How to Dual Boot Windows and Linux: Step-by-Step Guide

Do you want Windows for gaming & productivity and Linux for development & security? Dual booting is the solution, as it allows you to run both operating systems on a single PC. This guide will tell you how to partition, create a bootable USB, and install Linux next to Windows, all without data loss, step by step.

What’s Behind Dual Boot Windows and Linux?

Go for Windows-specific apps (Adobe Suite, Games) and yet Linux, as a source, you can use both of them.
You are safe from prying eyes on the Internet and any potential cyber-attack while working with Linux.
Try the Linux system while still having the safety of the Windows operating system.
Define and introduce the performance of each operating system in terms of resources.

Notice: Since dual booting requires disk partitioning, we strongly advise you to back up your data first before proceeding further!

Step 1: Prepare Your PC for Dual Booting

If you are about to install Linux, please make sure that:

You have backed up your important files, as data loss can happen by accident.
Your computer has the necessary system requirements (usually, almost all Linux distros need 20GB+ free space).
Fast Startup & Secure Boot should be turned off to prevent conflict.

How to Disable Fast Startup in Windows

1. Control Panel → Power Options should be opened.
2. “Choose what the power buttons do” must be clicked on.
3. On the page, the select “Change settings that are currently unavailable”.
4. Remove the check mark “Turn on fast startup” and then remember to save the requested changes.

How to Disable Secure Boot (UEFI Mode)

1. Restart the computer and press BIOS/UEFI (usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC).
2. Locate Secure Boot (under Boot or Security tab).
3. Turn off and save the changes.

Step 2: Partition Your Hard Drive for Linux

Linux needs space. Take this shrink, for example, this is how you do it:

Using Windows Disk Management

1. Win+X → Disk Management is the combo that you press.
2. Choose C: drive → “Shrink Volume” by right-clicking it.
3. Type the size in, for instance, 50,000 MB which equals ~50 GB for Linux.
4. Click “Shrink” for Linux—the space can be used here. It is released individually for Linux.

Step 3: Create a Bootable Linux USB

You can prepare:
A USB drive (8GB+).
A Linux ISO (Ubuntu, Fedora, or Mint recommended).
Rufus (Windows) or BalenaEtcher (Mac/Linux).

Using Rufus (Windows)

1. Download Rufus (https://rufus.ie/).
2. Insert USB → Open Rufus → Select your USB drive.
3. Click “SELECT” → Choose your Linux ISO.
4. Set Partition scheme to GPT (UEFI).
5. Click “START” → Wait until done.

Step 4: Install Linux Alongside Windows

1. Boot from USB (Restart PC → Press F12/F2/ESC for Boot Menu).
2. Select USB drive → Choose “Try or Install Linux”.
3. Follow installer steps until “Installation Type”.
4. Select “Install alongside Windows Boot Manager” (automatic partitioning).

1. OR Choose “Something else” for manual partitioning:
2. Root (/) – 30GB (Ext4)
3. Swap – 4GB (if <8GB RAM)
4. Home (/home) – Remaining space (for personal files)

1. Select bootloader location (usually /dev/sda).
2. Complete setup (username, password, timezone).
3. Restart → Remove USB when prompted.

Step 5: Choose OS at Startup (Dual Boot Menu)

After installation, you will be presented with the following:

• GRUB Bootloader (Linux default) – Allows you to choose between Windows and Linux.
• Windows Boot Manager – If Linux isn’t available, reboot and select Ubuntu/Fedora from BIOS.

Final Thoughts

Having Windows and Linux operating systems present on your computer means that you have the power to make the decision and still enjoy the efficiency of each OS at the same time. Stick to the recommendations outlined in this article, and in no time, you will enjoy two operating systems on your computer without any glitches!

Pro Tip: Test today with VirtualBox before going through the entire process of the partitioning.

FAQs About Dual Booting Windows & Linux