No doubt Ubuntu is the best Linux distro for beginners. So many linux beginners want to know how to dual boot windows 10 and ubuntu, instead of completely removing windows. Here in this tutorial you will learn how to install linux and windows alongside on a UEFI based system with GPT partition table.
- Dual Boot Windows Linux Mint
- Ubuntu
- Dual Boot Windows Linux Bitlocker
- Dual Boot Windows Linux Secure Boot
Brief: This detailed article shows you how to dual boot Ubuntu with Windows 10, step-by-step, accompanied with proper screenshots.
Previously I had written about dual booting Ubuntu Linux with Windows 7 and 8, but those tutorials did not cover systems that come with Windows 10 pre-installed. The newer systems that come with Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, have UEFI instead of BIOS. This makes thing a little different from the conventional way of dual booting.
- Dual Boot Linux with Windows 10 – Windows Installed First. For many users, Windows 10 installed first will be the likely configuration. In fact, this is the ideal way to dual boot Windows and Linux.
- Previously I had written about dual booting Ubuntu Linux with Windows 7 and 8, but those tutorials did not cover systems that come with Windows 10 pre-installed. The newer systems that come with Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, have UEFI instead of BIOS. This makes thing a little different from the conventional way of dual booting.
- Thankfully, dual-booting Windows and Linux is very straightforward—and I'll show you how to set it up, with Windows 10 and Ubuntu 18.04, in this article. Before you get started, make sure you've backed up your computer. Although the dual-boot setup process is not very involved, accidents can still happen.
In this tutorial, we shall see how to install Ubuntu with Windows 10 already installed.
This tutorial is performed on a newly bought Dell Inspiron 7437 that has Core i7 fourth generation processor, 256 GB SSD, 8 GB RAM and built in 1 GB Intel graphics. I’ll cover all the steps you need to do in order to successfully dual boot Linux with Windows 10 UEFI. If you have already done some of these steps, just skip to the next one. If you have a fresh system, even better.
The steps mentioned here are applicable to other Ubuntu based Linux distributions such as Linux Mint, Elementary OS etc. Cutting the chit-chat, let’s see how to dual boot Linux on a UEFI secure boot enabled Windows 10 system.
Dual boot Ubuntu with Windows 10 and Windows 8.1:
Though I have used Ubuntu 14.04 here, it is applicable to all versions of Ubuntu, be it Ubuntu 15.10 or Ubuntu 16.04. There are various prerequisites to install Ubuntu on a UEFI system. I’ll list them for easier read here:
- Ubuntu ISO burned to a USB or DVD (we’ll see it)
- Windows backup (optional)
- Windows 10 bootable USB (optional yet recommended as it will save your day if anything goes wrong)
Let’s see the steps of installing Ubuntu along side Windows 10.
Step 1: Make a backup [optional]
It is always nice to make a back up, just in case if you mess up with the system. There are numerous articles on the web to show you how to backup your system. You can follow this tutorial here.
Step 2: Create a live USB/disk of Ubuntu
The next thing you need to do is to create a live USB or disk. I recommend Universal USB Installer to create a live USB of Linux OS in Windows.
Read this screenshot tutorial to learn how to create a live USB of Ubuntu Linux in Windows.
Step 3: Make a partition where Ubuntu will be installed
Assuming tat you have a fresh system, the first thing we need to do is to make a partition to install Linux. The 256 GB in my system was already had several partitions from manufacturer but mainly for backup and other purposes. Main partition was C drive, of around 220 GB, where Windows 8.1 was installed.
If you have just one partition like this, you need to make some free space out of it for Linux. If you have several partitions of considerable size, use any of them except C drive because it may erase the data.
To make a partition in Windows 8, go to Disk Management tool. You can find disk management tool by searching for ‘disk’ in Control Panel.
In the Disk Management tool, right click on the drive which you want to partition and select shrink volume. In my case, I shrank the C drive to make some free space:
You can leave the free space as it is. We shall use it while installing Ubuntu.
Step 4: Disable fast startup in Windows [optional]
Windows 8 introduced a new feature called “fast startup” for quick boot. While it is not mandatory, it would be better to have it disabled.
Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > System Settings > Choose what the power buttons do and uncheck the Turn on fast startup box.
If you need more hints, follow this screenshot tutorial to disable fast startup in Windows.
Step 5: Disable secureboot in Windows 10 and 8.1
This is the most important step. The new secure boot feature of Windows 8, originally intended for security feature for rootkit viruses, prevents dual booting of Windows with Linux. To dual boot Windows 8 with Linux, we must disable secure boot in UEFI.
It is better that you follow this screenshot guide to disable secure boot in Windows 10 Windows 8.1.
Step 6: Installing Ubuntu along with Windows 10, 8.1
Once you have disabled secure boot, it’s time to install Ubuntu. I hope you already created the live USB as mentioned in step 2. Plug in the USB and boot the system from it.
To boot from USB, will have to choose boot from USB option from within Windows itself. Either with PC Setting (like for UEFI) or pressing shift key while clicking on Restart.
Once you have booted in the live USB, you will be presented with option to try or install Ubuntu. Click on install. You will be presented with few screen options to choose the language. It will then do some checks on available space, power and internet connection etc. Just click on Continue.
The main screen which you should pay attention to is Installation Type. Choose Something else here:
Remember we had created some free space beforehand? We shall use the free space to create Root, Swap and Home. Select the free space and click on the + sign.
It will provide you with option to create Linux partition. We are creating the Root partition. Any thing above 20 GB is more than sufficient for it. Choose the size, select Ext 4 as file type and / (means root) as the mount point.
Clicking on OK in previous step will bring you to the partition screen. Next we will create swap. Like previously, click on the + sign again. This time use the file type as Swap area. Suggestible swap size is double of RAM.
In similar fashion, create a Home partition. Allocate it maximum space (in fact allocate it rest of the free space) because this is where you’ll save music, pictures and downloaded files.
Once you are ready with Root, Swap and Home, click on Install Now:
Well, you have almost won the battle. You can smell victory now. Next you will be asked to set username password etc. Basically, you just need to click next now.
Once the installation is completed, restart the computer, you should be welcomed by a purple grub screen. Enjoy Ubuntu along with Windows 10 in dual boot mode.
Note: If after installing Ubuntu, you boot directly in Windows, check in UEFI settings for changing the boot order. If you see no option to set the boot to Ubuntu, you need to fix it from within Windows. When you are in Windows desktop, hover the mouse in left corner, right click and select administrator’s command prompt. Then run the following command:
This should make the Grub default and hence you can access both Ubuntu and Windows from it.
I hope this guide helped you to dual boot Ubuntu with Windows 10 UEFI. If you want to reverse the process, follow this guide to remove Ubuntu from dual boot with Windows. Though this article is written for Ubuntu, it should be helpful for other Linux OS as well. Any questions or suggestions are always welcomed.
Considering installing a second operating system, and want to be aware of the risks? Having Windows and Linux installed on your PC can increase productivity and give you the option of trying out a new OS. But it isn’t always smooth sailing. While most of these issues can be avoided, there are easy problems to fall into.
Here are seven dangers of dual booting that you should be aware of before installing a second operating system on your PC or laptop.
1. Accidental Overwriting of Data/Operating System
If this isn’t the most important, it’s certainly the risk that can scupper you before you even get started. After all, overwriting your existing data — or even the primary operating system — is going to lead to considerable problems. Sure, you can use recovery tools, but the chances of recovering all your data are minimal.
Fortunately, most operating system installation wizards are capable of detecting primary partitions. This means that if you’re installing Windows alongside a Linux distribution, the wizard should highlight the existing partition and give you a choice of what to do next. Linux operating systems, meanwhile, are similarly smart.
But accidents do happen, so take care when installing. Make sure you’re installing the new operating system onto the intended device, and the right partition, without accidentally losing your data!
2. Productivity Can Take a Hit
Running multiple operating systems on your PC is a great way to maximize productivity. But sometimes it can be counter-productive. If you have a particular need to use, say, Windows 10 alongside Ubuntu 16.04, then it’s great to be able to switch into that operating system.
But do you really need to? Making sure you have alternative applications in LinuxSome Great Linux Alternatives For 4 Tasks Normally Requiring WindowsSome Great Linux Alternatives For 4 Tasks Normally Requiring WindowsLinux has been receiving plenty of attention lately and none of that is going away anytime soon. You can now do things with Linux that you might’ve thought would only work in Windows. Here are...Read More if you have switched from Windows is important. Similarly, you should ensure suitable options are available if switching the other way. Dual booting should really be for experiencing — and enjoying — the whole alternative operating system environment.
Then again, you might not even need to switch. Running Windows in a virtual machine on LinuxHow to Set Up a Windows Virtual Machine in LinuxHow to Set Up a Windows Virtual Machine in LinuxMany home users prefer to run a dual-boot setup when both Windows and Linux are needed, but if you'd rather run Windows inside Linux, here's how to set that up.Read More is a great solution. Naturally, you can also install Linux in a virtual machine on WindowsHow to Install Linux in Windows With a VMware Virtual MachineHow to Install Linux in Windows With a VMware Virtual MachineDo you want to install Linux, but can't leave Windows? Try a virtual machine to run your favorite version of Linux inside Windows. We show you how to set up VMware Workstation Player.Read More.
Ultimately, it’s important to make sure you’re using the best operating system for the task at hand. Check our guide to sharing data between dual-booting operating systems5 Ways to Share Personal Data on Linux-Windows Dual Boot PCs5 Ways to Share Personal Data on Linux-Windows Dual Boot PCsYou want ability to access data between operating systems so you can use Linux easily. Let's see how we can work around this problem, and get your data where you want it.Read More to minimize disruption when switching.
3. Locked Partitions
Perhaps one of the biggest pitfalls of dual booting is being unable to access your data. Most of the time, this shouldn’t be a problem. If you have organized things effectively (perhaps you sync data via the cloud, or use a dedicated HDD for personal files), then you’ll find your vital personal files are available via whatever operating systems you have installed.
However, problems can occur. If you’re using Windows and the system shuts down unexpectedly, any dedicated HDD or partition used for personal files will be locked. This means that trying to access the drive from your Linux partition will fail. You’ll see a message like this:
As it goes, this is perhaps the most frustrating risk of dual booting. Fortunately it can be fixed, but it might take a few minutes (depending on how quickly your Windows installation boots). One option is to follow the instructions in the error and boot the device as read only. Or you can simply reboot into Windows, and the files will be accessible again. Follow this with an ordered restart to boot back into Linux, and again, the files are available to use.
4. Windows Update
Updating your OS is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure a robust and secure computer. Unfortunately, it can lead to problems in dual booting scenarios.
Whereas a system update from your Linux distribution of choice should result in few (if any) issues, a Windows Update can prove devastating. Even if it installs successfully, Windows Update can lead to a rewriting of the Master Boot Record (MBR), leaving you with a missing Linux partition. But failed updates, or even simple driver updates, can result in trouble on a dual boot PC. While Linux can be the victim of problems with a standard Windows Update, a failure will more often than not leave you with a copy of Windows that fails to start.
Dual Boot Windows Linux Mint
In this situation, it’s time to resort to the tried and tested Windows 10 recovery toolsHow to Reinstall Windows 10 Without Losing Your DataHow to Reinstall Windows 10 Without Losing Your DataUsing this option allows you to reinstall Windows without losing the files, personal data and programs you already have on the system.Read More. Although time consuming, if you really need to run Windows, this is the way get it working again. For the best results, ensure that your computer’s boot order defaults to Windows, rather than your Linux OS.
5. Viruses Remain a Risk
Linux is famously virus-proof (even if this isn’t quite the truth4 Surprising Linux Security Issues You Should Be Aware Of4 Surprising Linux Security Issues You Should Be Aware OfThey say you should use Linux if you want security. That might be true, but you still need to be on your toes!Read More). Although Linux-based operating systems are pretty robust, they remain largely untroubled by viruses and other malware thanks to the relatively small userbase. The many Linux operating systems collectively command only a fraction of the operating system market. Clearly, scammers target Windows computers because it’s more efficient for them to get results. However, many websites are attacked or even taken offline due to viruses and malware, and most web servers run on Linux.
If you’re running a dual boot computer, therefore, the likelihood of malware affecting the Linux environment increases.
As such, it is wise to maintain an internet security suite when running Windows. In your Linux operating system, running a malware scanner like ClamAV daily should also put your mind at rest. Don’t just focus on the operating system when scanning for viruses; take the time to scan your personal data files too.
6. Driver Bugs Can Be Exposed
From time to time, some hardware issues can occur when dual booting. These are typically linked to Windows device drivers, however, and are becoming increasingly rare.
Perhaps the most common hardware issue when dual booting comes in the shape of built-in wireless network cards. These switchable devices can end up being disabled in Windows, and therefore unable to initialize in Linux.
Why? Aren’t these operating systems completely independent of each other? Well yes, but the wireless card is hardware, and can be controlled via the system BIOS. In some ways, the disabled Wi-Fi card recalls the issues with a locked partition discussed in #3, above.
The solution is to research support for the wireless card before installing your operating systems. You should also ensure the drivers are up to date on both operating systems.
7. Dual Booting Can Impact Disk Swap Space
In most cases there shouldn’t be too much impact on your hardware from dual booting. One issue you should be aware of, however, is the impact on swap space. Both Linux and Windows use chunks of the hard disk drive to improve performance while the computer is running. However, by installing a second (or third) operating system on the drive, you reduce the amount of space available for this.
The solution here is obvious: don’t install additional operating systems if there is not enough space to do so. If you’re desperate to dual boot on your PC, then you can simply buy a new HDD or SSD. Once installed, you’ll have the space to more operating systems.
As for laptops, you could try what I did: remove the optical drive and replace it with a 3.5-inch HDD or SSDHow to Upgrade Your Laptop DVD Drive for a HDD or SSDHow to Upgrade Your Laptop DVD Drive for a HDD or SSDDVD drives are becoming more and more useless. We show you how to upgrade your laptop DVD drive with a 2.5-inch HDD or SSD.Read More.
Do You Have Dual Booting Issues?
Ubuntu
It’s extremely unlikely that you would be impacted by ALL of these risks. However, at least one, perhaps two, are likely to occur at some point. But nothing here should put you off dual booting. Ensuring your system is set up correctly is important, and can help to mitigate or even avoid these issues.
If you would still like to go back to a Windows-only setup, you can safely uninstall the Linux distro from a Windows dual-boot PCHow to Safely Uninstall Ubuntu From a Windows Dual-Boot PCHow to Safely Uninstall Ubuntu From a Windows Dual-Boot PCInstalling Ubuntu on Windows PC as a dual-boot didn't go so well? Here's what you need to know about uninstalling Ubuntu.Read More.
Dual Boot Windows Linux Bitlocker
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Dual Boot Windows Linux Secure Boot
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- The biggie is #4 I lost count of the number of dual boots microdoft gleefully bricked with their Spring 2018 update. Microsoft = bad actor! Not acting in good faith they are vicious and obviously need more government bruising.
- A simple solution for dual boot I have used it on two separate hard disk bone is windows and second one is Linux both hard disk attached to motherboard for using any operating system use switching necessary between electrical supply. That's all
- Been dual booting for years now. Pretty easy now with UEFI as you can use the built-in tools to switch operating systems. No need to worry about the MBR getting corrupted or dealing with grub configs and I can even use bitlocker on Windows with the TPM no problem.
Now I use Linux the majority of the time and only have to boot Windows to play some Windows exclusive games.
The main problem I've had has been using the same set of Bluetooth headphones between both OSes. Was able to fix that simply by coping the sync key from the Windows registry to a config file in Linux. - Too many issues can come from dual booting. You have 2 completely different OS paradigms trying to tell the computational device what to do; the cooling system; the BT & WiFi chips; drivers; video cards; the list goes on. Therefore, it is not wise to have 2 operating systems on one device, and especially running them concurrently, and especially nowadays when SFF-PC's and laptops are so cheap, relative to the past. Easier to just have 2 or 3 devices; a PC for heavy work at home; 2 thin laptops for portable work, and also a communications handset (smartphone).
I'm an amateur computer builder and re-modeler; I help people install Linux Distros onto NUC-PC Kits and also refurbish laptops by replacing the older HDD's with SSD's and then installing a Distro. I steer people away from Microsoft and Apple products (altogether) and move them gently into a more open source (FOSS) tech world.
I'm Grey Geek! - I thought this would be a real article. Sad to see how wrong I was. 'Make us of' seems to be an very unreliable publisher.Good to know I won't have visit this site again.
- I’m with you on that. This site is useless.
- This site is useless.
- I have dual booted my Lenovo b490 with windows 10 and Manjaro Linux
, Earlier when there was only windows I was able to use my laptop but when I dual booted it I'm unable to use both OS , when I turn on my laptop BIOS setup appear I can see the name of OS installed but when I select anyone and hit enter the screen just flash up and stays there , so help meI have used Disk partition before dual booting - Seriously? Try again Make Use Of. I thought this site was better than this.
- Exactly.
People who even thinks of installing an OS on their own will have enough technical knowledge not to run into most of the **risks** listed here.
- The way I dual boot in my laptop without having the space issues is that I installed Ubuntu on the main hard drive then put that drive in a external drive case and installed windows on a new drive in the laptop, I can run the external drive with Ubuntu on it as a USB drive and amazing enough it is still faster than the installed windows.
- I've had to dual boot Linux and Windows since the turn of the century. Its the only way I can keep Windows functional. The laptop i use now has had the same Arch Linux I put on it since i got it 3 years ago, while it has seen 4 versions of barely working Windows.
- What a bunch of misinformation. I don't even have time to list all the inaccuracies.
- Nice one ill face 3 problem of them
- These types of Articles crack me up I've been running dual boot quad boot 10 boot for probably 20 years now and yes you can mess up your system if you personally screw something up but in most cases if you know what you're doing, it comes out fine. Besides that it should be noted that it wouldn't matter what the two operating systems are if you flaw it up you flaw it up.
- I believe 'Secure Boot' is not supported by some flavors of linux and hence has to be disabled in BIOS/UEFI thereby opening a security hole
- Yup almost bricked my motherboard and nearly killed my windows install. I found this supper weird since they where on different drives. Not to go into detail but i did the trouble shooting and that was the actual culprit.
- I have had almost no issues with dual booting. I have an old computer that has 2 hard drives. On one I have Windows 7 and on the other I have Ubuntu Mate. The only minor annoyance is whenever I go from Linux to Windows, the time and date need to be re-synced with the internet. And NEVER do virtual machine. It uses too much resources in your computer to run 2 operating systems. They run slower; certain things never run correctly; frequent computer freezing and lockups; and a bigger risk if you catch a Windows virus while using Linux. And, yes, you may find yourself using Linux 99% of the time, and almost no time in Windows, so why not use it the best way...a full install.
- Think again - a VM *is* a full install. You're much better off creating a VM and suspending it when you don't use it rather than dual boot. Too many things can go wrong with dual boot (hence this article), while VM isolation guarantees no contamination between the two environments (such as OS-specific viruses).
- When dual booting, each O/S gets full access to ALL of the system resources. A VM runs inside an O/S, borrowing resources from the O/S. Whether you suspend it or not, it has to share the resources. No matter how you slice it, dice it and spin it, sharing resources always results in a slowdown.
- Dual boot means you lose all access to the OS that's not booted. A suspended VM has almost no performance hit on the running OS, and a powered off VM has none. It's worth the minor trade off knowing that if you need to get to the VM's OS, you just start up the VM and shut it down when you're done. Why would anyone want to have to rebooting the native OS?! Ain't nobody got time for that.
- It seems like you don't use Hypervisors and Citrix much. VMs are the ways to go with modern infrastructure and multi-core computers having large amounts of RAM.
- Your time issue is a configuration problem. Windows likes the RTC to default to local time while *nix systems like UTC. Setting them so they are both using either UTC or local will eliminate the problem.
- Virtual Machine uses almost no overhead if you do hardware passthrough. I have windows VM that benchmarks within 3% of windows on a bare metal install. This is with 1080ti passed through to windows for gaming. Score 8400 on timespy, 8600 with Windows on bare metal. That is hardly slowing things down.
- Did you ever figure out how to fix the time error? Same issue when going Linux -> Windows, the clock is off and needs to be resynced.
- Linux uses UTC and Windows uses localtime. Which is why it breaks the windows clock going from linux to windows. Windows thinks the hardware clock is set to localtime and adjusts accordingly, when it's actually set to UTC. You can fix it with a regedit. Depending on which version of windows you're running. It's usually run regedit, navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlTimeZoneInformationRealTimeIsUniversal then add a dword value of 1.
- Okay. So the majority of these are non issues. Most of them would require you to actually be TRYING to break things to acheive.
More importantly... That first screenshot is the WUBI install on the 2012 Ubuntu... What the heck? No one could find a more recent actual dual boot screenshot instead of the weird hybrid dual boot from inside windows that disappeared almost instantly?Send me an email, I'll get you one for free...
- Actually, it makes more sense to do VMs than doing dual boot based on your reasoning. In my home and personal machines, I have Linux Mint as hosts and Windows as guests only. Only apps that don't run/play well with Wine get to see the light of day in a Windows VM, most of which are in XP.
- Dual booting? How 90s. VMs, man, it's all about the virtual! VMware lets you run OS X, Linux, AND Windows on any hardware.
- Another risk of dual booting is that you might get to like Linux so much that you give Windows the boot. :-)
- :D
- I can relate to that comment. The only real reason I have to run windows these days in for the software I use for tax preparation, which can be dual boot or VM. Very little need to ever user windows again.
- Yes. I do wish Intuit and/or TaxAct and/or H&R Block would port their product to Linux.BTW - my comment was sort of tongue in cheek.
- Nice!
- That is why I quit dual booting. The only time I used Windows was to update it and run virus and adware checks. Took up way to much time for nothing. Now I only use Linux.