Yes, you can install both operating systems on your computer. This is known as dual-booting. It’s important to point out that only one operating system boots at a time, so when you turn on your computer, you make the choice of running Linux or Windows during that session.
Can I install Linux on the same computer that runs Windows?
Installing Linux to run on the same computer that runs the Windows OS is not difficult to do, even for novice users. In fact, Linux installation disks automate the process for you. When you set up your computer to run multiple operating systems from one hard drive, the start up process involves dualbooting.
Yet another inquiry we ran across in our research was “Is it possible to dual-booting Windows and Linux?”.
Linux is a great operating system with widespread hardware and software support, but the reality is that sometimes you have to use Windows, perhaps due to key apps that won’t run on Linux. Thankfully, dual-booting Windows and Linux is very straightforward —and I’ll show you how to set it up, with Windows 10 and Ubuntu, in this article.
If you already have Windows installed, you’re clear to install Linux. When you install Linux after Windows, the Linux installer knows how to deal with Windows, resize its partition, and set up a boot loader with an option allowing you to choose Windows at boot time. The bootloader shows both Linux and Windows options on a dual-boot system.
Can you install Linux and windows on the same drive?
If you have a PC with multiple hard drives, you could also just leave Windows installed on one hard drive and install Linux on another separate hard drive. But they’re perfectly capable of living alongside each other on separate partitions on the same hard drive. Switching back and forth between operating systems is simple.
Can I run two operating systems on one computer?
Windows Plus Linux Having two operating systems on one computer hurts nothing. Today’s hard drives have more than enough storage capacity to handle all of the files from both systems and then some. Some Linux versions, such as Damn Small Linux and Puppy Linux, run on low-powered older computers.
Is it easy to switch from windows to Linux?
If you have a modern computer with a speedy solid-state drive, switching back and forth between Linux and Windows should be quick. Linux gives you easy access to your Windows files, and you should see your Windows partition appear in your Linux desktop’s file manager so you can easily browse and access your Windows files.
Get the highlights in your inbox every week. Linux is a great operating system with widespread hardware and software support, but the reality is that sometimes you have to use Windows, perhaps due to key apps that won’t run on Linux.
How do I install Linux on a Windows laptop?
You will have to reboot your laptop to the Windows installation media (CD or USB) and install Windows to the unformatted partition. The installer will ask you to format (prepare) the partition, then proceed with the installation as usual. You will then have both a Linux and Windows Operating System on your laptop. But to boot into Linux you will.