How to Dual Boot Ubuntu 24.04 and Windows 11: A Complete Guide

Dual booting Ubuntu 24.04 alongside Windows 11 provides the best of both worlds: the flexibility and open-source benefits of Linux and the familiarity of Windows. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, ensuring you can install and use both operating systems on the same computer without complications.

Why Dual Boot?

Dual booting is ideal for users who need both operating systems. It allows you to:

Switch between Ubuntu and Windows for different tasks.
Leverage Linux’s powerful development tools while keeping access to Windows-specific software.
Experiment with Linux without losing access to your existing Windows setup.

This tutorial applies to Windows 11, 10, and 8, making it suitable for most users.

What You’ll Need

Before getting started, make sure you have the following:

Ubuntu ISO: Download here.
Rufus: A tool to create bootable USB drives. Download here.
A USB drive with at least 8GB capacity.
Access to BIOS or UEFI settings on your PC.
Unallocated disk space for Ubuntu installation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dual Booting Ubuntu 24.04 and Windows

1. Download Ubuntu and Rufus

Begin by downloading the Ubuntu 24.04 ISO file and the Rufus tool:

Save both files in an easily accessible folder on your computer.

2. Create a Bootable USB

Using Rufus, create a bootable USB drive with the Ubuntu ISO:

Insert the USB drive into your computer.
Open Rufus and select your USB drive.
Click “Select” and choose the Ubuntu ISO file.
Set the partition scheme to GPT (for UEFI systems) or MBR (for BIOS systems).
Click “Start” to create the bootable USB.

Once the process is complete, your USB drive is ready for Ubuntu installation.

3. Prepare Disk Space for Ubuntu

To install Ubuntu, you’ll need unallocated space on your hard drive:

Open Disk Management in Windows by pressing Windows + X and selecting Disk Management.
Select the partition you want to shrink, right-click, and choose Shrink Volume.
Create at least 20GB of unallocated space for Ubuntu.

4. Boot from USB

Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive:

Access BIOS/UEFI by pressing the appropriate key (e.g., F2, F10, or DEL) during startup.
Set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
Save changes and restart your computer.

You should see the Ubuntu installation screen.

5. Install Ubuntu 24.04

Follow these steps to install Ubuntu:

Select Try Ubuntu or Install Ubuntu.
Choose your preferred language and keyboard layout.
Select Manual Installation to avoid overwriting Windows.
Create the following partitions in the unallocated space:
- Root (/): 20GB or more.
- Swap: Equal to your system’s RAM size.
- Home (/home): Optional, for personal files.
Select the bootloader installation device (e.g., the main hard drive).
Click Install Now and follow the prompts.

6. Switching Between Windows and Ubuntu

After installation, restart your computer. You’ll see a GRUB menu that allows you to choose between Windows and Ubuntu at startup. If you don’t see this menu, access BIOS/UEFI and ensure the Ubuntu bootloader is set as the default.

7. Post-Installation Tips

Once Ubuntu is installed, consider the following:

Update your system using the terminal:
```
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade
```
Install additional drivers if needed.
Configure dual-boot settings using tools like Grub Customizer if necessary.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. USB Drive Not Recognized

Ensure the USB drive is correctly formatted and created using Rufus.

2. GRUB Menu Missing

Check BIOS/UEFI settings to prioritize the Ubuntu bootloader. You can also repair GRUB using a live USB.

3. Windows Bootloader Overwrites GRUB

Repair GRUB using Ubuntu’s live USB and terminal commands:

sudo grub-install /dev/sdX
sudo update-grub

Resources

Conclusion

Dual booting Ubuntu 24.04 and Windows 11 is an excellent way to enjoy the best features of both operating systems. With this guide, you can easily set up a dual-boot system, troubleshoot common issues, and customize your setup for maximum productivity. For a complete walkthrough, watch the full video on YouTube: How to Dual Boot Ubuntu 24.04 and Windows 11. If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out via LinkedIn or Telegram. Don’t forget to subscribe for more tech tutorials!

FAQ

What is dual booting?

Dual booting is the process of installing two operating systems on the same computer. It allows users to choose which OS to run at startup, such as Ubuntu and Windows.

Why should I dual boot Ubuntu and Windows?

Dual booting gives you the flexibility to use both operating systems. You can leverage Ubuntu’s open-source tools while retaining access to Windows-specific software and tasks.

How much space do I need to dual boot Ubuntu?

You’ll need at least 20GB of unallocated disk space for Ubuntu. However, for better performance and storage, allocate more space if available.

How do I fix a missing GRUB menu after installation?

Ensure the Ubuntu bootloader is set as the default in your BIOS/UEFI settings. You can also repair GRUB using a live USB and terminal commands like sudo grub-install /dev/sdX and sudo update-grub.

Can I dual boot on any version of Windows?

Yes, this guide applies to Windows 11, 10, and 8. Ensure your hardware meets the requirements for both Windows and Ubuntu.

What should I do if my USB drive is not recognized during setup?

Verify that the USB drive is correctly formatted and created using Rufus. Ensure the partition scheme matches your system (GPT for UEFI or MBR for BIOS).

Can I remove Ubuntu later without affecting Windows?

Yes, you can remove Ubuntu by deleting its partitions and restoring the Windows bootloader. Be cautious and back up important data before proceeding.