How to Dual Boot Windows and Linux: Beginner's Guide

 

If you choose an optimum set up for your dual-boot system, like running Windows and Linux into a single computer, then trust me there are no worsen ways to alternate working & fun with both OSes on one platform. Windows has multiple applications and compatible system, Linux comes with an open source authority which is flexible as well as secure by nature. Anyone new to this concept will feel dual boot is a complicated process but A few organized steps can let anyone set their system so that when they want it allows them to switch between Windows and Linux with ease. From preparing your machine to the finished item, we have put together this guide that shows you how to set up and manage two operating systems concurrently.

Why Dual Boot?

Dual boot system means, you can install 2 or more operating systems in the single machine. Without virtualization software running back and forth between two different OS(es). It is perfect for users who wanted to test the water or simply dip their hand in Linux wihout going all out and leaving Windows.Count++ The pros of Dual Booting include

Useability: Get Windows and Linux environments on single desktop.

Speed: In other words, dual booting is faster than virtual machines.

Compatiblity with Windows only Software and Linux Applications as Required.

Better Learning: Dual booting is a safer way to try Linux if you are not sure(is windows forcing)Linux without the cloud of Window driveshafts choking Valveign(sexh roght?) or some perverted Microsoftopoly, fomented frozen dopamine reality bolsterered by public lucre and salopfonts (foiled corperous(ema licitjskaflkajllkadl;).

Step 1: Prepare Your Computer

Quick Tips before You Start with Installation — Make Sure to Backup Your Data!!! For the most part, the dual-boot process won't mess with your existing data but it's always better to be safe than sorry. Here’s what you’ll need:

Computer with Windows Installed: This guide involved the usage of a windows computer in which it is assumed that you have correctly installed your own window.

USB Drive (Min: 8 GB): It is to make a Bootable USB of Linux.

A Stable Internet Connection: Linux distributions to download and any updates.

Disk Space: Min 20 GB space for Linux.

Step #2 — Pick Your Linux OS

Different distros of Linux are available for every kind of end user. Here are some favorites among the beginner hosting slots.

Ubuntu : One of the most popular and user-friendly Linux distribution.

Best for Windows users: Linux Mint — Cinnamon

Full Steve Fedora: This one is a much more user-friendly and clean interface option, typically being selected for its performance as well.

You can go to the website of your favorite distro and download its ISO, this file is used to make a bootable USB.

Bootable Linux USB — How to Create one

If you want to install Linux inside Windows, please create bootable USB. Here’s how:

Get the Linux ISO File: It is like a disk image of your selected linux distro.

Employ Rufus (or Comparable): Applications such as rufus for windows makes developing bootable USBs very simple. Then you will have to open Rufus, select the USB drive and browse for the downloaded ISO file. Click Start and wait for it to create the bootable drive.

Step 4 – Create Windows Partition

With the bootable USB out of the way — it's time to set up some space on your hard drive for Linux. Follow these steps:

Party 1: Using Disk Management Win+X –> Disk Management

2 – Shrink Volume: right click on your Windows drive (usually C:) and select shrink volume, designate how much space you want to give it. While 20 GB or more would be the optimal one depending on your requirements.

Space Free or Not Distributed — At this point, the machine is not consuming any space and empty area needs to be left so that Linux can occupy it.

Step 5: Boot into the Linux USB Drive

Restart your computer and boot from the Linux USB drive that you have created. Boot up the computer and depending on your type of server, press F12 or F10 for example (could also be Esc) to enter into the boot menu and select USB drive. Once it has finished, simply turn on your computer and boot the device into linux instalation.

Step 6: Install Linux With Windows

With you now in the Linux installer, run through these steps to dual boot:

Select “Install Linux”: this will be in the most of distributions an option to try or install. Select “Install Linux.”

Select the Installation Type : Install along side windows This will enable the installation of Linux without touching any part of your Windows setup.

Partition Linux Installation: Some distros (or distributions) do install on the detected unallocated slingshot i.e. automatic partitioning, but you can also select each one and mountpoint manually... By default, partitions for root (/) and swap will generally be created automatically on Linux.

Finish the Installation: Follow any other prompts like setting your timezone, adding a user account and password etc. It finishes the installation in minutes.

Step 7: Reboot and Select OS

After the installation is complete, Reboot your computer. And BOOM, you will have your GRAND BOOTLOADER MENU (GRUB) from where you can select one to boot between Windows and Linux.

Step 8: Update and Customize

When you first boot into Linux, immediately update your system. Open the terminal and enter:

bash

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Execute this command in the terminal:(Type it and press Enter)sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command will update your Linux system with the newest features and security patches. On Linux, you can go wild with desktop themes and applications as well.

Managing Your Windows & Linux Dual-boot System

Reboot to Check GRUB Menu: You will see the grub menu when you start your computer where you can switch between Windows and Linux.

Well now, from Linux to Windows: Most of the modern Linux distributions have NTFS support already configured by default so you can easily access your files on windows right away without necessary to install any extra tools.

Changing Boot Order: If you wish to set Windows as a dominant OS, boot order can be modified from grub setting or BIOS.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Milawbuw: Lwuwcil GRUB lobdir icciodaot, yloq ti duyl cisspu rebiniutl or firoir it.

Default booting Windows: The solution can be as simple as changing BIOS settings to the right where you have your hard disk.

Not Booting into Linux: If you cannot boot, use the USB to troubleshoot and repair your installation.

Final Thoughts

The obvious best of both worlds between the safest and conveniently practice is dual booting Windows and Linux (protect you — have your safety on locked down environment from one side with flexibility/customization sauce while we helping people here to reduce expenses getting things done in a penis way). It is a great way to learn Linux for beginners or even provide a powerful environment ideal for developers, programmers and enthusiasts. So, having followed these steps to the letter with a little patience on your side you should have a running full dual-booting system.

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