How to Install Linux on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / November 3, 2025

Have you ever wanted to try Linux but didn’t want to give up Windows completely? You’re not alone. Millions of Windows 10 users are switching (or at least experimenting) with Linux — for its speed, privacy, flexibility, and open-source freedom.

The good news? You can install Linux on Windows 10 easily — either as a dual-boot system, using the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), or by running it in a virtual machine.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explain how to install Linux on Windows 10 step by step, so you can explore the best of both worlds — without losing your data or peace of mind.

Table of Contents

🧠 What Is Linux (and Why Install It on Windows 10)?

Linux is a free, open-source operating system that powers everything from smartphones and smart TVs to servers and supercomputers.

Unlike Windows, Linux is community-driven, customizable, and lightweight.

💡 Why You Might Want to Install Linux on Windows 10

  • Faster Performance: Linux runs efficiently even on older hardware.

  • Better Privacy: No telemetry or tracking by default.

  • Open Source: 100% free and customizable.

  • Security: Far fewer viruses and malware threats.

  • Developer-Friendly: Perfect for coding, system administration, and DevOps work.

If you’ve ever wanted more control over your system, Linux gives it to you.

🧩 Different Ways to Run Linux on Windows 10

Before you install, decide how you want to run Linux. There are three main methods:

Method Description Difficulty Best For
WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) Run Linux within Windows (no reboot) Easy Developers, testers
Dual Boot Install Linux alongside Windows Moderate Power users
Virtual Machine (VM) Run Linux in a sandbox environment Easy Beginners & testers

Let’s explore each in detail.

🥇 Method 1: Install Linux Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

This is the simplest and safest way to use Linux on Windows 10. With WSL, you can run Linux directly inside Windows — no USBs, no dual booting.

Step 1: Enable Windows Subsystem for Linux

  1. Open PowerShell as Administrator.

    • Press Windows + X → Windows PowerShell (Admin)

  2. Type the following command and press Enter:

    dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux /all /norestart

  3. Then, enable the Virtual Machine Platform feature:

    dism.exe /online /enable-feature /featurename:VirtualMachinePlatform /all /norestart

  4. Restart your computer.

Step 2: Set WSL 2 as Default

After rebooting, open PowerShell again and run:

wsl --set-default-version 2

This ensures you’re using WSL 2, the latest version with better performance and full Linux kernel support.

Step 3: Install a Linux Distribution from Microsoft Store

  1. Open the Microsoft Store.

  2. Search for your preferred Linux distribution, such as:

    • Ubuntu

    • Debian

    • Kali Linux

    • openSUSE

    • Fedora Remix

  3. Click Get → Install.

Step 4: Launch and Set Up Linux

Once installed:

  1. Open the new Linux app (e.g., Ubuntu) from the Start menu.

  2. It will take a few minutes to set up.

  3. When prompted, create a username and password.

✅ You now have a full Linux terminal running inside Windows!

Step 5: Update and Use Linux Commands

Inside your Linux terminal, run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

You can now:

  • Install Linux packages (sudo apt install python3)

  • Access Windows files (cd /mnt/c/Users/YourName/)

  • Run Bash commands natively

That’s it! You’re using Linux inside Windows 10 — no reboot required.

🥈 Method 2: Dual Boot Linux with Windows 10

If you want the full Linux experience — not just a terminal — dual-booting is the best choice. It allows you to choose between Windows and Linux every time you start your computer.

⚙️ What You’ll Need

Requirement Description
USB Drive At least 8 GB
Linux ISO File Download from the official Linux distro website
Rufus (or Etcher) For creating a bootable USB
Free Disk Space At least 25 GB recommended
Backup Optional but strongly recommended

Step 1: Download a Linux Distribution

Some of the most beginner-friendly options include:

Download the ISO file for your preferred Linux distribution.

Step 2: Create a Bootable Linux USB Drive

  1. Download Rufus from https://rufus.ie.

  2. Insert your USB drive.

  3. Open Rufus → select your USB under “Device.”

  4. Under “Boot selection,” click Select → choose your downloaded ISO file.

  5. Click Start → wait for it to finish.

Now you have a bootable Linux USB installer.

Step 3: Prepare Your Windows 10 System

Before installation:

  • Backup important files.

  • Disable Fast Startup in Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do → Uncheck Turn on fast startup.

  • Free up disk space (at least 25 GB).

  • Optionally, shrink your C: drive to create unallocated space for Linux:

    1. Press Windows + X → Disk Management

    2. Right-click the C: drive → Shrink Volume

    3. Enter the amount (e.g., 30000 MB for 30 GB)

Step 4: Boot from the USB Drive

  1. Insert your USB drive.

  2. Restart your PC.

  3. Press the boot key (usually F12, ESC, or DEL).

  4. Choose your USB drive as the boot device.

You’ll see the Linux installer screen.

Step 5: Install Linux Alongside Windows 10

  1. Choose “Install Linux” from the menu.

  2. Follow the setup instructions.

  3. When asked about installation type, select “Install Linux alongside Windows Boot Manager.”

  4. Allocate disk space for Linux using the slider.

  5. Click Install Now and confirm.

Step 6: Complete the Installation

  1. Choose your time zone, keyboard layout, and language.

  2. Create your username and password.

  3. Wait for the installation to finish.

  4. Remove the USB drive when prompted.

  5. Reboot your computer.

When your PC restarts, you’ll see the GRUB boot menu, allowing you to choose between:

  • Windows 10

  • Linux (e.g., Ubuntu)

🎉 Congratulations — your system is now dual-booting!

🥉 Method 3: Install Linux on Windows 10 Using a Virtual Machine

If you prefer testing Linux without changing your partitions or boot settings, you can install it on a virtual machine.

This is perfect for beginners who just want to experiment safely.

Step 1: Download and Install VirtualBox

  1. Go to https://www.virtualbox.org.

  2. Download VirtualBox for Windows and install it.

Step 2: Download a Linux ISO File

Grab a Linux ISO (like Ubuntu or Mint) from the official website.

Step 3: Create a New Virtual Machine

  1. Open VirtualBox and click New.

  2. Enter a name (e.g., “Ubuntu”).

  3. Choose:

    • Type: Linux

    • Version: Ubuntu (64-bit)

  4. Allocate:

    • Memory: At least 4 GB

    • Processor cores: 2+

  5. Click Create.

Step 4: Add the ISO and Start the VM

  1. Select your VM → Settings → Storage.

  2. Under “Controller: IDE,” click the Empty CD icon.

  3. Browse and select your Linux ISO file.

  4. Click OK and then Start.

The Linux installer will launch inside VirtualBox — just follow the same installation steps as you would on a real system.

Step 5: Use Linux Inside Windows

After setup, you can:

  • Launch the VM anytime you want to run Linux.

  • Switch between Windows and Linux instantly.

  • Delete the VM safely if you’re done testing.

🧠 Which Method Should You Choose?

Need Recommended Method
Just want Linux terminal tools WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)
Want full Linux desktop + Windows Dual Boot
Want to test Linux safely Virtual Machine
Limited disk space or no admin access WSL
Older PC or limited RAM Dual Boot (lightweight distro like Mint)

🧩 Common Issues (and How to Fix Them)

⚠️ BIOS/UEFI Boot Problem

If Linux won’t boot from USB:

  • Ensure Secure Boot is disabled in BIOS.

  • Enable USB Boot or Legacy Boot Mode.

❌ “Installation Failed” Error

  • Verify your ISO file isn’t corrupted (check its SHA256 checksum).

  • Recreate the USB drive using Rufus.

🔄 Missing GRUB After Installation

If your PC boots straight into Windows:

  • Boot into Linux using a live USB.

  • Open Terminal and run:

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

🔒 Windows Boot Manager Issues

If you can’t boot into Windows after installing Linux:

  • Use Windows installation media → “Repair your computer” → “Startup Repair.”

🧰 Tips for Beginners

  • Start with Ubuntu or Linux Mint — easy, stable, and beginner-friendly.

  • Allocate enough RAM (4GB+) if using a virtual machine.

  • Always backup your Windows files before dual booting.

  • Learn basic Linux commands like ls, cd, sudo apt install.

  • Explore your system using the Software Center — no need for terminal-only usage.

🧾 Conclusion: Explore the Power of Linux on Windows 10

And there you have it! You’ve learned how to install Linux on Windows 10, using WSL, dual boot, or a virtual machine.

Each method has its pros and cons:

  • WSL — easiest and fastest way for developers.

  • Dual Boot — ideal for full Linux experience.

  • Virtual Machine — safest for beginners and testers.

Whichever you choose, Linux opens up a world of freedom, customization, and efficiency that complements your Windows 10 setup beautifully.

💬 FAQs: Installing Linux on Windows 10

1. Is it safe to install Linux alongside Windows 10?

Yes! As long as you choose “Install alongside Windows” and don’t overwrite partitions, it’s completely safe.

2. Do I need to remove Windows to install Linux?

No. You can dual boot or use WSL to run both OSes together.

3. Which Linux distro is best for beginners?

Ubuntu and Linux Mint are great starting points due to their ease of use and community support.

4. Can I uninstall Linux later?

Yes. Simply delete the Linux partition (in Disk Management) and restore Windows bootloader.

5. Does Linux run faster than Windows 10?

Generally, yes — Linux uses fewer system resources and runs smoothly on older hardware.

🧩 Summary: Key Takeaways

Step Description
1️⃣ Decide between WSL, Dual Boot, or Virtual Machine
2️⃣ Download your chosen Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu)
3️⃣ Create a bootable USB (if dual-booting)
4️⃣ Install Linux following the setup prompts
5️⃣ Reboot and enjoy Linux on Windows 10!

In short: Linux on Windows 10 is easier than ever — flexible, powerful, and safe for everyone from beginners to pros.

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