← Back to blog
bpdubuntu

A Guide to Installing Ubuntu Server from a USB Drive

10 December 2025bpd · ubuntu

Set Up Your Own Server in Just a Few Steps

Installing Ubuntu Server on a physical machine is a straightforward process, very similar to installing the desktop version. The ‘Ubuntu System Administration Guide’ provides a clear walkthrough of the text-based installer, ensuring you can get your server up and running quickly.

The Installation Process

  1. Create a Bootable USB: First, download the Ubuntu Server ISO and use a tool like balenaEtcher to write it to a USB drive.
  2. Choose Your Version: During the installation, you can choose between a standard server installation or a ‘minimized’ version with a smaller footprint, ideal for specific applications like running Docker containers.
  3. Disk Configuration: The installer offers a guided setup to use an entire disk and can automatically configure it with LVM (Logical Volume Management) for flexible storage.
  4. Enable SSH: A crucial step is to select the option to ‘Install OpenSSH server’. This will allow you to connect to and manage your server remotely once the installation is complete.

After answering a few questions about your user account and network, the installer will set up the system, and you’ll have a fresh Ubuntu Server ready to go.

This post is based from content of the book Ubuntu System adminstration guide. And the book can be found here https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mattias-Hemmingsson/author/B0FF5CQX13