How to install Ubuntu together with Windows 10 on the same computer (dual boot)

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Although Windows is one of the most widely used operating systems and that it is feasible to perform a multitude of tasks directly from it, the truth is that sometimes it falls short, being necessary to use other operating systems. And, in this case, Linux distributions like Ubuntu are quite popular.

The truth is that depending on what you want to do, Ubuntu can be an ideal operating system, but if at the same time you do not want to separate yourself from Windows, you can use programs like VirtualBox to create virtual machines and emulate it. , or install it together with Windows using Dual Boot, so it is feasible to manually select the operating system to be used when starting the computer. Since the first option has its limitations, we will show you how you can install Ubuntu on a partition on your computer.

Then you can install Ubuntu on a partition of your computer next to Windows

First of all, it is essential to explain that you should be aware of the changes you make to your computer and take responsibility for them. It is not a very complicated procedure, but data could be lost if you follow the steps wrong or make a mistake, that is why we suggest always keep a backup of your information. If you already have it ready, below we detail what you need to install Ubuntu along with Windows 10 on your computer.

Prepare the installation media

First of all, to install Ubuntu on your computer, you require a copy of the setup program. In the Ubuntu download page you can get the latest version of said program, both in its stable version and in the latest version. You must select the one you want (for the guide we have used 19.10, but the steps are the same in most) and download the respective image in ISO format.

Download the Ubuntu Desktop setup program ...

(*10*)

Later, you will need burn the ISO image to a pendrive or disc (CD / DVD). Esto depende de las capacidades de su hardware, pero en este caso lo mejor que puede hacer para acelerar el procedimiento es hacerlo con una unidad flash USB, puesto que de forma general las velocidades de lectura y escritura son más altas. Puedes utilizar el asistente de Microsoft si buscas grabarlo en un CD o DVD, mientras que para hacerlo en un pendrive necesitarás una herramienta as Rufus. Consult these guides if you need help burning the disc image:

Decrease the size of the hard drive to install Ubuntu

After the installation media is created, you should keep it for later use. Before doing so, you need to drill a hole in your hard drive to install Ubuntu. To do this, you will have to create a partition but without a simple volume. In other words, you must enter Windows disk management, for which you can search for "Create and format hard disk partitions", and then decrease the volume by right clicking on the disk C: on which Windows is installed.

There you should select in MB the part of the hard disk that you would like to be available for Ubuntu and not for Windows, and when you are ready select the option to decrease so that it is released. If you've done it right, you can see another part of the hard drive is listed as "Unallocated." It is essential that don't create a new volume, since it will be done directly from the installation program itself.

Boot your computer from the created installation media

Whether you have used a pendrive or if you have preferred to do it with an optical drive, keep the device connected and turn off your PC. Subsequently, you should turn it on by setting it to boot from it. This varies depending on your computer, but in general if you press the ESC or DEL key, you should see a option to choose boot device or enter BIOS setup. In the latter case, you will need to change the boot order so that the connected device starts before the computer's hard drive.

In any case, If this doesn't work for you, look in your equipment manual or on the internet the respective option for your computer or motherboard model, as some manufacturers change these options.

Install Ubuntu on the computer

If everything goes fine You should see a list of alternatives, generally in English, where using the keyboard arrows and access to choose, it will be feasible to select. Along with the ability to test the system directly from the installation media, you should see the option of Install Ubuntu, which is the recommended one. You will automatically see the system installer start up.

Should view a graphical interface, in which you can configure an Internet connection and various aspects from the upper right. When you are ready to install, complete the first steps of the wizard to your liking- Language, keyboard layout, and if you are interested in receiving updates during the installation and installation of certain drivers.

Later you will come to the most important step, which is type of installation. In most cases, Ubuntu detects that there is already another operating system installed and therefore a option at the top called "Install Ubuntu next to Windows Boot Manager". If this is your case, select it and otherwise, choose "Advanced" and select unallocated disk space as an installation location so that there are no problems with Windows 10.

Once this step is done, Ubuntu installation will start in the background. Mientras tanto, puede completar algunos de los parámetros, como la configuración regional o los datos del Username administrador del equipo. Entonces solo tendrás wait for the operating system to install correctly.

As soon as this happens, the installation program will ask you to restart the computer and that you extract the USB pendrive or the disk that you have used to install the system, and everything will be ready for you to start working.

Switch between Ubuntu and Windows with dual boot

Lo más probable es que por defecto Ubuntu be siempre el sistema operativo con el que se inicia tu computadora, lo cual es recomendable puesto que en unos segundos It will show you a window without a graphical interface so that with the keyboard arrows you can choose Ubuntu or Windows 10 ("Windows boot manager").

Every time you start the PC the same thing will happen, and you will be able to select your favorite operating system according to the moment.. If not, you should also be able to switch by accessing Windows 10 advanced startup alternatives or configuring your computer's motherboard startup devices. It is also important to note that both operating systems can receive their corresponding updates without any problem, and you will even be able to reinstall either of them without affecting the other.