How to dual boot Windows 10 and Ubuntu Linux

With dissatisfaction with how Windows 10 has been over the past couple of months and the shift from Windows as a product to a service, the guys here at Dave’s Computers have been experimenting with other operating systems. Today’s tutorial is going to talk you through how to dual boot Windows 10 and Ubuntu Linux.

Ubuntu Linux is one of the more approachable versions of the operating system. With its Windows-like appearance, slick interface and beginner friendliness, I think Ubuntu or Linux Mint are ideal for new converts to Linux. There are still things Linux cannot do as well as Windows but it’s getting there!

If you’re becoming disillusioned with Windows, dual booting another operating system gives you options.

Dual boot Windows 10 and Ubuntu Linux

You will need a copy of Ubuntu Linux, available for free from the website. It’s around 2GB in size and will take a little while to download depending on the speed of your connection. As always when making changes to a Windows computer, create a system image and save any files you don’t want to lose. While this process is relatively simple, things can occasionally go wrong and it is much better safe than sorry.

We have UEFI systems here at Dave’s. Most newer computers use UEFI instead of BIOS. If you’re not sure, type ‘System Information’ into the Search Windows box. Where it says BIOS mode, if yours is UEFI, you’re golden.

1. Download Ubuntu Linux and create a bootable media following the wizard. I suggest using USB as it is faster.
2. Insert your Linux USB into your computer, reboot and press F8 to access the boot menu.
3. Select to boot from USB.
4. Select the ‘Install Ubuntu alongside Windows’ option when the loader appears.
5. Select the disk space you want to set aside for Linux. Any space you allocate will not be available for Windows.
6. Select the language, select to install third-party software and Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager when prompted.
7. Select Install Now when you see it.
8. Select your time zone, keyboard layout and enter your personal details once prompted.
9. Allow the install to complete.

Once installation completes, you should see the orange colored Ubuntu desktop. From now on, every time you boot your computer, you will see the option to boot into Windows or Ubuntu.

The two operating systems are completely separate and cannot talk to each other. They work very differently even though they don’t from a user’s perspective. You can now play around with Ubuntu, load programs and experiment as much as you like without doing any damage to your Windows installation.

If you need help with Windows 10, Ubuntu Linux, dual booting or anything to do with computers, the guys here at Dave’s Computers can help. Contact us to see what we can do for you!