Windows and Ubuntu Dual Boot Guide

How to run Windows and Linux Ubuntu on the same computer

By
Gary Newell
Gary Newell
Writer
  • Famborough College of Technology
Gary Newell was a freelance contributor, application developer, and software tester with 20+ years in IT, working on Linux, UNIX, and Windows.
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Updated on July 18, 2020

Did you know it's possible to run Windows and Linux on the same PC? Here how to dual boot Windows 10 and Linux Ubuntu so that you can switch between operating systems whenever you want.

These instructions are for installing Ubuntu on a PC running Windows 10, 8.1, or 8.

How To Dual Boot Ubuntu And Windows
How To Dual Boot Ubuntu And Windows.

Preparing Your PC for Ubuntu

First, do everything necessary to prepare your PC for dual booting Linux and Windows. Before installing Ubuntu, back up Windows with Macrium Reflect or a similar software backup tool in case something goes wrong. You should have at least 10GB of free space on your hard drive for the installation.

After creating a Linux Ubuntu USB drive, plug it into your PC and boot from the USB device to launch a live version of Ubuntu. You can do anything in the live version of Ubuntu that you can do when it is fully installed, but any changes you made will be lost when you reboot.

How to Install Ubuntu Alongside Windows

To install Ubuntu alongside the Windows Boot Manager:

  1. Select the network icon in the top-right corner of the desktop and choose a wireless network, then select Install Ubuntu.

    You must be connected to the internet to complete the installation.

    Select the network icon in the top-right corner of the desktop and choose a wireless network, then select Install Ubuntu.

  2. Choose your language and select Continue.

    Choose your language and select Continue.

  3. Check both boxes under Preparing to Install Ubuntu and select Continue.

    Installing third-party software allows you to play MP3 audio files and apply proprietary device drivers.

    Check both boxes under Preparing to Install Ubuntu and select Continue.

  4. Choose Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager and select Install Now.

    If you can't select the option to install Ubuntu alongside Windows, choose Something Else and refer to the last section of this article about manually creating disk partitions.

    Choose Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager and select Install Now.

  5. Choose your timezone on the map or enter a city in the box provided, then select Continue.

    Choose your location and select Continue.

  6. Select your keyboard language and layout, then select Continue.

    Select Detect keyboard layout to automatically choose the default layout for your keyboard. You can make sure the keys are correct by typing in the test box.

    Select your keyboard language and layout, then select Continue.

  7. Set up your Ubuntu user profile. Pick a username and a strong password, choose to encrypt your home folder if you want, then select Continue. 

    Create A User

Once the installation is complete, remove the USB drive and reboot your PC. You should now have the option to boot into Windows or Linux. To switch between operating systems, simply restart your computer.

If your computer automatically boots into Windows, you must change the boot order to make Ubuntu load before Windows.

How to Create the Ubuntu Partitions

If the option to install Ubuntu alongside Windows isn't available, then you must create the Ubuntu partitions manually. After you choose Something Else on the Installation Type screen, follow these instructions:

  1. Select Free Space, then select the plus sign (+) to create a new partition.

    Select Free Space, then select the plus sign (+) to create a new partition.

  2. Enter the following settings and select OK:

    1. Enter 10,000MB (or higher) for the Size.
    2. Select Primary next to Type for the new partition.
    3. Select Beginning of this space next to Location for the new partition.
    4. Set Use as to Ext 4 Journaling file system.
    5. Select / as the Mount point.

    The partition size will determine how much space you have for software and other files, so set it as high as possible.

    Unbuntu Linux partition settings.

  3. Select Free Space and select the plus sign (+) again.

    Select Free Space and select the plus sign (+) again.

  4. Enter the following settings and select OK:

    1. Enter 2,000MB for the Size.
    2. Select Primary next to Type for the new partition.
    3. Select Beginning of this space next to Location for the new partition.
    4. Set Use as to swap area.

    This step is optional, but creating a swap drive is highly recommended to avoid unexpected crashes.

    Unbuntu Linux partition settings.

  5. Select Install Now.

    Make sure the Device for bootloader installation is set to your device with the type set to EFI.

    Select Install Now.
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