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How to Properly Dual-Boot Windows 10 With Another OS
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Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
You probably already heard that it is not recommended to installWindows 10as your primaryoperating system, but if you really want to use it there are a couple of methods which will allow you to use it, along with your current system. And one of these methods is dual-boot.
Performing a dual-bootis not a complicated task. Here’s what you need to do to complete it successfully:
How do I dual boot Windows 10 and another OS?
The present article will guide you through the dual-boot process. For more information on specific operating systems you choose to team up on your computer, also check these articles:
Shrink your System Partition to make enough space
First, you’ll need to make space forWindows 10on your hard drive. If you have two different hard drives in your computer and one of them is empty, you can skip this part. But you’ll probably want to installWindows 10alongsideWindows 7or 8 on the same hard drive.
Before you install anotheroperating systemon your computer, you’ll need to free up some space for it. If you have two different disk drivers in your machine, and one of them is empty, you don’t need to do anything. But, you probably want to installWindows 10on the samepartitionas your current system.
To free up some space for your newoperating system, you’re going to use the Disk Management Utility, which is built-in feature inWindows 7or 8.
To run Disk Management Utility follow these steps:
This feature will free up some necessary space, and you’re good to install the newoperating systemon the samepartitionas your currentOS. System requirements ofWindows 10Technical Preview say that you’ll need at least 20 GB of free space, same as for Windows 8 or Windows 8.1, but you’ll probably want to have more free space than that.
After the shrinking is done, you can downloadWindows 10from Microsoft’s website, and continue the process.
This can also be one via third-party partition managers which can do the job faster, in a much safer manner, and you don’t need so many steps either.
One great example isAomei Partition Assistant Professional, a tool that can allow anyone with basic knowledge of English to do whatever they want to their partitions, including shrinking them.
Simply launch the program, select the partition in question, and then select from the toolbar what is it that you want to do with it.
AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional
Also, don’t forget to backup your data before you install a newoperating system. Although it shouldn’t delete any of your existing files, you should perform a backup, just in case.
Download the Windows 10 ISO File
After you prepared your hard disk drive forinstallationof the newoperating system, you shoulddownload it from Microsoft’s site. Download aWindows 10ISO fileand either burn it onto aDVDor make abootableUSB flash drive.
After you do that, leave your DVD or USB Flash in your computer, and restart it. It should automatically start theinstallation, but if it doesn’t, change thebootpriority in BIOS.
Install Windows 10 alongside your current system
Now, installWindows 10Technical Preview normally.
Select your language and keyboard layout and proceed toInstall now.
After agreeing on the license agreement, chooseCustom: Install Windows only (advanced), because it will install the fresh copy of windows on your desiredpartition.
If you chooseUpgradeoption, it will upgrade your currentoperating systemtoWindows 10.
TheWhere do you want to install Windows?will window appear. You’ll notice anUnallocated Spaceoption, this is the space you shrank earlier. ChooseUnallocated SpaceandNew, to create a newpartitionin the empty space.
A Size box will appear asking you how big you want your newpartitionto be. You should use all the free space (which is also a default option), and just click Apply to create a newpartition.
After that, just follow further on-screen instructions, and finish theinstallation.
Choose which Operating System you want to boot
From now on, you’ll be able to choose which system you want to use on your computer. To switch between Windows 7/8/8.1 andWindows 10, just restart your computer and choose again.
Go toChange a defaultoperating systemorChoose other optionsin order to choose whichoperating systemyou want tobootby default, and how much time will pass before the computer automaticallybootsthe default one.
Both versions of the system use the NTFS file system, so you’ll be able to easily access your files from bothoperating systems.
Let us know if this guide was helpful by leaving us your feedback in the comments section below.
More about the topics:dual boot,windows 10
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
