In this guide, you’ll discover the step-by-step process to dual boot Windows 11 and Ubuntu 24.04.
Running Linux alongside Windows can be accomplished in two primary ways. One option involves installing a hypervisor like Oracle VirtualBox or VMware on Windows and then installing a Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu, within the virtualized environment. However, virtualization has inherent limitations, preventing you from fully leveraging the capabilities of running an operating system directly on your hardware. The second, and arguably superior, approach is to implement a dual boot configuration, enabling you to run both operating systems on your PC hardware without needing separate machines for each.
With a dual boot setup, during system startup, you’re presented with a boot menu, allowing you to choose which operating system to launch. Whether you opt for Linux or Windows, this setup provides the best of both worlds by running each system directly on the hardware. It’s important to remember that you can only run one operating system at any given time.
Dual Boot Windows 11 and Ubuntu 24.04 steps
Prerequisites
Before proceeding with the dual-boot setup, ensure that you meet the following requirements:
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A bootable USB drive containing Ubuntu 24.04. You can download the Ubuntu 24.04 ISO image from the Ubuntu desktop downloads page. Use tools like Rufus or UNetbootin to make the USB drive bootable.
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A Windows 11 system with sufficient disk space to create a free partition (at least 30GB or more) for installing Ubuntu.
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Disable Bitlocker in Windows. If enabled, the hard drive will be encrypted, preventing Ubuntu from detecting the existing operating system.
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For optimal performance, it’s recommended to use a UEFI-configured system for Windows 11.
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A stable and fast internet connection for installing third-party software, multimedia codecs, and updates.
Create a free partition for installing Ubuntu
Step 1: Start by creating a separate partition for Ubuntu. Press Windows Key + R, type diskmgmt.msc, and press ENTER to launch Disk Management.
Step 2: In Disk Management, identify a volume with enough free space. Right-click on the volume and select Shrink Volume.
Step 3: In the Shrink Volume dialog box, specify the amount of space to shrink in MB (e.g., 52985 MB for approximately 51GB). Click Shrink.
Step 4: The unallocated space will be labeled as Unallocated.
Step 5: Plug in the bootable USB drive and reboot the system. Configure the BIOS to boot from the USB drive.
Boot the system With Installation Media
Step 1: After rebooting, the GRUB boot menu appears. The first option, Try or Install Ubuntu, is selected by default. Press ENTER to proceed.
Step 2: The Ubuntu logo is displayed during system startup.
Start the installation of Ubuntu 24.04
Step 1: Once the system boots from the USB, the Ubuntu 24.04 desktop appears. Click the Install Ubuntu 24.04 LTS icon.
Step 2: Choose your preferred language and click Next.
Customize Accessibility options
Step 1: Ubuntu 24.04 provides options to customize accessibility settings. Adjust visual, listening, typing, pointing, clicking, and zoom settings as needed.
Step 2: Click Next to proceed.
Configure Keyboard layout
Step 1: Select your keyboard layout.
Step 2: Type in the text field to verify the layout. Click Next.
Select Internet Connection
Step 1: An internet connection is recommended for installing updates and third-party software. The Wired Connection is typically selected.
Step 2: Connect to the internet and click Next.
Select to Install Ubuntu
Step 1: If prompted to update the installer, choose Update now or Skip.
Step 2: Select the Install Ubuntu option.
Step 3: Choose the interactive installation mode.
Step 4: Click Next to proceed.
Select apps to install
Step 1: Choose either Default selection for essential apps or Extended selection for additional utilities and programs.
Step 2: Select the option to install third-party software for enhanced multimedia, graphics, and Wi-Fi support.
Configure Disk Partitions
Step 1: Choose the Manual Installation option to install Ubuntu alongside Windows.
Step 2: Locate the free space created in Windows.
Step 3: Click the [+] button to create partitions.
Step 4: Specify the mount points and sizes for the following partitions:
/boot: 1G
/home: 40G
/: 13G
Step 5: Create the /boot mount point first.
Step 6: Next, create the /home partition for personal files.
Step 7: Finally, create the / (root) partition for the Linux filesystem.
Step 8: Select the hard drive for bootloader installation.
Step 9: Click Next.
Create a user account
Step 1: Create a user account by entering your name, computer name, and password.
Step 2: Click Next.
Configure Timezone
Step 1: Specify your location and timezone on the map.
Step 2: Review your choices and click Install to begin the installation.
Step 3: The installer copies files from the ISO image to the hard drive. This may take 10-20 minutes.
Step 4: Once complete, a notification appears: Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is installed and ready to use. Click Restart Now.
Step 5: Eject the installation media and press ENTER.
Boot into either Ubuntu 24.04 or Windows 11
Step 1: Upon booting, the GRUB bootloader is displayed with entries for Ubuntu 24.04 and the Windows Boot Manager.
Step 2: Select either Ubuntu 24.04 or the Windows Boot Manager to boot into your preferred operating system.
With these steps, you’ve successfully configured a dual-boot system with Windows 11 and Ubuntu 24.04. Your input is greatly appreciated.