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Asked: 2024-09-25T13:36:02+05:30 In:

I am having trouble setting up a dual-boot system with macOS and Ubuntu. Despite following the necessary steps, I can’t seem to get it to work. Has anyone else encountered this issue and found a solution?

I’ve been trying to get a dual-boot system set up with macOS and Ubuntu, and I’ve hit a wall! I followed all the steps I found online, but something just isn’t clicking. Here’s what I did: I partitioned my drive using Disk Utility, created a bootable USB with Ubuntu on it, and tried to install it. But when I get to the installation screen, things go off the rails.

First off, I can’t see the partition I made for Ubuntu. I’m not sure if I messed something up in Disk Utility or if there’s some other step I missed. I’ve toggled a few things in the BIOS settings (or whatever they call it in Mac), but nothing seems to help. I also read about using rEFInd to manage boot options, but I’m a bit hesitant to dive into that without knowing if it’s really necessary.

I’ve seen some forums where people mention issues with the APFS file system and how it can be a pain when setting up Linux alongside macOS. Is that something that could be affecting me? And what about secure boot settings? I’ve heard conflicting opinions on that as well.

Now that I’ve thrown myself into this, I really don’t want to give up. The idea of switching between macOS for work and Ubuntu for my personal projects sounds amazing, but right now, it feels like I’m just spinning my wheels.

So, has anyone else out there been in the same boat? I’d love to hear your stories or any solutions you stumbled upon that actually worked. Maybe you have a step-by-step guide that you’ve used? I’m all ears because I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed and just want to get this to work. Appreciate any help or insights you can share!

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    2 Answers


    1. It sounds like you’ve got quite the puzzle on your hands! Dual-booting macOS and Ubuntu can be tricky, especially on Macs due to the unique way macOS handles partitions and the EFI boot process.

      Here are a few things you might want to check or try:

      • Partition Formatting: When you use Disk Utility, make sure you format the partition for Ubuntu as MS-DOS (FAT) or ExFAT. If it is formatted as APFS or Mac OS Extended, Ubuntu may not see it.
      • File System & APFS: Yeah, APFS can complicate things. It’s not always friendly with Linux. Using a non-APFS format for the Ubuntu partition can help a lot!
      • BIOS/UEFI Settings: In your Mac, you might want to check the “Startup Security Utility.” If you can, disable Secure Boot to see if that makes a difference. Secure Boot can be a real roadblock for some Linux installations.
      • rEFInd: Using rEFInd can simplify your boot process and help you see all your OSes. It’s pretty solid for dual-boot setups, so it might not be as scary as it seems!

      Also, make sure you’re using the right version of Ubuntu for your hardware (like the recommended 64-bit version for most Macs).

      If you still can’t see the partition during installation, try using gparted from the live USB to ensure that the partition is correctly set up and that it’s unallocated or formatted appropriately for Ubuntu.

      Lastly, don’t lose hope! A lot of users have faced similar challenges, and it’s definitely worth it to get Ubuntu and macOS working side by side. Once you get it set up, the flexibility will be amazing!

      Good luck! Keep us posted on your progress!




    2. Dual-Booting macOS and Ubuntu Issues

      It sounds like you’re facing quite a common set of challenges when trying to set up a dual-boot system with macOS and Ubuntu. The first issue regarding the partition visibility during the Ubuntu installation could indeed stem from the APFS file system used by macOS. Typically, APFS partitions can complicate the installation process for Linux, as the Ubuntu installer may not always recognize or interact with them properly. To resolve this, ensure the partition for Ubuntu is of type “MS-DOS (FAT)” or “Free Space” when creating the partition. Additionally, verify that the partition is not encrypted or associated with Time Machine backups, as this can also prevent access. You mentioned toggling settings in the BIOS; on a Mac, you’d want to check under Startup Security Utility if you have anything relating to secure boot that might be hindering the visibility of the USB or partitions.

      Regarding rEFInd, it can be a helpful tool for managing boot options, but it is not always necessary, especially if you can get Ubuntu installed properly first. Consider disabling secure boot temporarily to ease installation and then reactingivate it afterward if necessary. Once installed, many users have had success configuring rEFInd to show both macOS and Ubuntu options. As for community experiences, many have turned to forums like AskUbuntu or the r/Ubuntu subreddit to find step-by-step guides tailored to dual-booting on Mac hardware. If you haven’t tried yet, you might find specific guides for your Mac model that can provide additional insight into avoiding issues surrounding APFS and secure boot. Keep at it; the dual-boot setup can be incredibly rewarding once you get past these hurdles!


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