(How to Dual Boot Windows 11 and Linux) It’s possible to have the best of both worlds by having both Windows 11 and Linux installed on the same machine. Regardless, if you are a developer or a tech junkie, or merely interested in trying Linux on another partition alongside your Windows installation, then this article is for you.
What Is Dual Booting?
The process of putting two operating systems on one base, and given the options, you choose which OS you wish to use when you boot up is known as dual booting. This setup is useful when using tools or environments offered by each OS is necessary.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure the following:
Back-Up Your Data: It’s wise to back up your data to mitigate against such constant losses.
Create Bootable Installation Media: For Windows 11, the only tool available for creating media is the Media Creation Tool. Linux ISO is an image file that is copied onto a bootable media for Linux you download your distribution of choice, for instance, Ubuntu, Fedora, etc, and then using Rufus or the etcher tool create a bootable USB.
Sufficient Disk Space: Linux needs gratuito at least 50 GB of free disk space.
Secure Boot Disabled: Secure Boot is disabled on some Linux distributions. It’s possible to do this from BIOS/UEFI settings.
Step 1: Prepare Windows 11
Check Disk Space:
Open File Explorer, right-click on your main drive (usually C:), and click on Properties to check disk space availability.
Partition Your Drive:
Press Windows Key+ R and type diskmgmt.msc, press Enter to open the disk management
Now right-click on the primary drive of the computer and then choose Shrink Volume.
Linux — requires disk space (at least 20 GB, but 50 GB will provide a better experience).
The unallocated space is given; it must not be formatted Here, PRIMARY and EXTENT use unformatted space only.
Step 2: Create a Bootable Linux USB
It’s recommended that you download your desired Linux distribution ISO.
Use a tool like Rufus:
Plug in your USB drive.
Select the Linux ISO file.
Select the option GPT partition scheme for UEFI computers (most new computers use this).
With this, you are set to click on the start button to create the bootable USB.
Step 3: Boot Into the Linux Installer
Shut down your computer and then, at the next reboot, slip into the BIOS/UEFI settings (common keys include F2, F12, Esc, and Del).
Sure, you just have to set the boot priority to a USB drive.
Save changes and exit. When you are done, it should look like this, your computer will boot into the Linux installer.
Step 4: Install Linux
In the list of options available for the Linux installation, choose the “Install” button.
Select your preferred language, and keyboard type among other settings.
When prompted to select an installation type:
If there are several options, choose “Install alongside Windows Boot Manager”.
Otherwise, choose “Something Else” to manually partition the disk.
Right-click and choose the unallocated space that you have created earlier step.
Use one and create an extensive root (/) partition (20+ GB).
Swapping can be done, optionally, specifying a swap partition with the size of the system’s RAM available; The last partition to be created is a home partition for storing users’ data.
Go forward with the installation.
Step 5: Configure the Bootloader
GNUG is most commonly used in almost all distributions of Linux with the most used being the GRand Unified Bootloader. GRUB will boot both Windows 11 and Linux and give you the option to choose which operating system you want to use upon powering on.
Step 6: Post-Installation Configuration
Test the Boot Menu:
Restart your computer. GRUB should be there and this will show both Windows 11 and Linux.
Update Linux:
Open a terminal in Linux and run the command to update your system:
Install Drivers:
Run updates for Compiz Fusion Icon/plasmoid, Graphics drivers for your Linux system, and drivers for Wi-Fi for your Linux system.
Switching Between Systems
When you start your computer, you will see GRUB letting you choose whether you want to boot into Windows 11 or Linux.
Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to highlight the desired OS and press Ente on the keyboard.
Troubleshooting
Missing Boot Menu:
Boot into Linux and reinstall GRUB using the terminal:
Windows Boot Issues:
You should, therefore, resolve the Windows Bootloader using a Windows recovery USB if the situation arises.
Conclusion
Having both Windows 11 and Linux side by side allows for experiments, productivity gains, and a testing ground for developers. By following these guidelines to the letter, you can get the best of both operating systems in one computer package.