How to Install Linux Alongside Windows: Dual Boot Guide

By Alex Rivera Jul 5, 2026 12 min read How-To Guides

Dual booting lets you choose between Windows and Linux every time you start your computer. You get the best of both worlds: Windows for gaming and specific software, Linux for development, privacy, and learning. Here is how to set it up safely.

Before You Start: Backup Everything

Dual booting involves modifying your hard drive partitions. Back up all important files to an external drive or cloud storage before proceeding. Create a Windows recovery drive (search Create a recovery drive in Start menu). This ensures you can restore Windows if anything goes wrong.

Step 1: Create a Linux Installation USB

Download your chosen Linux distribution ISO file (Ubuntu recommended for beginners). Download Rufus (rufus.ie) and run it. Select your USB drive (minimum 8GB), click SELECT and choose your downloaded ISO. Leave all settings as default and click START. Wait for the process to complete. You now have a bootable Linux USB drive.

Step 2: Shrink Windows Partition

In Windows, right-click the Start button and select Disk Management. Right-click your C: drive and select Shrink Volume. Enter the amount of space to shrink (at least 50 GB for Linux). Click Shrink. The unallocated space will be used for Linux installation. Do not create any partitions in the unallocated space.

Step 3: Boot from USB and Install

Restart your computer and enter the boot menu (usually F12, F2, or Del during startup). Select your USB drive. The Linux installer will start. Choose Try Ubuntu to test it first, or click Install Ubuntu directly. Select Normal installation and choose Download updates while installing for a smoother experience.

Step 4: Partition for Dual Boot

When the installer asks about installation type, select Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager. This is the easiest option. The installer will automatically use the unallocated space you created. If you do not see this option, select Something else and manually assign the unallocated space as EXT4 with mount point /.

Step 5: Complete the Installation

Select your time zone, create a username and password, and wait for the installation to complete. When done, restart your computer. You will now see a boot menu (GRUB) every time you start, letting you choose between Windows and Linux.