How to Install Ubuntu Linux on a Windows ？
Many Windows tablets still work perfectly from a hardware point of view, yet the original system feels slow, cluttered, or unsupported. At the same time, more engineers and power users want a portable Ubuntu Linux tablet they can use for development, diagnostics, or industrial projects. Instead of buying a new device, you can often turn an existing Windows tablet – including a rugged Windows tablet – into a very capable Ubuntu machine.
In this guide, we will walk through how to install Ubuntu on a Windows tablet using a USB flash drive. The steps work for many x86 Windows tablets and rugged tablets, and the flow is similar whether your device comes from a consumer brand or from an industrial vendor. You will see how to prepare your hardware, create a bootable USB stick, run Ubuntu in live mode, and finally install it in a way that fits your use case.
This tutorial focuses on x86 / 64-bit Windows tablets. Android tablets and ARM-based devices follow a different process and are not covered here.
1. Before You Start: What You Need and What You Should Check
Before you rush to download an ISO file, it is worth spending a few minutes checking whether your tablet actually meets the requirements for a smooth Ubuntu experience.
1.1 Hardware checklist
You will get the best results if your device meets the following conditions:
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CPU: 64-bit x86 processor (Intel or AMD).
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RAM: At least 4 GB, although 8 GB or more feels much more comfortable once you start multitasking.
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Storage: Ideally 40 GB or more of free space, especially if you plan to dual-boot Windows and Ubuntu.
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Ports: At least one USB-A or USB-C port, or a docking connector that can break out into USB.
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Power: A reliable charger, because you do not want the tablet to shut down in the middle of installation.
On rugged Windows tablets – for example, a device similar to the Sunboo I87J – these conditions are typically easier to meet, because they use PC-class hardware and larger SSDs. Consumer tablets sometimes use more constrained components, so checking the specs first really helps.
1.2 Tools and accessories
To install Ubuntu from USB on a tablet, you need a few small accessories:
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An 8 GB or larger USB flash drive that you can safely erase.
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A USB keyboard and, ideally, a simple mouse or touchpad.
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A USB hub or OTG adapter, especially if your tablet has only one type-C port.
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Access to another Windows PC or laptop where you can create the bootable USB stick.
Without an external keyboard the process becomes much harder, so it is better to prepare one instead of trying to fight with an on-screen keyboard during installation.
1.3 Backup and risk warning
Installing any new operating system carries risk. Therefore you should:
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Copy important files from the tablet to an external drive or cloud storage.
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Write down any software keys or licenses that you might need later.
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Decide whether you want a dual-boot setup or you are ready to erase Windows completely.
If this tablet is part of a business project or if it controls valuable equipment, you may want to test the procedure on a spare unit first. For large rollouts, many companies prefer tablets that arrive with Ubuntu Linux pre-installed and supported by the manufacturer.
2. Step 1 – Confirm That Your Tablet Can Run Ubuntu
The first technical step is to make sure the device uses the right architecture and firmware.
2.1 Check the processor and system type
On Windows, open Settings → System → About and look for “System type” and processor information. You should see something like “64-bit operating system, x64-based processor.” If you see 32-bit or ARM, this particular tablet is not suitable for the method described here.
On a rugged Windows tablet used in industrial environments, you will often find Intel Celeron, Pentium, or Core processors. These CPUs run Ubuntu very well, as long as you have enough RAM.
2.2 Verify that you can access UEFI / BIOS
Next, make sure you can reach the firmware settings:
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Restart the tablet.
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While it reboots, press the typical keys such as F2, F10, F12, Del or Esc.
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If your device uses a dedicated “BIOS” or “Menu” button, check the vendor manual.
You do not need to change anything yet. At this stage, you only want to confirm that you can enter the menu and later change the boot order.
3. Step 2 – Download the Right Ubuntu Image
Now you are ready to download Ubuntu itself.
3.1 Choose a stable LTS version
Visit the official Ubuntu website and download the latest Ubuntu Desktop LTS ISO file. The LTS (Long-Term Support) editions receive security updates and stability fixes for many years, which makes them suitable for industrial and professional deployments as well as long-term personal use.
You can of course experiment with non-LTS versions, but for a tablet that you intend to use daily, the LTS branch is usually the smarter choice.
3.2 Save the ISO on a Windows PC
Save the ISO file onto a Windows PC or laptop that you can use temporarily. It is much easier to create a bootable USB stick from a full Windows environment than from the tablet itself, especially if that tablet is already old or unstable.
4. Step 3 – Create a Bootable Ubuntu USB Flash Drive
To install Ubuntu on a Windows tablet, you now need to turn your USB stick into a bootable installer.
4.1 Using Rufus on Windows
One of the simplest tools is Rufus. After downloading and launching Rufus on your PC:
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Insert the USB flash drive.
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Select the drive in Rufus under “Device.”
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Click “Select” and choose the Ubuntu ISO you downloaded.
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Keep the default “Partition scheme” (often GPT) and “Target system” (UEFI).
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Click “Start” and allow Rufus to erase and format the USB stick.
The process usually takes a few minutes. When it finishes, safely eject the USB drive.
4.2 If you only have the tablet
Sometimes you do not have access to another computer. In theory you can still use tools on the tablet itself, but if that system is already unstable, the experience may be frustrating. In that case, borrowing a PC from a colleague or friend for 15 minutes is often easier. For mission-critical projects you could even order tablets that ship from the factory as Ubuntu on rugged tablet devices, which removes this step entirely.
5. Step 4 – Boot the Tablet from the USB Installer
The next goal is to make the tablet start from the USB drive instead of booting straight into Windows.
5.1 Connect everything through a hub or dock
Connect the following to your tablet:
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The bootable USB stick
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The keyboard (and optionally a mouse)
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The charger, especially if the USB-C port is also the charging port
A small powered USB hub or an OTG adapter with power-through works very well here. On rugged Windows tablets with full-size ports, this step is usually simpler.
5.2 Enter the firmware and choose the USB drive
Restart the tablet and press the key that opens the Boot Menu or UEFI Setup. Once inside:
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If there is a one-time Boot Menu, select the USB device directly.
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Otherwise, open the boot order settings, move the USB drive to the top, and save the configuration.
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In some firmware menus you may need to temporarily disable Secure Boot. You can usually enable it again later, after confirming that Ubuntu boots properly.
When you exit the firmware with the USB drive selected, the tablet should start the Ubuntu installer instead of Windows.
6. Step 5 – Try Ubuntu in Live Mode Before Installing
Ubuntu will now show a welcome screen with two main options: “Try Ubuntu” and “Install Ubuntu.” It is very tempting to click “Install” immediately, but testing the live environment first is a smart habit.
6.1 Test essential hardware components
In live mode you can check:
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Whether the touchscreen responds accurately
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If Wi-Fi networks appear and connect correctly
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Whether sound output works through speakers or headphones
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If Bluetooth can detect devices such as scanners or keyboards
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How the display scaling looks and whether rotation behaves reasonably
If all these elements behave as expected, you can continue with more confidence. When something does not work, sometimes a simple update or driver change helps; in other situations it indicates that this particular tablet is a poor match for Ubuntu.
6.2 Decide whether to proceed
If you see only minor issues – for example, rotation does not work automatically but everything else is fine – you can usually fix them later. However, if there is no Wi-Fi at all or the touchscreen does not respond, you should consider switching hardware or choosing a tablet that is already sold as an Ubuntu Linux tablet operating systems with official support.
7. Step 6 – Install Ubuntu on the Tablet
Once you are satisfied with the live test, double-click the “Install Ubuntu” icon. The installer will guide you through several steps.
7.1 Choose the installation type
After selecting language and keyboard layout, you will reach a screen that asks where to install Ubuntu. You normally see three options:
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Install Ubuntu alongside Windows
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Creates a dual-boot system.
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Windows stays on the disk, and you choose the OS at startup.
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This is perfect if you are still evaluating Ubuntu and want a safe fallback.
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Erase disk and install Ubuntu
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Wipes all partitions and files on the internal storage.
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Ideal when you want a dedicated Ubuntu device or when Windows is no longer needed.
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Something else
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Allows manual partitioning.
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Recommended only if you are familiar with Linux storage layouts.
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For most users, the first two choices are enough. On rugged tablets used for industrial applications, many integrators prefer a clean Ubuntu installation without Windows, because this simplifies maintenance and reduces update surprises.
7.2 Let the installer handle the partitions
If you pick “alongside Windows” or “erase disk,” the installer will automatically create the necessary partitions for the root system and swap space. You do not need to design a complex partition scheme. For a typical tablet, a single root partition plus EFI and swap works very well.
7.3 Complete the installation
The remaining pages ask for your:
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Time zone
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Username and strong password
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Option to log in automatically or require a password each time
After you confirm these details, the files will be copied from the USB stick to the internal storage. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the tablet’s SSD and USB speed.
When the installation finishes, Ubuntu will suggest a restart. Remove the USB drive when prompted, then let the tablet boot from its internal disk.
8. Step 7 – First Boot and Post-Install Tweaks
On the first boot you will see the Ubuntu login screen. After signing in, you can make several adjustments so the tablet feels more natural in daily use.
8.1 Run system updates
Before anything else, open the Software Updater or run an update command in the terminal. Fresh packages often include better drivers, security patches, and improvements to the desktop environment. This is particularly important if you rely on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for field connectivity.
8.2 Adjust display scaling and fonts
Tablet screens are usually small but high resolution. Therefore, you may want to:
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Increase the scaling factor to 125% or 150%.
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Set a slightly larger default font size.
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Enable fractional scaling if your GPU supports it.
These small tweaks drastically improve readability when you hold the device in your hands instead of sitting in front of a large monitor.
8.3 Enable on-screen keyboard and touch-friendly elements
Although you have a hardware keyboard, you often want to tap on a software keyboard for quick inputs. In the settings, you can enable the on-screen keyboard and test whether it appears in text fields. Additionally, you might switch to a desktop layout with larger icons or install a more touch-oriented shell, depending on your preferences.
8.4 Configure power and lid-close behavior
Tablets operate on battery most of the time. Therefore you should:
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Review sleep and hibernate settings.
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Decide what happens when you press the power button.
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Choose whether the tablet should sleep when the cover closes or when the screen rotates.
In vehicle-mount or warehouse scenarios, integrators often configure the tablet to wake up as soon as external power returns and to avoid deep hibernation that might confuse background processes.
9. Step 8 – Extra Optimizations for Rugged and Industrial Tablets
If you are using a rugged tablet with Ubuntu, you probably care not only about usability but also about reliability and control in the field.
9.1 Lock the device to a dedicated application
In many projects, the tablet only needs to run one main application, such as:
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A warehouse management system client
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A browser-based HMI dashboard
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A custom data collection tool
You can configure Ubuntu to auto-login and automatically launch this application at startup. In combination with kiosk-mode settings in the browser or desktop environment, the tablet behaves like a dedicated terminal rather than a general-purpose PC.
9.2 Harden user permissions
In industrial deployments, you rarely want field staff to change network settings or install additional software. You can:
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Create a restricted user account for daily use.
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Keep an administrator account with a strong password for maintenance.
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Disable access to certain system settings through policy tools.
This approach reduces accidental misconfiguration and helps maintain a consistent environment across a large fleet of tablets.
9.3 Optimize networking and peripherals
Many rugged tablets offer multiple communication channels and ports. Under Ubuntu you can:
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Set fixed IP addresses or VLAN tagging when necessary.
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Configure VPN connections back to your data center.
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Test serial ports, CAN interfaces, or barcode scanners that connect via USB.
For long-term projects it often makes sense to document a standard Linux image that includes all these configurations, then clone it to multiple devices.
10. Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with careful planning, things can still go wrong. Fortunately, most issues follow a few recognizable patterns.
10.1 The tablet does not boot from USB
If the tablet ignores the USB stick and goes straight into Windows:
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Enter the firmware again and check the boot order.
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Confirm that the USB drive appears as a UEFI boot option.
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Try recreating the installer with another USB stick or a slower write mode.
Sometimes Secure Boot prevents Ubuntu from loading. In that case, disabling Secure Boot temporarily often resolves the issue.
10.2 No Wi-Fi or sound after installation
When networking or audio does not work:
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Connect via Ethernet if possible and run all available updates.
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Open “Additional Drivers” to see whether proprietary drivers are offered.
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Search for your tablet model name together with “Ubuntu driver” to see if others have found a solution.
On rugged tablets built from standard PC components, Wi-Fi and sound typically work out of the box. Consumer tablets may use more unusual chips, which require extra work.
10.3 Touchscreen problems
If the touchscreen does not respond correctly:
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Test with a USB mouse to confirm that the system itself is stable.
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Check whether the device appears when you run hardware detection commands.
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Look for existing configuration snippets that map the touch coordinates to the screen.
In rare cases the touchscreen controller has no Linux driver at all. When that happens, using the device as a convertible laptop with keyboard and touchpad remains possible, but it no longer behaves as a tablet. For heavy touch usage, choosing a tablet certified for Ubuntu is more efficient.
11. When You Should Not DIY: Consider Pre-Installed Ubuntu Rugged Tablets
For enthusiasts, turning an old Windows tablet into an Ubuntu device is fun and rewarding. However, for companies running warehouses, vehicle fleets, or production lines, a do-it-yourself approach is not always the smartest option.
You should consider pre-installed Ubuntu rugged tablets when:
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The tablet is part of a critical workflow and downtime is expensive.
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Your team does not have in-house Linux expertise for long-term support.
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You need dozens or hundreds of units with identical configurations.
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You require guaranteed driver support for specific industrial interfaces.
Vendors that specialize in rugged computing can provide tablets similar to the Sunboo I87J with Ubuntu images already tested and tuned. They often deliver documentation, SDKs, and long-term availability, which simplifies both deployment and maintenance. In that model, your engineers focus on the application, while the hardware and operating system arrive as a stable, integrated platform.
12. Conclusion: From Windows Tablet to Ubuntu Linux Companion
Installing Ubuntu on a Windows or rugged tablet is no longer an exotic experiment. With the right preparation, a USB flash drive, and a bit of patience, you can transform an aging device into a flexible Ubuntu Linux tablet that still has many productive years ahead of it.
You started by confirming that the hardware is suitable, then downloaded a stable Ubuntu Desktop LTS image and created a bootable USB installer. After changing the boot order, you tested Ubuntu in live mode, checked critical hardware components, and finally installed the system either alongside Windows or as a clean replacement. With a few post-install tweaks and some additional hardening, the tablet can serve as a personal development machine or as a durable workstation in warehouses, vehicles, and factory floors.
For personal use or small experiments, this guide gives you everything you need to install Ubuntu on a Windows tablet using a USB flash drive. For larger deployments, however, it may be wiser to work with a supplier that offers rugged tablets with Ubuntu pre-installed and supported as a complete solution. Either way, Ubuntu remains a powerful way to extend the life of your hardware and to build systems that you can truly understand and control.
