How to Dual Boot Ubuntu and Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever wanted to explore Linux without giving up Windows? Setting up a dual boot of Ubuntu and Windows 11 lets you enjoy the best of both worlds. You can use Windows 11 for your day-to-day tasks and Ubuntu for development, security testing, or just exploring a new system — all on the same PC.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to dual boot Ubuntu and Windows 11 step by step. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, by the end of this article, you’ll be able to install Ubuntu alongside Windows safely and confidently.

What Does Dual Booting Mean?

Dual booting means installing two operating systems on one computer, allowing you to choose which one to start when your PC boots up.

When you dual boot Windows 11 and Ubuntu, you can switch between them — use Windows for productivity and Ubuntu for coding, networking, or server management — all without using a virtual machine.

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Why Dual Boot Ubuntu and Windows 11?

So, why bother dual booting when you could just use Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)?

Here’s why many developers and tech enthusiasts still prefer dual booting:

In short, if you want full Linux power without losing access to your Windows apps, dual booting is the way to go.

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System Requirements for Dual Boot Setup

Before you begin, make sure your system meets the following requirements:

• Processor: 64-bit CPU (Intel or AMD)

• RAM: Minimum 4 GB (8 GB recommended)

• Storage: At least 50 GB free space

• Boot Mode: UEFI (recommended)

• Internet connection: Optional but helpful for updates

• USB drive: 8 GB or larger for installation media

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Things to Do Before Dual Booting

Before diving in, here are a few essential preparations:

1. Update Windows 11 – Install the latest updates to avoid compatibility issues.

2. Backup important files – In case anything goes wrong during partitioning.

3. Check Secure Boot settings – Ubuntu supports Secure Boot, but disabling it sometimes helps avoid driver issues.

4. Have a stable power supply – Don’t risk a power outage during installation.

5. Download all necessary tools – You’ll need software like Rufus or Balena Etcher.

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Step 1: Backup Your Data

Before modifying partitions or installing a new OS, create a full backup of your Windows system.

You can:

• Use File History or OneDrive to back up documents.

• Create a System Image in Control Panel → Backup and Restore.

• Use tools like Macrium Reflect for disk cloning.

This step ensures you can restore your system if something goes wrong.

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Step 2: Create Free Space for Ubuntu

Ubuntu needs its own partition to install. Here’s how to create it in Windows 11:

1. Press Win + X and select Disk Management.

2. Locate your main Windows drive (usually C:).

3. Right-click it and choose Shrink Volume.

4. Enter the amount of space to shrink (at least 50,000 MB for 50 GB).

5. Click Shrink.

You’ll now see Unallocated space — this is where Ubuntu will be installed.

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Step 3: Download Ubuntu ISO File

Next, download the latest Ubuntu version:

1. Visit the official Ubuntu website.

2. Choose Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 LTS (or latest).

3. Save the .ISO file to your computer.

LTS (Long-Term Support) versions are recommended because they’re stable and supported for five years.

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Step 4: Create a Bootable USB Drive

To install Ubuntu, you’ll need a bootable USB.

Here’s how:

Using Rufus (Windows)

1. Download Rufus from rufus.ie.

2. Insert your USB drive (8 GB minimum).

3. In Rufus:

   • Select your USB drive.

   • Under Boot selection, choose the Ubuntu ISO file.

   • Partition scheme: GPT (for UEFI systems).

4. Click Start and wait until it’s done.

Using Balena Etcher (Alternative)

If you prefer a simpler interface, use Balena Etcher.
Just select the ISO, choose the USB drive, and hit Flash.

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Step 5: Boot from USB and Install Ubuntu

Once your bootable USB is ready, it’s time to install Ubuntu:

1. Restart your computer.

2. Press the boot menu key (usually F12, F10, or Esc depending on your PC).

3. Select your USB drive as the boot device.

4. When Ubuntu’s installer loads, select Try or Install Ubuntu.

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Step 6: Set Up Ubuntu Partition

You’ll now configure where Ubuntu will be installed:

1. When prompted, choose Install Ubuntu.

2. At the Installation type screen, select Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager.

   • If this option doesn’t appear, select Something else and manually choose the unallocated space.

3. Set the root (/) mount point and allocate space (minimum 30 GB recommended).

4. Optionally create a swap area (equal to your RAM size).

5. Continue installation.

Ubuntu will install next to Windows without deleting your data.

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Step 7: Configure GRUB Bootloader

During installation, Ubuntu automatically installs GRUB (GNU GRand Unified Bootloader).

GRUB lets you choose between Ubuntu and Windows 11 each time your PC starts.

✅ Tip: If GRUB doesn’t show after installation, enter BIOS → Boot Order → set Ubuntu/GRUB as the first boot option.

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Step 8: Restart and Choose an Operating System

After installation completes:

1. Remove the USB drive.

2. Reboot your PC.

3. You’ll see the GRUB menu:

   • Select Ubuntu to boot into Linux.

   • Select Windows Boot Manager to load Windows 11.

You now have a fully functional dual-boot system!

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How to Fix Common Dual Boot Issues

1. GRUB Menu Not Showing

If your PC boots directly into Windows:

• Boot into Ubuntu via BIOS boot menu.

• Open Terminal and run:

  sudo update-grub


  Then restart your system.

2. Windows Overwrites GRUB After Update

Sometimes Windows updates replace the GRUB loader.
Fix it by:

1. Booting from Ubuntu live USB.

2. Opening Terminal and running:

   sudo grub-install /dev/sda
sudo update-grub


3. Reboot and GRUB should reappear.

3. Time Mismatch Between Ubuntu and Windows

Ubuntu and Windows use different time formats (UTC vs local time).
Fix it in Ubuntu:

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How to Remove Ubuntu from a Dual Boot Setup

If you ever want to go back to Windows-only:

1. Boot into Windows 11.

2. Open Disk Management.

3. Delete the Ubuntu partitions (usually EXT4).

4. Expand your Windows partition to reclaim space.

5. Restore the Windows bootloader:

   • Open Command Prompt (Admin).

   • Run:

     bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot


6. Restart your PC — Ubuntu will be gone, and Windows will boot normally.

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Conclusion

Dual booting Ubuntu and Windows 11 gives you flexibility, control, and the power to explore two worlds on one machine.

You can use Windows for gaming, office work, and daily tasks — while Ubuntu handles coding, development, and open-source tools.

Just remember:

• Backup before installation.

• Create space safely.

• Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager.

• Keep your GRUB bootloader healthy.

With patience and care, you’ll have a powerful dual OS setup ready for anything!

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FAQs

1. Can I install Ubuntu without deleting Windows 11?

Yes. When you choose “Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager”, your files and Windows installation remain untouched.

2. How much space should I give Ubuntu?

At least 30–50 GB is recommended for smooth operation, especially if you’ll install software or store files.

3. Will dual booting slow down my PC?

No, both systems run independently. However, disk space and partitioning can affect performance if storage is low.

4. Can I access Windows files from Ubuntu?

Yes, Ubuntu can read and write Windows (NTFS) partitions. You can access your C: drive under “Other Locations” in the file manager.

5. How do I uninstall Ubuntu safely?

Delete Ubuntu partitions via Disk Management, then repair the Windows bootloader using bootrec commands.

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Key Takeaways

In summary: Dual booting Ubuntu and Windows 11 is safe, easy, and extremely useful for developers, students, and tech enthusiasts who want to leverage the strengths of both operating systems.