Harmony in Diversity: Dual-Booting Windows and Linux

March 17, 2024

Harmony in Diversity: Dual-Booting Windows and Linux

Introduction:

In the realm of operating systems, the marriage of Windows and Linux in a dual-boot configuration provides users with the best of both worlds. This article explores the concept of dual-booting, delving into its pros and cons, followed by a detailed guide on setting up a dual-boot system with Windows and Ubuntu.

Understanding Dual-Boot:

Dual-booting refers to the installation of two operating systems on a single computer, allowing users to choose between them during the boot process. This setup is ideal for individuals who require the functionality of both Windows and Linux for different tasks.

Pros and Cons of Dual-Boot:

Pros:

1. Versatility: Enjoy the robustness of Windows for gaming and resource-intensive applications, while harnessing the power of Linux for development and customization.

2. Learning Opportunities: Dual-booting fosters a learning environment, enabling users to gain proficiency in both operating systems.

3. Compatibility: Access software exclusive to either Windows or Linux without compromise.

Cons:

1. Complexity: Setting up and maintaining a dual-boot system can be intricate, especially for novice users.

2. Potential Data Risks: Accidental deletion or modification of partitions during installation may lead to data loss.

3. Boot Time Selection: Users need to choose the desired operating system every time the computer boots, which can be inconvenient.

Guide: Dual-Booting Windows and Ubuntu:

Step 1: Preparing the System

Ensure ample backup of important data and create a bootable USB for Ubuntu.

Before initiating the dual-boot setup, it's crucial to safeguard your data and create a bootable USB for a smooth Ubuntu installation. Follow these steps to ensure a secure process:

1. Backup Important Data:

- Identify and back up all critical data on your Windows system. This includes documents, photos, videos, and any other files you cannot afford to lose.

- Consider using an external hard drive, cloud storage, or a reliable backup software for this process.

2. Free Up Disk Space:

- Delete unnecessary files and applications to free up disk space on your Windows drive. This step helps in creating ample space for the Ubuntu installation.

3. Check Windows Health:

- Ensure that your Windows operating system is healthy and free from malware or corruption. Run a thorough antivirus scan and use Windows tools like Disk Cleanup and Disk Check to optimize your system.

4. Download Ubuntu ISO:

- Visit the official Ubuntu website (https://ubuntu.com/download) and download the latest stable version of the Ubuntu ISO file. Choose the appropriate version based on your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).

5. Create a Bootable USB:

- Use a reliable tool such as Rufus (for Windows) or BalenaEtcher (cross-platform) to create a bootable USB drive with the Ubuntu ISO.

- Insert a USB flash drive (8GB or larger) and follow the instructions provided by the chosen tool to burn the Ubuntu ISO onto the USB.

6. Backup Bootable USB:

- Since creating a bootable USB involves formatting, make sure you don't have any essential data on the USB drive before starting the process.

- If you have important data on the USB, back it up elsewhere before proceeding.

7. Verify Bootable USB:

- Once the bootable USB is created, verify its integrity by booting your computer from the USB. This ensures that the Ubuntu installation process will proceed smoothly.

8. Secure Important Software Keys:

- If your Windows installation involves licensed software, ensure you have the necessary product keys or licenses backed up. Some software might require reactivation after major system changes.

By meticulously following these steps, you create a safety net for your data and set the stage for a hassle-free Ubuntu installation. This preparation ensures that even in the unlikely event of an issue during the dual-boot process, your important data remains secure.

Step 2: Partitioning the Drive

Use the Windows Disk Management tool to create a new partition for Ubuntu.

Before embarking on the dual-boot journey with Ubuntu, it's crucial to allocate space on your existing Windows drive for the Linux installation. Follow these detailed steps using the Windows Disk Management tool:

1. Access Disk Management:

- Press `Win + X` and select "Disk Management" from the menu.

- Alternatively, right-click on the Start button and choose "Disk Management."

2. Identify Available Space:

- In the Disk Management window, locate the drive where you want to create a new partition.

- Identify unallocated space or free space on the drive. If there's none, you may need to shrink an existing partition.

3. Shrink an Existing Partition:

- Right-click on the partition with available space, usually the C: drive.

- Select "Shrink Volume." This opens a wizard allowing you to enter the amount of space to shrink.

- Enter the desired size for your Ubuntu partition. Ensure it's large enough for your needs but leaves ample space for Windows.

4. Create a New Partition:

- After shrinking, you will see unallocated space. Right-click on it and choose "New Simple Volume."

- Follow the wizard to assign a drive letter (if needed) and choose a file system. Do not format the partition as NTFS; leave it unformatted.

5. Note the Partition Label:

- Take note of the new partition's label (e.g., E:, F:). You will use this label during the Ubuntu installation.

6. Close Disk Management:

- Close the Disk Management tool, ensuring that the new partition is created successfully.

By completing these steps, you have successfully prepared your hard drive for Ubuntu. The unformatted partition will be recognized during the Ubuntu installation process, allowing you to install the Linux operating system on the designated space without affecting your Windows installation.

Step 3: Installing Ubuntu

Boot from the Ubuntu USB and follow the installation wizard. Choose the created partition during installation.

1. Boot from the Ubuntu Live USB:

- Insert the Ubuntu Live USB into your computer and restart it.

- During the boot process, access the boot menu or set the USB as the primary boot device in the BIOS/UEFI settings.

- Select the option to boot from the USB drive containing the Ubuntu installation media.

2. Start the Ubuntu Installation:

- Once the Ubuntu Live environment loads, double-click on the "Install Ubuntu" icon on the desktop to begin the installation process.

3. Choose Installation Language and Options:

- Select your preferred language and click "Continue."

- On the "Updates and other software" screen, you can choose whether to install updates and third-party software during the installation process. Make your selection and click "Continue."

4. Prepare Installation Environment:

- Ensure that your computer is connected to the internet (if possible) and plugged into a power source to prevent interruptions during the installation process.

5. Allocate Disk Space:

- When you reach the "Installation type" screen, select the "Something else" option. This option allows you to manually configure the partitions for Ubuntu.

- Click "Continue" to proceed.

6. Select the Existing Partition:

- On the next screen, you'll see a list of available disk partitions. Locate the partition you created earlier during Step 2 for Ubuntu.

- The partition will likely be displayed as "free space" or "unallocated space." Select it and click the "+" button to create a new partition on it.

7. Configure Partition Settings:

- In the "Create partition" window, configure the partition settings as follows:

- Use as: Choose the file system you want to use for Ubuntu (e.g., Ext4).

- Mount point: Select "/" (root) as the mount point. This is where the Ubuntu system files will be installed.

- Size: Adjust the size of the partition if necessary. You can use the entire available space or allocate a specific size for Ubuntu.

- Format: Check the box to format the partition.

8. Finalize Partition Setup:

- After configuring the partition settings, click "OK" to create the partition. You should now see the partition listed in the partition table.

9. Configure Boot Loader Location:

- Ensure that the device for boot loader installation is set to the same drive where you installed Ubuntu (e.g., /dev/sda).

- Click "Install Now" to proceed with the installation.

10. Complete Installation:

- Follow the remaining prompts to configure your user account, time zone, and keyboard layout.

- Once the installation is complete, restart your computer and remove the USB drive.

After restarting your computer, you should now have a dual-boot setup with Windows and Ubuntu, with Ubuntu installed on the partition you created earlier. During the boot process, you'll be able to choose between Windows and Ubuntu from the GRUB menu.

Conclusion:

Dual-booting Windows and Linux provides a synergy that caters to diverse computing needs. By following a systematic approach, users can seamlessly navigate between these operating systems, optimizing their computing experience.

Disclaimer:

The Distrowrite Project, Microsoft and Ubuntu are not responsible for any data loss, hardware damage, or other issues that may arise during the dual-boot setup process. Users are advised to proceed with caution and seek professional assistance if needed.

Postscript:

For this project, a HP 255 G7 AMD laptop with a disk having 238.46 GB was used.

The laptop was named ‘Wintu’.

‘Win..’ stands for the larger Windows partition. This is dedicated to normal computer use.

‘...tu’ pinpoints the smaller partition of the same disk. This is allocated for virtualization using Virt-Manager installed on Ubuntu Mate 22.04.4 LTS.

Gallery:

Windows 11: