Install Ubuntu Without USB: Non-USB Installation Methods
A practical guide to installing Ubuntu without a USB drive, covering PXE network boot, ISO-on-disk options, and optical media with clear steps and safety tips.
Ubuntu can be installed without a USB using PXE network boot, ISO-on-disk, or DVD. Each method has prerequisites like DHCP/TFTP, disk space, and boot option access. See the full guide for exact steps and caveats.
What it means to install ubuntu without usb
Installing Ubuntu without a USB drive expands your options when a physical USB key isn't available. This approach relies on alternative startup media or network services, and it can be particularly useful for offices, labs, or older devices without easy USB access. According to Install Manual, planning is key: you should choose a method that matches your hardware, network, and security constraints. The Install Manual team found that most successful non-USB installations start with clear prerequisites and a tested boot path.
The core idea is to trigger the installer from a source other than a USB stick, whether by booting from a disk image on the internal drive, from a DVD, or over the network using PXE. Each route has its own set of requirements, caveats, and potential pitfalls. In practice, you will need access to the target machine's boot menu (or BIOS/UEFI settings), a copy of the Ubuntu installation image, and a way to present that image to the bootloader. The rest of this article will walk through several reliable approaches, with step-by-step guidance and checks to avoid common headaches.
After choosing a non-USB path, you should also confirm the version of Ubuntu you want to install and any preferred desktop environment. Keep in mind that enterprise networks often require additional configuration for proxies or authentication. Finally, document your plan and create a rollback strategy in case anything goes wrong. This upfront work reduces surprises and makes the installation smoother.
Tools & Materials
- Ubuntu ISO image(Download from official site; verify checksum to ensure integrity.)
- Network boot infrastructure (DHCP server, TFTP server)(Configured to serve netboot image; test with a small subnet first.)
- Target PC with boot options for network/optical(BIOS/UEFI settings must allow network or optical boot.)
- Internal storage with sufficient free space(Recommend 20–40 GB for minimal install; more for data.)
- DVD drive (optional)(Use if optical media is part of your plan.)
- VM software (optional)(If testing in a virtual environment (e.g., VirtualBox, VMware).)
- USB drive (fallback, optional)(Keep as a backup option if you can borrow one.)
- Test machine or spare hardware (optional)(Useful for validating PXE or ISO-on-disk setups before live deployment.)
Steps
Estimated time: 60-120 minutes
- 1
Download and verify the Ubuntu ISO
Visit the official Ubuntu site and choose the desired edition. Download the ISO and verify its SHA256 checksum to ensure file integrity before use.
Tip: Verify the checksum against the published value on the download page to avoid corrupted images. - 2
Choose a non-USB installation method
Assess your environment and pick PXE, ISO-on-disk, or optical media. Consider network reliability, hardware support, and available drives.
Tip: If your network is unreliable, ISO-on-disk or DVD may provide a simpler, offline path. - 3
Prepare PXE netboot (if using PXE)
Set up a DHCP scope that points to a TFTP server and place the Ubuntu netboot files in the TFTP root. Ensure firewall rules allow TFTP traffic.
Tip: Test with a single client first to confirm boot filename and path work. - 4
Configure GRUB for ISO-on-disk (if using ISO on disk)
Create or edit a GRUB entry that uses loopback to boot the Ubuntu ISO from a partition. Ensure the path is accessible and permissions are correct.
Tip: Double-check the syntax for the loopback boot entry to avoid boot errors. - 5
Burn a DVD or prepare optical media (if using optical)
Burn the Ubuntu ISO to a DVD using a reputable tool. Verify the disc is readable on the target machine and set BIOS/UEFI to boot from the optical drive.
Tip: Use good-quality media to reduce read errors during installation. - 6
Boot the target from the chosen source
Enter the boot menu, select the non-USB medium (network, internal ISO, or DVD), and start the installer. Watch for messages that indicate missing drivers or media.
Tip: If the installer doesn't start, revisit boot order and ensure the selected medium is first in the queue. - 7
Run the Ubuntu installer
Proceed through the standard Ubuntu installer prompts: language, keyboard layout, network, storage, and user setup. Choose installation type (erase disk or manual partitioning) as appropriate.
Tip: Back up important data before partitioning; double-check the target drive. - 8
Complete installation and reboot
Finish the installation, remove the installation media if prompted, and boot into your new Ubuntu system. Log in and confirm basic usability.
Tip: Update to the latest kernel and install security updates right after first boot. - 9
Post-install checks
Verify network access, install essential software, and configure users and permissions. Create a recovery plan in case you need to revert.
Tip: Document network settings and boot method for future re-installs or audits.
Got Questions?
Is Wubi still a viable option to install Ubuntu without USB?
Wubi is no longer recommended or officially supported. Use methods like PXE, ISO-on-disk, or DVD for non-USB installations. These approaches are more robust and compatible with current Ubuntu releases.
Wubi isn't recommended anymore; consider PXE, ISO-on-disk, or DVD for non-USB installs.
Can I install Ubuntu without internet access?
While PXE and network-based methods need network access, ISO-on-disk or DVD can install Ubuntu offline. Having a complete ISO on disk or a physical DVD allows installation without internet access.
Yes, you can install offline using an ISO on disk or a DVD.
Will non-USB methods speed up deployment in a lab environment?
Non-USB methods can streamline deployment when USB media is scarce or distributed hardware is common. The actual speed depends on network reliability (for PXE) or disk performance (for ISO-on-disk).
In labs, non-USB methods can speed things up if network or disk I/O is strong.
What if the target machine won’t boot from the chosen medium?
Verify boot order, enable the selected boot device in BIOS/UEFI, and check any vendor-specific settings. If issues persist, test with a different method (e.g., DVD instead of PXE).
Check boot order and disable conflicting settings; try an alternative method if needed.
Does installing Ubuntu this way erase existing data?
The installer can erase or partition drives. Choose the correct option during setup and back up important data beforehand to avoid loss.
Be sure to back up data and pick the correct partitioning option during install.
Is it legal or safe to run a PXE server at home for personal use?
Running a PXE setup at home for personal learning is generally fine, but ensure your network remains secure and doesn’t violate any local policies or ISP terms.
PXE is usually okay for personal learning as long as network security is kept in mind.
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Main Points
- Plan the non-USB path before starting
- Verify media integrity and boot options
- Test in a safe environment prior to production
- Keep a fallback USB or optical option available
- Complete post-install updates and backups
