Where to get Linux and what you're actually downloading
Linux itself is free and legal to download from the official websites of different Linux versions. When you download Linux, you are getting an ISO file — a single large file that contains the entire operating system. This file is not yet installed on your computer; it is a copy that you will put onto a USB drive or DVD, then use to install Linux on your machine.
The most popular versions for people new to Linux are Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora. Each has its own website where you can download the ISO file at no cost. The file size is usually between 2 and 4 gigabytes, so the download can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on your internet speed.
Before you download, decide whether you want to try Linux without installing it (called a "live" version) or go straight to installing it permanently. Most versions let you do both — you can boot from the USB drive to test it first, then install it if you like it.
Key Takeaways
- Linux ISO files are free to download from official websites like ubuntu.com, linuxmint.com, or fedoraproject.org, and the download takes 10 to 30 minutes on a typical home internet connection.
- An ISO file is a complete copy of the operating system that you must write to a USB drive or DVD before you can use it — downloading the file alone does not install Linux on your computer.
- You will need a USB drive with at least 8 gigabytes of free space, or a blank DVD, plus free software like Balena Etcher or Rufus to write the ISO file to the drive.
- Most Linux versions let you boot from the USB drive and test the system before you install it, so you can make sure your hardware works with it first.
Choosing which Linux version to download
Ubuntu is the most widely used version and a good starting point if you have never used Linux before. Go to ubuntu.com, click the download button, and choose the latest long-term support (LTS) version — this version gets updates for five years and is more stable than newer releases. The file you download is called ubuntu-24.04-desktop-amd64.iso or similar, depending on the current version number.
Linux Mint is another beginner-friendly option that many people find easier to navigate than Ubuntu. Visit linuxmint.com, select your region, and download the Cinnamon edition — this is the most popular desktop layout. The file will be something like linuxmint-22-cinnamon-64bit.iso.
Fedora is updated more frequently and includes newer software, which appeals to people who want the latest tools but are comfortable troubleshooting. Download from fedoraproject.org and choose the Workstation edition for a desktop computer.
All three are free, legal, and work on most computers made in the last 10 years. If you are unsure which to pick, start with Ubuntu — it has the most online guides and community support when you run into questions.
What you need before you download
You will need a USB drive with at least 8 gigabytes of space that you do not mind erasing, because writing the ISO file to it will delete everything on the drive. A USB 3.0 drive (usually marked with a blue connector) writes faster than older USB 2.0 drives, but either works.
Alternatively, you can use a blank DVD and a DVD burner, though USB drives are faster and more reliable. If you choose DVD, you will need DVD-writing software — Windows 10 and 11 have this built in, and Mac and Linux have it too.
You will also need free software to write the ISO file to the USB drive. Balena Etcher works on Windows, Mac, and Linux and is the easiest option for people new to this process. Rufus is another popular choice for Windows. Both are free and take about five minutes to download and install.
Steps to download the ISO file
- Go to the official website for the Linux version you chose (ubuntu.com, linuxmint.com, or fedoraproject.org).
- Look for a button labeled "Download" or "Get Ubuntu" (or the name of your chosen version).
- Select the 64-bit desktop version — this works on almost all modern computers. Do not choose 32-bit unless your computer is very old.
- Click the download link. The ISO file will begin downloading to your computer's Downloads folder. Do not interrupt the download.
- Wait for the download to finish. You will see a file with a name like ubuntu-24.04-desktop-amd64.iso in your Downloads folder.
The download may take 10 to 30 minutes. If your internet connection drops, you may need to start over — most websites do not resume partial downloads. If the download fails, try again or try a different download mirror (most Linux websites offer several mirrors to choose from).
Writing the ISO file to a USB drive
Once the ISO file is downloaded, you need to write it to the USB drive using software like Balena Etcher. Plug the USB drive into your computer, then follow these steps.
- Download and install Balena Etcher from balena.io/etcher (it is free).
- Open Balena Etcher.
- Click "Select image" and choose the ISO file you downloaded (it will be in your Downloads folder).
- Click "Select target" and choose your USB drive from the list. Double-check that you have selected the USB drive and not your main hard drive — this step erases the drive you select.
- Click "Flash" and wait for the process to finish. This usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.
- When it is done, safely eject the USB drive from your computer.
Do not unplug the USB drive while the flash process is running — wait until Balena Etcher tells you it is complete. If you accidentally selected the wrong drive, Balena Etcher will ask you to confirm before erasing anything, so read the screen carefully.
Testing Linux before you install it
Before you install Linux on your computer, you can boot from the USB drive and test it without making any changes to your system. This is called a "live" session and lets you check that your keyboard, mouse, internet, and other hardware work correctly with Linux.
Restart your computer and watch for a message that says "Press F12 to enter boot menu" or "Press Delete to enter setup" — the exact key varies by computer maker. Press that key repeatedly as the computer starts up. You should see a menu that lets you choose to boot from the USB drive. Select the USB drive and press Enter.
Linux will load from the USB drive. You can open programs, browse the internet, and explore the desktop. Nothing you do in this live session will be saved or affect your computer. When you are ready to install Linux permanently, you will see an "Install" button on the desktop.
Troubleshooting download and writing problems
If the ISO file download keeps failing, try downloading from a different mirror. Most Linux websites list several mirrors (different servers that host the same file). Switching mirrors often solves connection problems.
If Balena Etcher says "No target found" or does not show your USB drive, try unplugging the drive and plugging it back in. Make sure the drive has at least 8 gigabytes of free space. If you are using an older USB drive, try a newer one — very old drives sometimes do not work reliably.
If your computer will not boot from the USB drive, restart the computer and try pressing a different key to enter the boot menu. Common keys are F2, F10, F12, Delete, and Escape — your computer's startup screen usually tells you which one to use. If you still cannot boot from USB, check your computer's BIOS settings to make sure USB boot is turned on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is downloading Linux legal and safe?
Yes. Linux is open-source software, which means the code is public and anyone can download and use it for free. The official websites (ubuntu.com, linuxmint.com, fedoraproject.org) are safe and legitimate. Always download from the official website, not from third-party sites, to avoid modified or malicious versions.
How much internet do I need to download Linux?
Most Linux versions are 2 to 4 gigabytes. If your internet plan has a data limit, this will count against it. On a typical home connection (25 Mbps or faster), the download takes 10 to 30 minutes. On slower connections, it may take an hour or more.
Can I download Linux on a Mac or Chromebook?
You can download the ISO file on a Mac, but installing Linux on a Mac is more complicated because Macs use different hardware. Chromebooks cannot run Linux in the traditional way, though some newer Chromebooks have a Linux container feature. If you want to run Linux, a Windows PC or older Mac is the easiest starting point.
What if I do not have a USB drive or DVD?
You need one to install Linux. USB drives are inexpensive (usually under $15 for an 8 GB drive) and widely available at electronics stores and online. A DVD and drive are less common now but still an option if you have them. Without one of these, you cannot write the ISO file to anything your computer can boot from.
Do I need to uninstall Windows to use Linux?
No. You can set up your computer to run both Windows and Linux by partitioning your hard drive, or you can replace Windows entirely with Linux. The live USB lets you test Linux first, so you can decide which approach you prefer before making any permanent changes.