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Asked: 2024-09-27T02:01:37+05:30 In: ,

How can I successfully set up a dual boot system with Ubuntu 20.04 and Windows 11? What steps should I follow to ensure both operating systems work well together?

I’ve been thinking about setting up a dual boot system with Ubuntu 20.04 and Windows 11, but I’m kind of stuck on how to get started. I mean, I’ve read a bunch of guides online, but they all seem to have different steps, and I can’t quite figure out which ones are the most reliable. I really need both operating systems for different tasks—Windows for gaming and some specific software, and Ubuntu for coding and experimenting with Linux.

Here’s where I get confused: Should I install Windows first and then Ubuntu, or is it the other way around? I’ve heard that having Windows first is crucial because of how the bootloader works, but I really don’t want to mess things up and end up with a system that won’t boot into either OS. I’ve also seen people stressing the importance of partitioning correctly. Like, how big do I need to make the Ubuntu partition? And what about swap space? Honestly, it’s all a bit overwhelming.

Then there’s the whole UEFI vs. legacy BIOS thing. I’m not even sure what my computer is using! I’ve got a pretty new laptop, so I’m assuming it’s UEFI, but how do I check that? Plus, I’ve read some horror stories about people losing data during the partitioning process. Is there a solid backup plan I should follow just in case?

I’m also a little worried about how updates will work for both systems. Will I have to go through any weird boot issues with Windows updates? And what happens if I accidentally boot into one OS and it messes up the other?

If anyone has been through this process or has tips on what to avoid, I would really appreciate your input! I just want to make sure I do this right the first time without any crazy surprises. So, what are the steps I should follow to ensure that both Ubuntu 20.04 and Windows 11 play nice together? Thanks in advance for your help!

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    1. Dual Booting Ubuntu 20.04 and Windows 11


      Getting Started with Dual Booting Ubuntu 20.04 and Windows 11

      Setting up a dual boot system can seem a bit intimidating at first, especially with everything you’ve heard about partitioning, bootloaders, and the whole UEFI vs. legacy BIOS situation.

      1. Install Windows First

      You’re right about needing to install Windows first! Windows has a tendency to overwrite the bootloader, which can mess things up for Ubuntu if it’s installed first. So here’s the basic order:

      • Install Windows 11 first.
      • Then, install Ubuntu 20.04.

      2. Partitioning Space

      For the partition sizes:

      • Ubuntu can run fine with around 20GB minimum for basic use. However, if you plan to install software and store files, consider 30GB or more.
      • As for swap space, it’s generally recommended to have swap space equal to your RAM size, but 2GB is often more than enough unless you’re doing heavy tasks.

      3. Check UEFI Settings

      Since you have a newer laptop, it’s likely UEFI. You can check this by:

      • Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing F2, DEL, or ESC key during boot).
      • Look for something that mentions UEFI; if it’s there, then you’re using UEFI.

      4. Backup Your Data!

      Always backup your data before you start! Use an external hard drive or cloud storage. This way, if something goes wrong during partitioning, you’ll have a way to recover.

      5. Windows Updates and Boot Issues

      Windows updates can occasionally mess with the bootloader. If this happens, don’t panic! You can usually fix it using the Ubuntu live USB to reinstall GRUB (the bootloader for Ubuntu).

      Just make sure to keep the Ubuntu live USB handy so you can access it if needed.

      6. Final Thoughts

      Dual booting is totally doable if you take it step-by-step. Just make sure to keep backups, follow guides carefully, and don’t rush the process. You got this!



    2. To successfully set up a dual boot system with Ubuntu 20.04 and Windows 11, it is recommended to install Windows first. This is because Windows tends to overwrite the bootloader and, if installed second, can result in a system that does not allow you to boot into Ubuntu. Before you begin, you should check whether your laptop uses UEFI or Legacy BIOS. You can do this by accessing your system’s firmware settings during boot (often by pressing a key like F2 or Del), where you should see either UEFI or Legacy options. After verifying this, create a bootable USB for Windows, install it, and leave enough unallocated space for Ubuntu. You’ll want to partition your hard drive so that Ubuntu has at least 20 GB, with an additional swap space that is usually about the size of your RAM if you plan on using hibernation, otherwise, 2-4 GB is often sufficient.

      In terms of avoiding data loss during partitioning, be sure to back up all important data before you start. Use tools like GParted while installing Ubuntu to shrink your Windows partition and create new ones for Ubuntu. Post-installation, keep an eye on updates; Windows updates can sometimes alter the boot configuration, requiring you to repair the GRUB bootloader. Utilize tools like Boot-Repair for easier management of boot issues. If you accidentally boot into one OS, it generally doesn’t harm the other systems, but it’s wise to regularly back up your data just to be safe. Comprehensive planning and a cautious approach throughout the installation process will help achieve a harmonious dual boot setup.


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