens the Japanese language experience. Compared with standard Ubuntu, it provides improved Japanese display support and input configuration, and it includes the Japanese input system “Mozc” by default. It’s especially convenient for users who primarily work in Japanese because it reduces the amount of extra setup required after installation. In addition, it can be downloaded from domestic mirror sites, which can help you obtain the installer with a stable connection.

With these preparations in place, you’ll be able to proceed smoothly from download to installation. In the next section, we’ll walk through the actual download steps.

3. How to Download Ubuntu

To download Ubuntu, it’s best to use the official website or a mirror site available in Japan. In this section, we’ll explain how to download from the official site and how to download the Japanese-friendly “Ubuntu Japanese Remix” edition in detail. Official download site guidance

The latest Ubuntu versions, including LTS (Long Term Support) releases, can be downloaded directly from the official website. Using the official site ensures you get the latest installer safely, without security risks—making it a highly reliable way to download Ubuntu.

Download the ISO file
After selecting the version you need, click “Download” and save the Ubuntu installation image (ISO file) to your PC. Because ISO files are large, a stable internet connection is recommended.

Access the official website
First, visit the official Ubuntu download page. This page lists Ubuntu editions such as Desktop, Server, and Cloud, making it easy to choose the right version for your needs.

Select a version
Choose the edition that fits your use case. For home use or office work, select “Desktop.” If you want stable, long-term support, choose an LTS release such as “Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.” If you want to try the newest features, a regular (non-LTS) release is also an option.

Downloading the Japanese Remix Edition

The “Ubuntu Japanese Remix” edition is provided by the Ubuntu Japanese Team and supports Japanese display and input out of the box. Since it can be downloaded from domestic mirror servers, it’s a smooth and convenient option for users in Japan.

1. Visit the Ubuntu Japanese Team website
   Go to the Ubuntu Japanese Team download page and review the information for the Japanese Remix edition.
2. Choose a domestic mirror site
   The download page introduces mirror servers in Japan (for example: the University of Toyama, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, KDDI Research, and others). Select a mirror site that fits your location and internet environment so you can download the installer with a stable connection.
3. Save the ISO file
   Click the link for the mirror you chose and save the ISO file. Since the Japanese Remix file name includes “ja,” it’s easier to distinguish from the original version. This edition is especially recommended for users who work primarily in Japanese, because it helps make post-install Japanese setup smoother.

Homepage | Ubuntu Japanese Team

…

At this point, you have completed the download process for both the official version and the Japanese Remix edition. In the next section, we’ll explain how to create installation media using the ISO file you downloaded.

4. Creating Installation Media

To install Ubuntu, you need to write the downloaded ISO file to a USB drive or DVD and use it as installation media. In particular, using a USB drive is generally recommended because it’s simple and works in many environments. In this section, we’ll explain how to create installation media using a USB drive. We’ll use two Windows-friendly tools—“Rufus” and “Universal-USB-Installer”—as examples and walk through the steps.

How to Prepare a USB Installer

To prepare a USB drive as an installer, you must write the ISO file in a bootable format. Below are the steps for “Rufus” and “Universal-USB-Installer,” which are commonly used on Windows.

Creating a USB Installer with Rufus

“Rufus” is widely valued as a lightweight, easy-to-use tool that lets you write an Ubuntu ISO to a USB drive on Windows. The steps are as follows.

1. Install Rufus
   First, visit the official Rufus website, download the latest version, and install it. Rufus also offers a portable version that doesn’t require installation, so you can start using it right away.
2. Insert the USB drive
   Insert the USB drive into your PC and back up any important data. During the writing process, Rufus will erase the data on the USB drive, so be sure to save necessary files elsewhere first.
3. Launch Rufus and configure settings
   Open Rufus and configure the following settings.

• Device: Select the USB drive you inserted.
• Boot selection: Choose “Disk or ISO image (Please select)” and specify the Ubuntu ISO file you downloaded.
• Partition scheme: For newer PCs, select “GPT.” For older PCs, select “MBR.” This formats the USB drive using an appropriate partition scheme.
• When you’re done, click “Start” to begin writing, and wait a few minutes until creation is complete.

Creating a USB Installer with Universal-USB-Installer

“Universal-USB-Installer” is another popular tool that supports many Linux distributions and makes it easy to create a USB installer with an intuitive interface.

1. Download Universal-USB-Installer
   Visit the official Universal-USB-Installer page and download the latest installer.
2. Select the USB drive
   Launch Universal-USB-Installer and specify the USB drive you want to use. Make sure the USB drive is inserted into your PC.
3. Select the OS and ISO file
   From the drop-down menu, choose “Ubuntu,” then use the “Browse” button to select the ISO file you downloaded. You can also configure a data storage area, allowing you to use the USB as installation media while still saving some data.
4. Start the creation process
   After confirming your settings, click “Create” to begin making the installation media. The process usually completes in a few minutes. When it’s done, click “Done” and exit the tool.

How to Verify the ISO Was Written Correctly

To confirm that your USB drive is bootable, restart your PC with the USB drive inserted, then open your BIOS/UEFI settings and set the USB drive as the first boot device. If the installation media is working properly, the PC will boot from the USB drive and you’ll see the Ubuntu installer screen.

With these steps, your installation media is ready. In the next section, we’ll explain how to install Ubuntu using the USB drive.

Additional Notes: Important Tips for Dual Booting with Windows

When installing Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, if you want to keep Windows and run both on the same PC, you’ll choose “dual boot.” Dual boot is convenient, but if you configure it incorrectly, your system may fail to boot or you could lose data—so preparation is essential.

What You Must Do Before Dual Booting

• Back up important data
  Move anything you can’t afford to lose—photos, documents, browser data, etc.—to an external HDD or the cloud.
• Disable Windows Fast Startup
  If Fast Startup is enabled, Ubuntu may not be able to handle the Windows disk correctly in some cases.
• Check whether BitLocker is enabled
  If you modify partitions while BitLocker is enabled, you may be prompted for a recovery key or run into boot issues. If needed, write down your recovery key in advance.

How to Create a Partition for Ubuntu

If you’re setting up dual boot, the common approach is to free up disk space on the Windows side first, then install Ubuntu into that space. You can shrink the C: drive in Windows “Disk Management” to create unallocated space, which makes the process smoother.

• Recommended space: Allocate at least 30GB for Ubuntu, and ideally 50GB or more for extra room.

Key Options to Choose During Installation

During Ubuntu installation, the “Installation type” screen may show different options depending on your environment.

• Install Ubuntu alongside Windows: Recommended for beginners because it automatically adjusts partitions.
• Something else (manual partitioning): Recommended for experienced users who want to set partitions manually.

If you’re unsure, “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows” is generally the safer choice.

Common Issues (Won’t Boot / Disk Not Detected)

In dual boot environments, the target disk may not appear depending on your PC settings. In that case, check whether “Intel RST (RAID)” is enabled in your BIOS/UEFI settings. Depending on your system, you may need to switch it to “AHCI.”

If you’re not confident, don’t force the process—do some research first before proceeding.

5. How to Install Ubuntu

Once your installation media is ready, you can begin installing Ubuntu. In this section, we’ll explain how to adjust BIOS settings so your PC boots from the USB drive, and then walk through the Ubuntu installer steps in detail. By completing each step carefully, you can finish the installation smoothly.

Check and Change BIOS Settings

To start installing Ubuntu, you first need to change your BIOS settings so the PC can boot from the USB drive. Since BIOS access methods and menus vary by manufacturer, the steps below describe a typical workflow.

1. Power on the PC and enter BIOS
   Turn on your PC and repeatedly press the manufacturer’s key (for example: F2, Del, Esc, etc.) to enter the BIOS setup screen. The exact key depends on your PC brand and model, so refer to your manual or the official support page for details.
2. Change the boot device order
   In the BIOS screen, find the “Boot” tab and change the boot device priority. Usually, the internal drive is set first—change it so the USB drive is prioritized. After changing the order, save the settings and exit BIOS.
3. Check Secure Boot settings
   On modern PCs, “Secure Boot” may be enabled. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS can boot with Secure Boot enabled in many cases, but depending on your environment, you may encounter issues such as the installer not booting or a black screen after booting.
   If that happens, temporarily disable Secure Boot in the BIOS settings (often under “Security” or “Boot”), then try booting again. In some cases, you can re-enable it after installation if needed.

Ubuntu Installation Steps

After completing the BIOS settings, your PC will boot from the USB drive and the Ubuntu installer screen will appear. Follow the steps below to proceed with installation.

1. Select a language
   First, choose the language you want to use. If you want a Japanese environment, select “Japanese,” then click “Install Ubuntu” to start.
2. Select the installation type
   On the installation options screen, “Normal installation” is recommended. This option includes necessary drivers and multimedia codecs to support smooth operation. If needed, check “Install updates and third-party software” so additional packages are installed during setup.
3. Select the installation drive
   Next, choose the drive where Ubuntu will be installed. If you want Ubuntu on a dedicated drive, select “Erase disk and install Ubuntu.” If you want to keep another OS, choose “Something else” (manual partitioning). If you plan to install alongside another OS, it’s recommended to back up your existing data first.
4. Set location and time zone
   On the location screen, selecting Japan will automatically apply the correct time zone and regional settings, ensuring accurate time and location configuration.
5. Create your user account
   Set the username and password you will use on Ubuntu. Since your password is required for login and administrative actions, choose something you can remember easily.
6. Start installation
   Click “Install” to begin installing Ubuntu. The process usually takes several minutes to around 10–15 minutes. After installation completes, you’ll be prompted to restart. Remove the USB drive and click “Restart” to finish.

Initial Setup After Installation

After installation is complete and you see the first login screen, proceed with initial setup. In particular, it’s a good idea to confirm Japanese input works properly and run the first system update. If you have an internet connection, performing the initial update will apply the latest security patches and software updates.

This completes the Ubuntu installation process. In the next section, we’ll explain troubleshooting tips for issues you may encounter after installation.

6. Troubleshooting

Installing Ubuntu is relatively straightforward, but errors can occur depending on your environment and settings. In this section, we’ll introduce common problems and how to fix them. Knowing these solutions in advance will help you complete installation and setup more smoothly.

Common Installation Errors and How to Fix Them

“Boot device not found” Error

If you see a “Boot device not found” error when trying to start the Ubuntu installer, it’s often caused by an incorrect boot order setting in BIOS.

• How to fix:
  Enter BIOS settings and check the boot device priority. Set the USB drive as the first boot device and disable “Secure Boot” if necessary. On older PCs, switching to “Legacy Boot” may also resolve the issue.

Wi-Fi (Wireless LAN) Is Not Detected

If Wi-Fi does not appear or you can’t connect after installing Ubuntu, the wireless chipset driver may not have been applied automatically.

• How to fix:
  First, try connecting to the internet using a wired LAN connection. If wired internet works, you may be able to install drivers via Ubuntu’s “Software & Updates” → “Additional Drivers.”
  Also, if you check “Install updates and third-party software” during installation, Wi-Fi and graphics-related drivers are more likely to be installed automatically.

Black Screen After Booting

If the system seems to boot but the screen stays black, the issue may be related to graphics drivers or Secure Boot settings.

• How to fix:
  First, temporarily disable Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI settings and see if the issue improves.
  If it doesn’t, try Recovery Mode from the Ubuntu boot menu, or apply the recommended driver (for example: NVIDIA) under “Additional Drivers,” which may resolve the problem.

The Installation Disk Does Not Appear

If your SSD/HDD does not appear on the Ubuntu installer screen, it may be caused by Windows settings or BIOS configuration.

• How to fix:
  In a Windows dual-boot environment, check whether BitLocker is enabled.
  Also, on some PCs, if “Intel RST (RAID)” is enabled in BIOS/UEFI, Ubuntu may not detect the disk. In that case, you may need to switch to “AHCI.” Since changing these settings can be risky, don’t force it—review your PC manufacturer’s guidance as well.

Freezing or Slow Installation

If the installer freezes or the installation progresses very slowly, the cause may be insufficient memory or a slow USB drive.

• How to fix:
  Confirm that you have at least 2GB of RAM, and if possible, try plugging the USB drive into a different port. Testing a different USB drive may also improve performance. Using a faster USB 3.0 drive is recommended as well.

Errors Related to “snap-store”

After installation, Ubuntu’s “Snap Store” (Ubuntu Software) may fail to launch properly. In many cases, this happens when the Snap Store update is incomplete.

• How to fix:
  Open “Terminal” and run the commands below. These commands refresh and restart the Snap Store.

  sudo snap refresh
  sudo pkill snap-store
  sudo snap refresh snap-store

After running the commands, restart Snap Store and check whether the issue is resolved.

Issues with Japanese Input Settings

Right after installation, you may find that Japanese input doesn’t work, or that characters appear garbled while typing. This is often caused by the Japanese input source not being configured correctly.

• How to fix:
  Open Ubuntu “Settings,” then go to “Region & Language” and check “Input Sources.” If Japanese input is not configured, add “Japanese (Mozc)” as an input source. This enables Japanese input. After changing the settings, restarting the system often helps it work properly.

Update-Related Errors

If an error appears when you run “Software Updater” after installation, it’s often related to your internet connection or package compatibility.

• How to fix:
  Open Terminal and try running a manual update using the commands below. This may resolve dependency-related errors.

  sudo apt update
  sudo apt upgrade

If the issue still doesn’t go away, change the mirror server in “Software & Updates” and try updating again. If the server is congested, selecting a different server may allow updates to proceed more smoothly.

Use these troubleshooting tips to help you install and set up Ubuntu smoothly. In the next section, we’ll summarize key points to help you get the most out of Ubuntu after installation.

7. Summary

Ubuntu is a stable and highly customizable open-source operating system that works well for a wide range of users—from beginners to advanced users. In this article, we explained everything step by step, from what Ubuntu is to downloading it, installing it, and troubleshooting common problems. Here, we’ll review the key points again and share a few tips to help you make the most of Ubuntu.

Benefits of Using Ubuntu

Ubuntu is available for free, and stable LTS releases provide five years of support—offering a reliable environment while keeping costs low. By choosing the Japanese Remix edition, you also get strong Japanese language support, making setup easier for beginners and improving usability for Japanese users. In addition, Ubuntu’s open-source advantage allows you to freely install and use many open-source applications, letting you customize your environment flexibly based on your needs.

Key Points for Installation and Initial Setup

To install Ubuntu smoothly, it’s important to confirm system requirements in advance and choose the version that matches your goals. Preparing a USB drive and configuring BIOS settings correctly also makes installation much easier. By using the troubleshooting section as a reference and preparing for common errors, you’ll be ready when issues arise. After installation, complete tasks such as configuring Japanese input and running system updates to create a comfortable working environment.

A New Experience with Ubuntu

By installing Ubuntu, you can experience a flexible OS environment that differs from Windows and macOS. Ubuntu provides access to many open-source applications—for example, “LibreOffice” and “GIMP”—which are useful for office work and image editing. It’s also easy to set up development environments for languages like Python and JavaScript, making Ubuntu a great choice for developers. In addition, Ubuntu receives regular security patches, which is a major advantage for safe long-term use.

Use Ubuntu effectively to enrich your daily work and learning. With strong user communities and abundant online support, it’s easier to solve questions and issues related to Ubuntu, helping you feel confident even after installation.