How To Dual Boot Linux And Windows: Step By Step Guide

Linux, a popular open-source operating system, is used in many devices, including computers, laptops, smartphones, and cars. It has evolved significantly thanks to technological advancement and features different types of OS like Kali, Ubuntu, etc. A major change that came is that you can dual boot Linux. It’s something that most of us haven’t even heard of before. But hey! We are here for that reason only. In today’s blog, we will discuss how to dual boot a Linux system. So, stay connected till the end. 

What Is Dual Boot?

First, we need to learn what dual boot is. So, it's installing and running two operating systems in one computer, also known as arch dual boot. We know that a single system is never sufficient to execute all your tasks, no matter how good it is. So, having two systems will allow you to switch between them according to the tasks’ requirements. Here, we will learn to dual boot Linux and Windows because both offer distinct features. 

Why To Dual Boot Linux System?

The main reason for dual booting Linux is that certain software runs on a specific operating system. Dual boot allows you to run more than one OS on your computer. So, you can run a specific OS to use certain software. 

Pre-requisites For Dual Boot

Your computer should fulfil a few hardware pre-requisites to complete an Arch dual boot of a Linux and Windows system. 

• Your computer must have at least 40 GB of free hard disk space, but it’s recommended that it has 100 - 150 GB of space.
• A USB flash drive with a minimum of 8 GB space.
• Make sure that Windows OS is installed in UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) or Legacy BIOS (Basic Output/Input System) mode.

How To Dual Boot Linux?

This is the final and most awaited section of this blog and explains how to dual boot Linux. The process to dual boot Kali or other Linux systems would be similar. Follow the steps to complete the dual boot.

Step 1: Unallocated Hard Disk Space

The first step is to free space on your NTFS (New Technology File System) formatted hard disk. This space will contain the Linux System Partition. Go to the Windows disk management service. Now, click on the partition and the ‘Shrink Volume’ button. In the dialogue box, enter the space you want to free and continue. 

Step 2: Create A Bootable Linux USB Drive

The next step for Arch dual boot Linux is creating a bootable Linux USB drive. We are using the Kali Linux operating system, so first, download the image file for Kali OS from its official site. The LTS (Long Term Support) version should be the latest. You also need to download Rufus to create a bootable USB drive. At last, back up all content on the USB flash drive and start Rufus.

Step 3: Disable Secure Boot and Fast Boot

Disabling secure boot and fast boot is the third step to dual boot Kali Linux. Navigate to BitLocker, manage options from the start menu, and turn it off by following the commands on the screen. Now, disable secure boot from the bootable drive. Older systems, including Windows 8.1/10, need to turn off the fast boot from the BIOS/UEFI menu. To do this, go to ‘Power Options’, ' Choose what the power buttons do,’ and click ‘Change settings.’ Now, you can untick fast startup and disable fast boot. 

Step 4: Boot Linux From USB Drive

The fourth step for dual boot Linux is booting the OS from a USB driver. Enter the boot options and boot Linux from the created USB Flash Drive when your computer starts but before Windows starts loading. 

Step 5: Install Kali Linux

After the booting process, try different applications the operating system offers, verify all the basic functionalities you will use, and proceed with installation. Double-click the Install icon shown on the desktop. Now, choose the language, keyboard layout, and installation type: normal or minimal. Once you reach the option ‘How do you want to install Kali Linux’, select ‘something else’ and continue. Find an unallocated hard disk partition, left-click on it and create another partition. Click the new partition and create a swap area. At last, press the ‘Install Now’ button and confirm the changes made. Now, you can enter your login credentials and complete the installation. 

After the installation, remove the bootable USB drive and shut down your computer. The next time you turn on your computer, a Grub window will appear, offering two operating systems: Windows and Kali Linux. Thus, you have completed dual-booting Kali Linux. 

Unlocked the Best of Linux and Windows

The concept of dual boot Linux began in the 1990s, but even now, most people are unaware of it. Maybe it's because it’s pretty complex, as you must also understand after walking through this dual boot Kali Linux Guide. After dual booting Linux and Windows, you can utilise the features of both operating systems. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are 5 different types of operating systems?

Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, Google’s Android OS, Linux Operating System, and Apple iOS are 5 operating systems. 

2. What is the latest version of Windows?

The latest version of Windows is Windows 11, version 24H2. 

3. What is the latest version of Linux?

The latest version of Linux is Linux Mint 22.1 “Xia.”

4- When is the new version of Windows coming?

The next Windows version will be Windows 12, expected to roll out in July-October 2025.