How to dual boot? (Easy steps) with explanation

Dual partition

The process of dividing the hard drive to two or more partition and assigning one partition for one operating system (OS) and another partition for another is called Dual partition. To put it in simple words you can have multiple OS on your hard drive by partitioning the drive into several partitions.

Why dual boot?

1. You can use more than one OS in your system. For example a Windows OS or a Mac OS
2. To test an OS or software
3. When software requires different OS

Partitioning

The process of splitting a disk into separate logical areas that can be used arbitrarily. Creating several partitions in the hard disk provides greater backup, reduces data loss and improve restore time.

How to dual boot a computer system?

Before we jump in to the process we need to have things checked and handy.

1. Operating System already installed preferably Windows OS. It will complicate things if you have a Linux running machine.
2. Random Access Memory (RAM) - Minimum 4 GB RAM. I recommended 8 GB for smooth functionality.
3. Free Disk Space - Minimum 25 GB free space, my recommendation would be 60 GB (for update & upgrade)
4. Installation media (USB flash drive, CD/DVD or ISO file) to install the new OS

Other requirements

1. A PC with a reliable internet connection to download the ISO file and Rufus (skip if already done)
2. A blank USB flash drive or external hard drive with at least 8 GB of space, or a blank DVD.

The OS installation process

Make sure that you have installed Windows first.

Then go to disk management and free up some space 25 min and 60 max GB from any drive.

Then download Windows 10 disk image (ISO file) or Linux ISO from its official site and make a bootable USB using Rufus.

How to use Rufus to create a bootable USB drive can be found here https://rohanronychettri.blogspot.com/2022/05/how-to-use-rufus-to-create-bootable-usb.html

Connect it to PC, enter into BIOS and set first boot priority to USB and restart the PC.
How you do this depends on your computer, but most have a key you can press to initiate the boot menu or read the system manual.

After restart if everything goes well you will be welcomed by an installation screen.

1. Click on Install now to start the Windows installer.
2. On the next screen, it asks for your product key. If you do not have the product key select "I don't have a product key.
3. Select which version of Windows you want to install. (If prompted)
4. Accept the license agreement by checking the box, then click Next.
5. After accepting the agreement, you have two installation options available. Choose the second option, Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
6. The next screen should show your current hard disk configuration. At this point, your screen will show your entire disk as unallocated. To continue, create a new partition.
7. Calculate the total size to mb (mega bytes) by multiplying it by 1024
8. Confirm the partitioning and click Next. Windows will begin installing.

Restart your system once again. You will be greeted with the familiar boot screen that gives you the option to choose between booting OS.

And that brings us to the end of this tutorial. If you still have queries, feel free to write it down in the comment section.