How to Dual-Boot Linux and Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ever wanted the power and flexibility of Linux for programming or security tasks, but didn’t want to give up the vast software library and familiarity of Windows? You don’t have to choose. By creating a dual-boot system, you can install both operating systems on a single computer, giving you the best of both worlds.
A dual-boot setup allows you to select which operating system to load every time you turn on your machine. It’s the perfect solution for developers, students, and tech enthusiasts who need access to the unique tools and environments each OS offers. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparation to your first successful boot.
Before You Begin: Essential Preparations
Proper preparation is the key to a smooth and successful installation. Before you modify your system, taking these preliminary steps is non-negotiable.
- Crucially, back up all your important data. While the dual-boot process is generally safe, you are making significant changes to your hard drive. A full backup to an external drive or cloud service ensures that your personal files are protected in case anything goes wrong.
- Choose and download a Linux distribution. If you’re new to Linux, user-friendly options like Ubuntu or Linux Mint are excellent starting points. Download the latest stable version from its official website. The file you download will be an “.iso” image.
- Get a blank USB drive. You will need a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage. This drive will be completely erased during the process, so make sure it doesn’t contain any important files.
- Download a bootable USB creation tool. To make your USB drive bootable with the Linux ISO, you’ll need a utility like Rufus or balenaEtcher. Both are free and easy to use.
Step 1: Create Space for Linux on Your Hard Drive
Your first task is to shrink your existing Windows partition to create unallocated space for your new Linux installation.
- In Windows, press the Windows Key + R, type
diskmgmt.msc, and press Enter. This will open the Disk Management tool. - Right-click on your main Windows partition, which is usually the C: drive.
- Select “Shrink Volume…” from the context menu.
- You’ll be asked how much space to shrink. This is the amount of space that will be dedicated to Linux. A minimum of 30-40 GB is recommended, but 100 GB or more is ideal if you plan to install many applications.
- Click “Shrink.” You will now see a new block of “Unallocated” space on your drive. Do not format this new space. Leave it as it is for the Linux installer to use.
Step 2: Create Your Bootable Linux USB
Now it’s time to turn your downloaded ISO file and blank USB drive into a bootable Linux installer.
- Plug your USB drive into your computer.
- Open the USB creation tool you downloaded (e.g., Rufus).
- In the tool, select your USB drive from the device list.
- Click the “Select” button to browse for and choose the Linux .iso file you downloaded earlier.
- Ensure the partition scheme is set to GPT and the target system is UEFI, which are the standards for most modern computers.
- Click “Start” and confirm that you’re okay with the drive being erased. The tool will now create your bootable Linux installer.
Step 3: Configure Your BIOS/UEFI Settings
To boot from the USB drive instead of your hard drive, you need to make a quick change in your computer’s BIOS or UEFI firmware.
- Restart your computer. As it starts up, you need to press a specific key to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup. Common keys include F2, F10, F12, or Delete. The correct key is often displayed on the screen during startup.
- Once in the setup menu, look for a “Boot” or “Boot Order” tab.
- Change the boot priority to make your USB drive the first boot device.
- You may also need to disable Secure Boot. This security feature can sometimes prevent booting from external devices like a Linux USB. The option is usually found in the “Security” or “Boot” tab.
- Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup. Your computer will now restart and boot from the USB drive.
Step 4: Install Linux Alongside Windows
Your computer will now load the Linux environment from the USB drive. You will typically be given two options: “Try Linux” or “Install Linux.” It’s a good idea to try it first to ensure all your hardware (Wi-Fi, graphics, etc.) works correctly. When you’re ready, launch the installer.
Follow the on-screen prompts for language and keyboard layout. The most important step is the “Installation type” screen.
- You will be presented with several options. The one you want is “Install [Your Linux Distro] alongside Windows Boot Manager.”
- This option is the safest and easiest. The installer will automatically detect the unallocated space you created earlier and set up the necessary partitions for Linux within it. It will also install the GRUB bootloader, which manages the dual-boot menu.
Select this option and continue. The installer will guide you through the remaining steps, such as choosing your time zone and creating a user account and password. Once the installation is complete, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Remove the USB drive when told to do so.
Welcome to Your Dual-Boot System
Upon restarting, you will no longer boot directly into Windows. Instead, you’ll be greeted by the GRUB bootloader menu. This menu will list your Linux installation and the Windows Boot Manager.
Using your arrow keys, you can now choose which operating system you want to load for your session. If you don’t make a selection, it will automatically boot into the default option (usually Linux) after a few seconds.
You have now successfully created a powerful and versatile dual-boot system, giving you seamless access to both the Windows and Linux ecosystems on one machine.
Source: https://linuxblog.io/dual-boot-linux-windows-install-guide/
