To dual boot Windows 10 with Linux or another version of Windows, shrink your Windows partition to make free space, create a bootable USB for the second operating system, boot from it, and install into the free space. After installation, a boot menu appears every time you start the PC so you can choose which system to load. Back up first, since partition changes always carry some risk.
Applies to: PCs running Windows 10 version 22H2 in UEFI mode, dual booting with Ubuntu or another Linux distribution, or with Windows 11. Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Windows 10 reached the end of standard support on October 14, 2025.
Before you start
- Back up your files to an external drive or OneDrive.
- Check free space: allow at least 30 GB for Linux, 64 GB for Windows 11.
- Check BIOS mode: press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and look at BIOS Mode. It should say UEFI.
- BitLocker: if it’s on, save the recovery key and suspend protection in Control Panel > BitLocker Drive Encryption before changing partitions.
- Fast Startup: turn it off in Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do, so the other system can safely access the Windows drive.
Step 1: Make free space for the second system
- Right-click Start and select Disk Management.
- Right-click your Windows partition (usually C:) and choose Shrink Volume.
- Enter the amount to shrink in MB (for example, 61440 for 60 GB) and select Shrink.
- Leave the new space as Unallocated. The installer will use it.
Step 2: Create a bootable USB drive
- Linux: download the ISO from the distribution’s website (for example, Ubuntu) and write it to a USB drive with a tool such as Rufus or balenaEtcher.
- Windows 11: use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool to make an installation USB.
Step 3: Boot from the USB
Plug in the USB drive and restart. Press the boot menu key during startup, often F12, F11, Esc or F9, and choose the USB drive. Or hold Shift while selecting Restart in Windows, then choose Use a device. See how to boot from USB in Windows 10.
Step 4: Install into the free space
- Ubuntu: choose Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager if offered, or choose manual partitioning and use the unallocated space. Don’t select “Erase disk”. Full steps are in how to dual boot Windows 10 and Ubuntu.
- Windows 11: choose Custom: Install Windows only, select the unallocated space, and select Next. See how to dual boot Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Step 5: Choose a system at startup
After installing Linux, a GRUB menu appears at boot; after installing a second Windows, the Windows Boot Manager shows both. To change the default and timeout for Windows Boot Manager, press Windows + R, type msconfig, open the Boot tab, pick the default and set the timeout.
Is dual booting the right choice?
If you only need Linux command-line tools, the Windows Subsystem for Linux runs them inside Windows without partitioning; see how to install WSL on Windows 10. A virtual machine is another low-risk option. Dual booting gives full performance for each system but you can only use one at a time.
Troubleshooting
The PC boots straight into Windows
Change the boot order in the BIOS so the Linux boot loader (often named ubuntu) is first, or use the boot menu key.
Can’t shrink the partition enough
Unmovable files such as the page file block shrinking. Run Disk Cleanup, temporarily turn off the page file and System Restore, restart, and try again.
BitLocker asks for a recovery key
Enter the key you saved, then resume protection in Windows.
Frequently asked questions
Can I dual boot Kali Linux?
Yes;
Does dual booting slow down Windows?
No. Only one system runs at a time.
Related: uninstall WSL in Windows 11.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.