Unable to set up or execute Ubuntu on Windows 10.
Unable to set up or execute Ubuntu on Windows 10.
I'm working on setting up Linux in a dual-boot setup on my Windows 10 system. I downloaded the latest Ubuntu and made a bootable USB with Rufus. When I plug it in, it boots but then crashes with blurry pixels. After changing BIOS settings from UEFI to UEFI firmware, it still fails to start and ends up blacking out after a while. I haven't updated my BIOS yet (MSI MPG B550 Gaming MB), though I'm not sure if that helps. I've used Ubuntu inside Windows before, but it's not advised for Vast AI. My BIOS update suggestion doesn't seem to work either. Any advice on possible fixes?
The problem seems to be with Rufus, I’m unable to get Linux working with it. Using Ventoy might be better—it’s a tool that lets you run any ISO directly instead of burning it onto a USB or CD. I have a 256GB USB filled with ISO files so I can boot anything I need from just one USB drive. https://www.ventoy.net/en/index.html
Rufus isn't ideal for creating non-Windows ISO files. The best option for Linux ISOs is BalenaEtcher, which is specifically designed for that purpose, though other tools exist as well.
Thanks both! I have zero real experience with Linux so this is very helpful! I have made a 50 gig partition for Ubuntu. Is NTFS okay or should I change it? I have a 16gb usb stick which should be enough? Can get bigger if need be. Final observation is that there only seems to be an AMD CPU version on the Unbuntu homepage which is annoying. My main computer which I want to tun Vast ai on is AMD but laptops which I do testing on are both Intel which I presume will go tits up if I try to install
Linux doesn't support NTFS and will switch to a default filesystem like ext4. Exercise caution during installation, as improper dual-booting could remove your ability to use Windows. Note that this refers specifically to amd64 architectures, not AMD chips.
the setup will ask you to pick a file system—on ubuntu it should be either ext4 or btrfs, though btrfs is still in early stages if nothing changed recently. your starting point doesn’t matter, whether you’re installing on windows, linux, mac, or another OS; it works for any platform. linux versions typically need at least 8gb of ram, which can sound confusing but refers to a standard 64-bit architecture. the official term for 64-bit is x64 or x86_64, not AMD64.
The Ubuntu installer handles this automatically. Windows doesn’t understand Linux requirements, which means it’s built for 64-bit systems using x86 architecture. This setup works with most modern PCs and laptops from the past 20 years. The naming comes from AMD releasing the first 64-bit CPU on the market.
Consider using separate SSDs for each operating system if possible. Follow the recommended steps on the Belana Etcher to flash your drive. Updating the BIOS is always beneficial. Secure boot works well with modern Linux distributions, though some may need a stable kernel.
Btrfs has remained stable for over ten years, though certain limitations persist, such as the occasional "space running out" problem [ 1] and performance concerns during file balancing [ 1, 2]. A more focused, cost-effective balancing method with filters often addresses the space issues. It's generally advised to avoid RAID5/6 at the filesystem level due to potential data integrity risks. Given these factors, along with occasional maintenance needs and rare reports of corruption, some view it as somewhat unstable. I've been testing it for about six months now and found it to be excellent. It offers valuable capabilities like real-time compression, subvolumes, and snapshots—features that are especially helpful during major OS upgrades. Based on my experience, Btrfs performs well and I still suggest it to those willing to monitor its minor drawbacks. For those seeking stability, a balanced approach would be to keep Btrfs for the root/OS filesystem (including subvolumes) and use ext4 for essential data storage. This is what I currently use on my devices while building confidence in Btrfs. Alternatively, ext4 remains a reliable option for most scenarios, though it lacks some advanced features. It has a long history and proven reliability. If you don’t want to leverage Btrfs’ unique functions, sticking with ext4 makes more sense.