How to Install Linux Operating System in Windows 10

Table of Contents

Introduction to Dual Booting: A Gateway to Linux on Your Windows Machine

The desire to explore the vast and versatile world of Linux while retaining the familiarity and established functionality of Windows 10 is a common aspiration for many tech enthusiasts, developers, and students. Fortunately, the advent of dual-booting technology makes this desire a tangible reality. Dual-booting allows you to install multiple operating systems on a single computer and choose which one to boot into each time you power on your machine. This method offers the best of both worlds: the robust ecosystem of Windows for your everyday tasks and gaming, combined with the powerful, open-source environment of Linux for programming, system administration, or simply to experience a different computing paradigm.

Historically, installing a new operating system often meant a complete wipe and reformat of your hard drive. This was a daunting prospect for many, requiring extensive backups and a significant commitment. However, modern operating systems and advancements in partitioning and bootloader management have made the process far more accessible and less risky. Linux distributions, in particular, have become increasingly user-friendly, with many offering graphical installers that guide you through the setup process with remarkable ease.

This guide will demystify the process of installing a Linux operating system alongside your existing Windows 10 installation. We will cover the essential prerequisites, the careful preparation of your hardware, the step-by-step installation of a popular Linux distribution, and the crucial configurations needed to ensure a seamless dual-boot experience. By the end of this comprehensive walkthrough, you will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to embark on your Linux journey without sacrificing your Windows environment.

Preparing Your System for a Linux Installation

Before diving into the actual installation, meticulous preparation is paramount to ensure a smooth and successful dual-boot setup. Skipping these crucial steps can lead to data loss, boot issues, or an incomplete installation. This section will guide you through the necessary preparations.

Backing Up Your Data: The Undisputed First Step

The absolute, non-negotiable first step before any significant system modification is to back up all your important data. While the dual-boot installation process is generally safe, unforeseen issues can arise. Losing your precious photos, documents, or work files is a scenario no one wants to face.

Identify Critical Data: Determine what data is essential and irreplaceable. This typically includes personal documents, photos, videos, project files, and any custom configurations for your applications.
Choose a Backup Method:
- External Hard Drives/SSDs: This is a common and reliable method. Connect an external drive and copy all your critical folders.
- Cloud Storage: Services like OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, or specialized backup services can be used to upload your files. Ensure you have sufficient storage space and a stable internet connection.
- Network Attached Storage (NAS): If you have a NAS device on your home network, it provides a centralized location for backups.
Verify Your Backup: After the backup is complete, it is crucial to verify that the files have been copied correctly and are accessible. Open a few files from the backup location to ensure integrity.

Understanding Disk Partitioning: Creating Space for Linux

Linux requires its own dedicated space on your hard drive, known as a partition. You’ll need to shrink your existing Windows partition to create unallocated space that the Linux installer can utilize. Understanding the basics of partitioning is key here.

Windows Partitions: Your Windows 10 installation typically resides on one or more partitions, often labeled as C:, and may include recovery partitions.
Creating Unallocated Space:
1. Access Disk Management: Right-click the Start button and select “Disk Management.”
2. Select Your Windows Partition: Locate the partition where Windows 10 is installed (usually the largest one, often C:).
3. Shrink Volume: Right-click on this partition and select “Shrink Volume.”
4. Specify Shrink Amount: Windows will query for available shrink space. You need to decide how much space you want to allocate for Linux. A minimum of 20-30 GB is recommended for basic installations, but 50-100 GB or more is ideal for installing applications and storing data. Enter the amount you wish to shrink in MB (1 GB = 1024 MB).
5. Confirm Shrink: Click “Shrink.” This will create a block of “Unallocated space” on your disk. Do not format or create a new volume in this unallocated space; the Linux installer will handle this.
UEFI vs. BIOS: Ensure your system is using UEFI firmware, which is standard on most modern computers. Linux installers generally support UEFI well. If your system uses older BIOS, be aware of potential compatibility nuances, though most modern distributions handle this gracefully.

Choosing a Linux Distribution: Your First Decision

The world of Linux is diverse, with hundreds of distributions (or “distros”) catering to different needs and user preferences. For newcomers, it’s recommended to start with a user-friendly distribution that has a large community and comprehensive documentation.

Ubuntu: Arguably the most popular and beginner-friendly Linux distribution. It boasts a vast software repository, excellent hardware compatibility, and a massive online community for support.
Linux Mint: Based on Ubuntu, Linux Mint is known for its ease of use, familiar desktop environment (often resembling Windows), and inclusion of proprietary codecs out-of-the-box for media playback.
Fedora: A community-driven distribution sponsored by Red Hat, known for its cutting-edge software and commitment to free and open-source principles. It’s slightly more advanced than Ubuntu or Mint but still accessible.
Debian: The foundation for many other distributions, including Ubuntu. It’s renowned for its stability and adherence to free software ideals.

For the purpose of this guide, we will assume you are installing Ubuntu LTS (Long Term Support), as it offers a stable, well-supported experience suitable for beginners and experienced users alike.

Downloading the Linux ISO Image

Once you’ve chosen your distribution, you’ll need to download its installer image. This image is typically in an ISO file format.

Official Download Sources: Always download ISO files from the official websites of the Linux distributions to ensure you’re getting a legitimate and untampered copy.
- For Ubuntu LTS: Visit the official Ubuntu website (e.g., ubuntu.com/download/desktop).
Verify Download Integrity (Optional but Recommended): Most distributions provide checksums (like SHA256 or MD5) for their ISO files. You can use tools within Windows or a separate utility to verify the checksum of your downloaded file against the provided one. This confirms that the download was complete and not corrupted.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive: The Installation Medium

To install Linux, you’ll need to boot your computer from a USB drive containing the Linux installer.

Required Tools:
- USB Flash Drive: A USB drive with at least 8GB of storage is recommended. All data on this USB drive will be erased.
- ISO Image: The Linux distribution’s ISO file you downloaded.
- USB Bootable Creator Software:
  - Rufus (Windows): A popular, lightweight, and highly reliable tool for creating bootable USB drives.
  - balenaEtcher (Windows, macOS, Linux): Another excellent, user-friendly option with a simple interface.
Creating the Bootable USB with Rufus:
1. Download and run Rufus.
2. Insert your USB drive. Rufus should automatically detect it.
3. Under “Boot selection,” click “SELECT” and browse to your downloaded Linux ISO file.
4. Ensure the “Partition scheme” is set to GPT and “Target system” is set to UEFI (non CSM) for modern systems.
5. Leave other settings as default unless you have a specific reason to change them.
6. Click “START.” Rufus will warn you that all data on the USB drive will be destroyed. Confirm to proceed.
7. Wait for the process to complete. Rufus will indicate when the USB drive is “READY.”

Configuring BIOS/UEFI Settings: Enabling Boot from USB

Your computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) settings control how your system boots. You need to configure it to prioritize booting from the USB drive.

Accessing BIOS/UEFI: The key to access BIOS/UEFI varies by manufacturer, but common keys include F2, F10, F12, DEL, or ESC. You usually need to press this key repeatedly immediately after turning on your computer, before the Windows logo appears.
Key Settings to Adjust:
- Boot Order/Priority: Navigate to the “Boot” or “Boot Order” section. You will see a list of bootable devices. Move your USB drive (it might be listed by its brand name or as “USB HDD”) to the top of the list, above your hard drive.
- Secure Boot (Potentially Disable): Secure Boot is a security feature that can sometimes interfere with booting from non-Windows operating systems. If you encounter issues booting from the USB or installing Linux, try disabling Secure Boot. This option is usually found in the “Security” or “Boot” tab. Remember to re-enable it after installation if you wish, though most modern Linux distros support it.
- Fast Boot (Potentially Disable): Similar to Secure Boot, Fast Boot can sometimes skip crucial hardware checks. Disabling it can help ensure the installer recognizes all your hardware.
Saving Changes: After making the necessary adjustments, navigate to the “Exit” or “Save & Exit” section and select “Save Changes and Exit” (often F10). Your computer will restart.

Installing Ubuntu Alongside Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

With all the preparations complete, you are now ready to boot from your prepared USB drive and begin the Ubuntu installation process. This section will guide you through the installer, focusing on the dual-boot configuration.

Booting from the USB Drive and Starting the Installer

Insert the Bootable USB: Ensure your bootable Ubuntu USB drive is plugged into your computer.
Restart Your Computer: If your computer is on, restart it. If it’s off, power it on.
Enter BIOS/UEFI: As soon as the computer powers on, repeatedly press the designated key (e.g., F2, DEL, F12) to enter your system’s BIOS/UEFI settings.
Set Boot Order: Ensure your USB drive is set as the first boot device. Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.
Boot into Ubuntu: Your computer should now boot from the USB drive. You will typically see a GRUB boot menu for Ubuntu. Select “Try or Install Ubuntu.”
Welcome Screen: The Ubuntu installer will load. You’ll be presented with a “Welcome” screen. Choose your language and click “Install Ubuntu.”

The Installation Process: Key Decisions

The Ubuntu installer will guide you through several screens. Pay close attention to the following steps.

Keyboard Layout: Select your preferred keyboard layout and click “Continue.”
Updates and Other Software:
- “Normal installation” vs. “Minimal installation”: For most users, “Normal installation” is recommended as it includes common applications like web browsers, office suites, and media players. “Minimal installation” includes only basic utilities and a web browser.
- “Download updates while installing Ubuntu”: It’s generally a good idea to check this option if you have a stable internet connection. It will download the latest updates during the installation, saving you time later.
- “Install third-party software for graphics and Wi-Fi hardware and additional media formats”: Strongly recommend checking this option. It installs proprietary drivers and codecs that are often necessary for optimal hardware performance and media playback.
- Click “Continue.”
Installation Type: The Crucial Step for Dual Booting:
This is the most critical screen for dual-booting. You will see several options:
- “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager”: If Ubuntu correctly detected your Windows installation, this option will be available and is the easiest and most recommended choice for dual-booting. It will automatically use the unallocated space you created earlier and configure the boot loader to allow you to choose between Windows and Ubuntu at startup.
- “Erase disk and install Ubuntu”: DO NOT CHOOSE THIS OPTION as it will delete Windows and all your data.
- “Something else”: This option provides manual control over disk partitioning. You would use this if “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager” is not available or if you want to create specific custom partitions for Linux (e.g., a separate /home partition).
For a standard dual-boot setup, select “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager.”
Confirming Partitioning (if “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager” is chosen):
The installer will show you a visual representation of your disk and how it plans to use the unallocated space. It will typically create partitions for:
- EFI System Partition (ESP): If your system uses UEFI, Ubuntu will use the existing ESP created by Windows.
- / (Root Partition): This is where the main Linux system files will reside.
- Swap Area: Similar to virtual memory in Windows, swap is used when your system runs out of RAM.
- You will see a slider that allows you to adjust the space allocated to Ubuntu and Windows. You can typically leave this at the default or adjust slightly if needed.
Click “Install Now.”
Writing Changes to Disks:
The installer will warn you that changes will be written to the disk. Review the proposed changes and click “Continue” to proceed.

Completing the Installation and First Boot

Location: Select your time zone by clicking on the world map.
User Account Creation:
- Your name: Enter your full name.
- Your computer’s name: This is the hostname of your machine on the network.
- Pick a username: This will be your login username.
- Choose a password: Create a strong password and confirm it.
- Login options: Choose whether you want to log in automatically or require a password. It’s highly recommended to require a password for security.
- Click “Continue.”
Installation Progress: The installer will now copy files and configure your system. This process can take a significant amount of time, depending on your hardware and internet speed.
Restart Required: Once the installation is complete, you will see a message prompting you to restart your computer. Click “Restart Now.”
Remove Installation Medium: When prompted, you will be asked to remove the installation medium (your USB drive) and press Enter. Do this to ensure your computer boots from the hard drive.

Managing Your Dual Boot Environment: GRUB and Beyond

After a successful installation, your computer will present you with a boot menu the next time you start it. This menu, typically GRUB (GRand Unified Bootloader), allows you to choose which operating system to launch.

Understanding the GRUB Boot Menu

When you power on your computer, after the manufacturer’s logo, you should see a screen listing your installed operating systems.

Default Operating System: By default, GRUB is usually configured to boot into the most recently installed OS (which would be Ubuntu in this case) after a short timeout.
Selecting an OS: Use the arrow keys to highlight “Ubuntu” or “Windows Boot Manager” and press Enter to boot into your chosen OS.
GRUB Configuration (Advanced): For advanced users, GRUB’s behavior can be customized. You can change the default OS, alter the timeout, and even customize the appearance of the boot menu. This is done by editing configuration files in Ubuntu, primarily /etc/default/grub and then running sudo update-grub.

Accessing Your Windows Partition from Linux

One of the advantages of dual-booting is the ability to access files from your Windows partition while running Linux.

Mounting Partitions: When you boot into Ubuntu, your Windows partitions are usually detected automatically. You can typically find them listed in the file manager (Nautilus or similar) under “Other Locations” or as drive icons. Clicking on a partition will attempt to “mount” it, making its contents accessible.
NTFS Support: Linux distributions have excellent support for the NTFS file system used by Windows. However, for seamless read/write access, it’s crucial that Windows is not hibernated or in a fast startup state when you shut it down. If Windows is hibernated, the NTFS partition will be mounted as read-only by Linux to prevent data corruption.
- Disabling Fast Startup in Windows: To ensure your Windows partitions are properly accessible from Linux, it’s highly recommended to disable Fast Startup in Windows.
  1. Open “Power Options” in the Windows Control Panel.
  2. Click “Choose what the power buttons do.”
  3. Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”
  4. Uncheck “Turn on fast startup (recommended).”
  5. Save changes.
Using Data: Once mounted, you can browse, copy, and move files between your Linux and Windows partitions.

Troubleshooting Common Dual Boot Issues

While the process is generally smooth, you might encounter a few issues.

Computer Boots Directly into Windows: This is the most common problem, usually indicating that the boot order in BIOS/UEFI is incorrect or that GRUB was not installed correctly.
- Solution: Re-enter BIOS/UEFI and ensure the boot order prioritizes the GRUB bootloader (often listed as “ubuntu” or your hard drive). If that doesn’t work, you may need to boot from your Ubuntu USB again and use the “Try Ubuntu” option to repair GRUB using command-line tools or dedicated boot repair utilities.
Computer Boots Directly into Ubuntu: This means Windows is not listed in the GRUB menu.
- Solution: Boot into Ubuntu, open a terminal, and run sudo update-grub. This command rescans your drives for operating systems and updates the GRUB configuration.
“Operating System not found” Error: This usually indicates a more serious bootloader issue or a problem with the drive.
- Solution: This might require booting from the Ubuntu USB and using advanced tools or reinstalling GRUB. Consult specific Ubuntu forums for detailed troubleshooting steps.
Windows Partition is Read-Only in Linux: As mentioned, this is usually due to Windows Fast Startup or hibernation.
- Solution: Ensure Fast Startup is disabled in Windows and that you perform a full shutdown in Windows.

By following these steps, you can successfully install Linux alongside Windows 10, opening up a world of new possibilities for your computing experience. Remember to always back up your data and proceed with careful consideration at each step.