+- Hack Forums (https://hackforums.net)
+-- Forum: Tech (https://hackforums.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=444)
+--- Forum: Computing (https://hackforums.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=88)
+---- Forum: Linux (https://hackforums.net/forumdisplay.php?fid=85)
+---- Thread: [Beginner Guide] How to Install Linux as a Second OS Alongside Windows (Dual Boot) (/showthread.php?tid=6319291)
[Beginner Guide] How to Install Linux as a Second OS Alongside Windows (Dual Boot) - techpacket - Feb 6, 2026
A lot of people want to try Linux but don’t want to remove Windows.
Dual boot is the safest way to use both OS on the same PC, and it’s easier than most people think.
This guide explains everything from zero, assuming you already have Windows installed.
🔹 What You Need Before Starting
A PC with Windows already installed
Minimum 20–30 GB free disk space
A USB drive (8GB or more)
Internet connection
🔹 Step 1: Choose a beginner-friendly Linux distro
If this is your first time, avoid complicated distros.
Good beginner choices:
Ubuntu
Linux Mint
Pop!_OS
Download the ISO file from the official website only.
🔹 Step 2: Create a bootable USB
You can’t install Linux like a normal app.
Steps:
Download a USB boot tool (Rufus or Balena Etcher)
Select the Linux ISO
Choose your USB drive
Start flashing
Once done, the USB becomes a Linux installer.
🔹 Step 3: Prepare space from Windows
Linux needs its own partition.
From Windows:
Open Disk Management
Right-click your main drive
Shrink volume
Leave the space unallocated (don’t format it)
This space will be used by Linux later.
🔹 Step 4: Boot from the Linux USB
Now restart your PC.
Press Boot Menu key (F12 / F9 / ESC depending on PC)
Select the USB drive
Linux installer will load
You’ll usually see an option like “Try Linux” or “Install Linux”.
🔹 Step 5: Start Linux installation
Choose Install.
When asked about installation type:
Select “Install alongside Windows” (recommended for beginners)
The installer will automatically:
Detect Windows
Use the unallocated space
Configure dual boot safely
🔹 Step 6: Set user and timezone
Now you’ll be asked to:
Choose keyboard layout
Set timezone
Create username & password
This is similar to Windows setup.
🔹 Step 7: Finish installation and reboot
After installation completes:
Remove USB
Restart PC
You’ll now see a boot menu where you can choose:
Windows
Linux
Congrats 🎉 You now have dual boot.
🔹 Important Things New Users Should Know
Windows updates won’t delete Linux
Linux files are separate from Windows
You can uninstall Linux later without reinstalling Windows
Secure Boot may need to be disabled on some PCs
🔹 Why Dual Boot Is Worth It
Learn Linux without risk
Keep Windows for gaming/software
Great for programming, networking, security learning
RE: [Beginner Guide] How to Install Linux as a Second OS Alongside Windows (Dual Boot) - ramikkon - Feb 7, 2026
I did a similar thing, but instead of using an internal hard drive, I just bought an M.2 case supporting UASP and TRIM (this is important for long-term performance compared to a regular cheap enclosure) and USB 3.2 Gen 2, and then put a fast NVMe SSD in it. So I got a “portable Linux NVMe bay” which is almost as good as an internal one.
You just need to be careful to buy the correct enclosure and a matching SSD which can operate at decent temperatures so you don't get thermal throttling.
RE: [Beginner Guide] How to Install Linux as a Second OS Alongside Windows (Dual Boot) - techpacket - Feb 7, 2026
Thanks for your information