How To Install Ubuntu Issues

Support and Help
1

Hello, I am new here.
I could not find where to post a new message, so I found this one, and am adding my questions here.
I have an old PC with Windows 10. I have a newer PC, which is a Dell 5090. I wanted to move my Windows 10 installation to this PC, but also wanted to boot into Ubuntu.

I looked downloaded Ubuntu 25.04 to a USB drive, and was able to do some test installations. I ran these on the old 256GB drive, and the USB formatted the drive the way it wanted, and everything worked.

I found out there might not be enough room on the 256 GB NVMe drive for both OSes, so I purchased a 1TB one. I set that up with partitions as follows, using GParted:
fat32, 550 MiB EFI
ntfs, 150,000 MiB, Windows
ext4, 150,000 Mib, Ubuntu
linux-swap, 8,000 MiB, Swap
ntfs, 600,000, MiB, SharedData

Then, when I went and booted off the USB, it would not let me pick these partitions to install into. It just overwrote everything the way it wanted. At what point do I get to tell the installer what partitions to use?

Thank you!

2

Welcome to Ubuntu Discourse :slight_smile:

I moved your post to its own thread.

Hopefully, you will get the help you need.

Thanks.

3

Thank you.
I have done this like 4 times now, but do not see any way of customizing the install using set partitions.

Once I have this done, I will need to figure out how to clone my Windows drive over, and make it dual boot.

Thanks again.

4

Generally speaking, if you want a dual-boot setup it is recommended to first install Windows.

After that, you shrink the Windows partition using Windows tools and then install Ubuntu.

However, there are factors which can affect the outcome.

I have not dual-booted with Windows for a very long time, so please be patient and someone will come along and offer suggestions on the best approach for your situation.

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5

Here is what I got from “Grok”. Pardon the appearance, as it did not copy/paste well.

“i try to install ubuntu 25.04 from a live usb on partitions I have already set up with gparted, but it won’t let me. How can I do this? I want a Ubuntu partition in ext4, a windows partition in ntfs, a shared partition in ntfs, a swap partition, and a boot/EFI partition”

To install Ubuntu 25.04 from a live USB onto pre-configured partitions, you need to ensure your partitions are correctly set up and that the Ubuntu installer recognizes them properly. Below is a step-by-step guide to achieve your desired setup with an ext4 Ubuntu partition, an NTFS Windows partition, a shared NTFS partition, a swap partition, and a boot/EFI partition.

Prerequisites Live USB: A bootable USB with Ubuntu 25.04. Partitions: Pre-configured using GParted as per your description: EFI System Partition (ESP): FAT32, ~300–512 MB, flagged as boot or esp. Ubuntu root partition: ext4, ~20–50 GB or more. Windows partition: NTFS, size as needed. Shared partition: NTFS, size as needed. Swap partition: Swap area, typically 1–2x RAM size or at least 2–4 GB. Backup: Ensure critical data is backed up, as partitioning and installation can lead to data loss if mishandled. UEFI/Legacy Mode: Confirm your system’s boot mode (UEFI or Legacy) matches the USB boot mode. Most modern systems use UEFI. Steps to Install Ubuntu 25.04 Boot from the Live USB Insert the Ubuntu 25.04 Live USB. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, Del, or a similar key). Set the USB as the first boot device and ensure the boot mode (UEFI or Legacy) matches your system’s configuration. Boot into the Ubuntu Live session and select “Try Ubuntu” to verify functionality. Verify Partitions with GParted Open GParted from the Live USB environment to confirm your partitions: EFI partition: Should be FAT32 with boot or esp flag (e.g., /dev/sda1, 300–512 MB). Ubuntu root: ext4 (e.g., /dev/sda2, 20–50 GB+). Windows partition: NTFS (e.g., /dev/sda3). Shared partition: NTFS (e.g., /dev/sda4). Swap: Swap area (e.g., /dev/sda5, 2–8 GB depending on RAM). Ensure no partitions are mounted. If they are, right-click and select “Unmount” in GParted. Note the device names (e.g., /dev/sdaX) for each partition, as you’ll need them during installation. Start the Ubuntu Installer From the Live USB desktop, launch the “Install Ubuntu 25.04” application. Follow the initial setup steps (language, keyboard layout, updates, and third-party software options). Choose Installation Type When prompted for the installation type, select “Something else” (manual partitioning). This allows you to assign your pre-configured partitions manually. If the installer doesn’t detect your partitions or shows an error, it could be due to: Partitions being mounted (unmount them in GParted). Incorrect partition table (ensure it’s GPT for UEFI or MBR for Legacy). Corrupted USB or mismatched boot mode (recreate the USB or switch UEFI/Legacy settings). Assign Partitions in the Installer In the manual partitioning screen, you’ll see your disk and partitions (e.g., /dev/sda). Assign each partition as follows: EFI Partition (e.g., /dev/sda1): Set “Use as” to EFI System Partition. Do not format if it already contains Windows EFI files; otherwise, format as FAT32. Mount point: None (automatically handled). Ubuntu Root Partition (e.g., /dev/sda2): Set “Use as” to ext4 journaling file system. Check “Format the partition” if it’s not already formatted as ext4. Set mount point to / (root). Windows Partition (e.g., /dev/sda3): Set “Use as” to NTFS. Do not format to preserve Windows data. Mount point: None (Ubuntu won’t mount this during installation). Shared Partition (e.g., /dev/sda4): Set “Use as” to NTFS. Do not format to preserve data. Mount point: Choose a custom mount point like /mnt/shared or leave unmounted for manual configuration later. Swap Partition (e.g., /dev/sda5): Set “Use as” to swap area. No mount point needed; formatting is automatic. Boot Loader Location: Select the disk (e.g., /dev/sda) for the GRUB bootloader, not a specific partition. For UEFI systems, ensure the EFI partition is correctly set; GRUB will install there automatically. For Legacy systems, GRUB installs to the disk’s MBR. Troubleshoot Common Issues Installer Won’t Let You Proceed: Ensure no partitions are mounted. Run sudo umount /dev/sdaX (replace X with partition numbers) in a terminal if needed. Verify the EFI partition is FAT32 with the boot or esp flag. If missing, set it in GParted and refresh the installer. Check for a valid partition table (GPT for UEFI, MBR for Legacy). Use GParted to confirm or recreate the table if necessary. No EFI Partition Detected: If UEFI mode is active, an EFI partition is mandatory. Create one (~300 MB, FAT32, boot/esp flag) if it doesn’t exist. Windows Partition Issues: Disable Windows Fast Startup in Windows before installation to prevent NTFS partition lock issues. Run chkdsk /f in Windows to ensure the NTFS partitions are clean. Swap Not Recognized: Ensure the partition is set as “swap area” in GParted and the installer. Complete the Installation Double-check your partition assignments in the installer. Click “Install Now” and confirm any warnings about formatting. Proceed with setting up your user account and other options. Wait for the installation to complete, then reboot. Post-Installation Setup Boot into Ubuntu: Remove the USB and boot. GRUB should show options for Ubuntu and Windows (if Windows is installed). If GRUB doesn’t appear, boot from the USB again, select “Try Ubuntu,” and run sudo grub-install /dev/sda followed by sudo update-grub. Mount Shared Partition: To access the shared NTFS partition, create a mount point (e.g., sudo mkdir /mnt/shared). Edit /etc/fstab to mount it automatically: bash

Copy sudo blkid # Note the UUID of the shared NTFS partition sudo nano /etc/fstab Add a line like: text

Copy UUID=your-uuid-here /mnt/shared ntfs defaults,uid=1000,gid=1000 0 2 Replace your-uuid-here with the actual UUID. Save and run sudo mount -a to test. Verify Swap: Run swapon --show to confirm the swap partition is active. Windows Boot Issues: If Windows doesn’t boot from GRUB, run sudo update-grub in Ubuntu to detect the Windows partition. Additional Notes Partition Table: For UEFI systems, use a GPT partition table. For Legacy, use MBR. Mixing modes can cause issues. Secure Boot: Ubuntu 25.04 supports Secure Boot, but if issues arise, disable it in BIOS/UEFI temporarily. GParted Live USB: If the installer still fails to recognize partitions, try repartitioning with a GParted Live USB, then retry the installation. Ubuntu Version: As of May 29, 2025, Ubuntu 25.04 is a non-LTS release. Ensure you have the correct ISO from ubuntu.com. Shared Partition Access: Both Ubuntu and Windows can access the NTFS shared partition, but avoid hibernating Windows, as it locks NTFS partitions.

6

Here’s the bit the installer doesn’t make obvious:

Boot the USB stick in UEFI mode
(you’ll see “UEFI : <USB-name>” in the one-time-boot menu).
Don’t mix Legacy/CSM and UEFI or Windows and Ubuntu will fight over the disk.

When you reach the “Storage” step choose Custom (manual) / Something else
In the 25.04 GUI it’s a small link under the big “Erase disk” and “Install alongside” buttons.
Click it and you’ll get the partition table you created in GParted.

Tell the installer what each partition is for

EFI (550 MiB, FAT32) - Mount point /boot/efi - do not format
Windows NTFS (150 GiB) - leave untouched
Ubuntu ext4 (150 GiB) - Mount point / - format ext4
Swap (8 GiB) - Type swap
SharedData NTFS (600 GiB) - (optional) set mount point /data or skip and mount later in fstab

Let the installer put GRUB in the existing EFI partition (it will do this automatically once you pick /boot/efi). That keeps one tidy UEFI boot menu for both Windows and Ubuntu.

After the install finishes

Re-enable Secure Boot if you want it (Ubuntu 25.04 is signed).
The Dell boot menu (F12 at power-on) will show both Windows Boot Manager and ubuntu. You can set the default in BIOS if you like.

That’s it no need to let the installer wipe your disk; the manual layout option is just a little tucked away.

7

Thank you. I will attempt this. Unfortunately, I have to take pics with my phone of this answer, because I need the kb/mouse/display for the install. Would I be OK “cloning” the old Windows drive to the Windows ntfs partition? Then I can just install Dell drivers and move forward later?

Is the rest pretty much a 1:1 the way I described?

Also, do the partitions, as I listed them, make sense for a dual boot setup, with shared data area? Anything special I need to do or know beyond this?

I anticipate moving a lot of stuff over from the Windows, and maybe eventually just doing away with it, if Ubuntu seems like it will do what I need.

8

Yes you can clone the old Windows-10 drive onto the new 150 GB NTFS slice and keep the rest of your plan exactly as it is. Just keep these points in mind:

Clone both the Windows partition and its tiny EFI partition from the old SSD to the new drive (same sizes or larger).
Stay in UEFI/GPT mode. After cloning, if Windows won’t boot, start a Windows USB, open Repair - Command Prompt, and run

bcdboot C:\Windows /f UEFI /s S:

(replace S: with the EFI drive letter shown there).
First boot on the Dell: install chipset/network drivers from Dell SupportAssist.
License: sign in with the same Microsoft account or enter the old product key if it was OEM.

Your Ubuntu installer steps remain the same:

EFI partition - /boot/efi (no format)
Windows NTFS - leave alone (the clone)
ext4 - /
swap - swap
SharedData NTFS - use later or mount at /mnt/shared

Clone, fix BCD if needed, install drivers, then install Ubuntu with Something else manual layout. Thats all I guess. If you have any problem do not hesitate to write here I will try to help.

9

Keep in mind that sometimes Dell BIOS and Ubuntu GRUB may not sync and may experience problems with settings such as ACPI. If this happens, you may need to fix the GRUB file. If so, you can refer to

, but.
make your grub timeout settings:-

`GRUB_TIMEOUT_STYLE=menu`


GRUB_TIMEOUT=5
10

OK, but do I put that on the EFI partition I made, or on another, different one? Can I do that after the fact if I install Ubuntu first?

11

Reading all these replies has me nervous about the future of this system. Maybe I’ll just skip the Ubuntu completely, or put it on an old drive, instead of partitioning off the whole drive and trying to get Windows and Ubuntu and BIOS to play nice together. I REALLY thought this was going to be easier.

12

Take a breath you’ve already done the hard thinking. Here’s the friendly version:

Keep it simple

One EFI partition is all you need.
Windows already has one; Ubuntu will just add its own folder inside it. Nothing extra to carve out.

Install order that usually just works:

Clone Windows to the 150 GB NTFS slice. Boot it once, let Dell SupportAssist pull in drivers.
Boot the Ubuntu USB - pick “Something else” - point each partition:

EFI - /boot/efi (no format)
ext4 - / (yes, format)
swap - swap
shared NTFS - leave or mount later
Windows NTFS - leave alone
Finish. GRUB shows both Windows and Ubuntu. Done.

Tweaks (like GRUB timeout 5 s) can wait until after you see both OSes booting happily.

Why bother with Ubuntu?

  • Safety net. If Windows decides to sulk, you still have a full desktop to rescue files.
  • Updates without drama. Security fixes roll in quietly every day.
  • Tinker-friendly. Great for coding, Docker, Steam Proton gaming, retro emulators no licenses, no nags.
  • Popular on Dells. Dell even sells PCs with Ubuntu pre-installed, so quirks are rare and fixes are well-documented.

Still nervous?

Install Ubuntu on the old 256 GB drive first. Kick the tires for a week. When you’re comfortable, repeat the same steps on the 1 TB drive nothing lost.

You’ve already mapped the partitions and backed up Windows. The rest is mostly clicking the right boxes. Worst-case, you can always re-clone and start over. So go for it you’re a half-hour away from a sleek dual-boot setup.

13

Thank you.
I’m a little slow, so can you point out to me where I can differentiate and pick the partitions ("pick “Something else”), which I created off a GParted USB standalone drive?

I’ve already done the “kick the tires” thing on the 256GB NVMe drive, and it was pretty decent.

14

Is this something I need to turn on or off in the BIOS?

You mean from the USB installer? I do not recall ever seeing anything like that in there. I will look again.

Someone mentioned installing Windows first. I’d prefer to do the Ubuntu first, only because I want to have something working right away while I futz with the Windows cloning/migration/moving part of this.

15

Booting the USB in UEFI mode

On your Dell 5090 tap F12 as soon as you power-on.
In the one-time-boot list you will see your stick twice:

UEFI:  SanDisk Cruzer   - pick this one
SanDisk Cruzer          - legacy/CSM

Choose the line that starts with UEFI:.
(You don’t need to change anything permanent in BIOS; just be sure “UEFI” is enabled and “Legacy/CSM” is disabled.)

Where the “Something else / Manual” button lives

  1. USB boots - pick language - keyboard - “Try or Install Ubuntu” - Install Ubuntu.
  2. You’ll reach the “Storage configuration” screen with big buttons like
    Erase disk and install Ubuntu and Install alongside Windows.
  3. Look at the very bottom-right corner (tiny text link) or a radio button that says “Something else” or “Custom/Manual”.
    Click that and Continue.

Now you’ll see the partition table exactly as you made it in GParted. Highlight each line and hit Change (or double-click) to tell Ubuntu what it’s for:

Partition Use as Mount point Format?
550 MB FAT32 EFI System Partition /boot/efi No
150 GB ext4 ext4 / Yes
8 GB swap swap area — auto
150 GB NTFS (Windows clone) do not use — No
600 GB NTFS (SharedData) (leave unmounted or set /mnt/shared) — No

Click Install Now, confirm, and finish the wizard.

Installing Windows later (if you prefer Ubuntu first) (I think Windows first is better)

Clone your old Windows into that 150 GB NTFS slice whenever you’re ready.
Windows setup may steal the “first boot” spot, but Ubuntu is still there; you can:

  1. Press F12 and pick “ubuntu”, or
  2. Boot Ubuntu once and run sudo grub-install && sudo update-grub to put GRUB back on top.

Nothing you do in Windows will overwrite your Ubuntu files.

Give it a go you already proved Ubuntu works on the smaller drive, so this is just repeating the dance on a roomier stage. Good luck, and shout if you get stuck!

1 Like
16

That assumes the Windows installer will recognize and play nice with an existing Ubuntu install.

Maybe it will. Sometimes it has in the past. Sometimes it hasn’t.
We don’t control that, which is why most dual-boot instructions install Windows first.
I stopped dual-booting over a decade ago in favor of a Windows VM on an Ubuntu host.

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17

Install info, #6 shows the choice for manual partitioning.

18

Well, I did it. So far.
Got Ubuntu working on my Gparted partitions.
I left the 2 NTFS ones alone, one is for Windows and one is for “SharedData”.
I also have some leftover, unformatted spare space.

The instructions give here were close, but did not exactly match up to the 25.04 installer. But, close enough that I could figure it out. Took me about 6 tries, because once you choose one way, and want to change, you have to basically start over from scratch.

Got some applications installed, and ran some updates. Not sure how or if this updates things like my USB WiFi device. Also, have a cable for Ham radio programming that needs a driver. Was tricky on Windows sometimes, so I’m fearful about Ubuntu linux.

Thanks again for the help so far.

19

What does one need to do, in order to avoid any pitfalls here? Surely, there must be a reason this happens, and steps to avoid that.

20

With UEFI, we have seen users install Windows after Ubuntu, not sure about Windows 11 as tthat is a lot different with bitlocker & fast startup as default. Where with old BIOS/MBR it was always better to install Windows first.
Part of issue is with UEFI Windows wants more than just a NTFS partition. It typically has ESP, system reserved, main install (c:) and multiple recovery partitions. System reserved must be before main install partition.
Often better then to just have unallocated space, so Windows can add partitions it wants.
It often does not see Linux partitions and that can be the issue.
Drive just be gpt partitioned which is recommended for UEFI, but required by Windows. Ubuntu will let you use old MBR(msdso) but probably should not. If converting from MBR to gpt, entire drive is erased.

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