Sometimes it can be very useful to have two separate operating systems on the same PC. For example, you may need Windows 10 and a version of Linux or Windows 10 and an older version of Windows (very useful scenario when you are forced to use outdated software, no longer compatible with the new versions of the Microsoft operating system.). Having two operating systems is perfect if you want to take full advantage of the power of the latest version of Windows, but at the same time be able to use the different functions offered by another operating system. This article explains how to install two operating systems on a single computer.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Create a Bootable Installation Drive
Step 1. Install Windows 10
If you haven't done so already, the first step is to install one version of Windows before you can proceed to install the second operating system. Operating systems such as Linux have been specially designed to run smoothly on a computer that already has a Windows installation. If you don't have an operating system on your PC yet, start by installing the latest version of Windows.
The only exception to this rule is the one that plans to install Windows on a Mac when a version of macOS is already present. Macs are created a little differently than regular computers and are generally sold with the macOS operating system already installed
Step 2. Visit the Rufus.ie website using your computer browser
This is the official page of Rufus, a program that allows you to create a USB installation drive that you can then use to install a new operating system on your computer.
Alternatively, you can also use an installation CD or DVD
Step 3. Download and install Rufus on your computer
Follow the instructions listed in this step to download the Rufus installation file from its website and install it on your computer.
- Scroll down the page and click on the link Rufus 3.8;
- Run the "Rufus-3.8.exe" file directly from the browser window or by accessing the "Downloads" folder.
Step 4. Download the image file (ISO) of the operating system installation disc that you want to install on your computer
Normally, an ISO file represents the exact copy of the contents of a CD, DVD or USB drive (in this case, it will contain the exact copy of the installation disc of the operating system of your choice). In order to download the correct ISO file, you will need to access the website of the operating system in question and select the link to download the version you want. The following links refer to the ISO files of some of the most popular and used operating systems:
- Windows 10;
- Windows 8;
- Windows 7;
- Ubuntu;
- Linux Mint;
- Debian.
- Installing a version of macOS on a computer other than a Mac is much more complex, but still possible.
Step 5. Connect a blank USB drive to your PC
Make sure the device you choose has enough memory capacity to accommodate the ISO file of the operating system you want to install. Also check that there are no important data or documents on the USB stick, as it will need to be formatted. Now plug the USB drive into a free port on your computer.
Step 6. Start Rufus
It features an icon depicting a USB stick. Click on the program icon that you will find in the Windows "Start" menu to start Rufus.
Step 7. Select the USB drive to be made bootable
Use the drop-down menu in the "Devices" section to select the USB drive to prepare for installation.
Step 8. Click on the Select button
It is located to the right of the "Boot Selection" drop-down menu of the Rufus window. The Windows "File Explorer" dialog will appear, through which you can select the ISO file of the second operating system that you want to install on your computer.
Step 9. Select the ISO file and click the Open button
This way the file will be imported into the Rufus window.
Step 10. Click the Start button
It is located in the lower right part of the window. The process of importing the ISO file into the USB drive selected for installation will start. This step may take some time to complete.
Part 2 of 4: Create a Partition on Your Computer's Hard Drive
Step 1. Back up all personal files and documents that you absolutely don't want to lose
Normally, partitioning a hard drive and installing a second operating system on the new partition does not result in the loss of any data. However, don't take any unnecessary risks, so back up any important files on the disk before partitioning and installing the second operating system, just in case something goes wrong.
Step 2. Click on the Windows "Start" menu icon
with the right mouse button.
It features the Windows logo. By default, it is located in the lower left corner of the desktop, on the taskbar.
Step 3. Click on the Disk Management option
It is listed in the context menu of the Windows "Start" button. The "Disk Management" system window will appear.
Step 4. Click on the hard drive that contains the Windows installation with the right mouse button
Normally, it is marked with the drive letter "C:".
Step 5. Click on the item Reduce volume
It is listed in the context menu of the hard drive you have selected with the right mouse button.
Step 6. Enter the amount of space you want to reserve for the new partition and, accordingly, for the new operating system
In the "Specify the amount of space to shrink" text field, type the number of megabytes (MB) you want to assign to the new disk partition. Make sure you enter a value that matches the minimum space required to install the new operating system.
To convert GB to MB, simply multiply by 1024. For example, 40 GB is exactly 40,960 MB
Step 7. Click the Shrink button
In this way, a new disk partition will be created which will be characterized by free unallocated space.
Part 3 of 4: Prepare the Computer for Installation
Step 1. Disable computer fast startup
Follow the instructions below to disable the Windows "Quick Start" feature:
- Click on the Windows "Start" button;
- Type in the keywords control panel and click on the "Control Panel" icon that will appear in the list of results;
- Type the keywords power options in the search bar located in the upper right corner of the "Control Panel" window;
- Click on the link "Specify power buttons behavior";
- Click on the option "Change settings that are currently unavailable";
- Make sure that the "Enable fast startup (recommended)" checkbox, displayed at the bottom of the window, is not selected;
- Click on the button Save changes.
Step 2. Enter the computer's BIOS
In order to install a second operating system, you will need to make some changes to the current BIOS setup. The steps to take to access the BIOS vary by computer make and model. In some cases, you will need to press one of the function keys (for example "F1", "F2", "F9" or "F12"), the "Esc" key or the "Delete" key while the computer is starting up. Alternatively, you can follow these instructions to directly access the BIOS from Windows by restarting your computer:
- Click on the Windows "Start" button;
- Click on the "Stop" icon;
- Hold down the "Shift" key while clicking on the option Reboot the system;
- Click on the icon Troubleshooting;
- Click on the option Advanced options: UEFI firmware settings;
- At this point click on the button Restart.
Step 3. Disable the "Secure Boot" entry
The graphical interface and BIOS menus vary from computer to computer, depending on the make and model. Use the directional arrows on your keyboard to move from one BIOS menu to another. Normally, the "Secure Boot" option is listed in the "Security", "Boot" or "Authentication" menu. Find "Secure Boot" and set it to "Disabled".
Step 4. Change the order of the BIOS boot devices so that the USB drive is first in the list
Generally, the "Boot" menu is used to make this change. Enter this menu and change the order of the BIOS boot devices so that the USB drive is first in the list.
If you have chosen to use a CD or DVD, you will need to set your computer's optical drive as the first boot device
Step 5. Save your settings
After making these changes in the BIOS, locate the save settings option. Select the item indicated to save the new changes, exit the BIOS and restart the computer.
Part 4 of 4: Install a Second Operating System
Step 1. Prepare the installation drive
If you used Rufus to create an installation USB drive, plug it into one of the free USB ports on your computer. If you have chosen to use a CD or DVD instead, insert it into your computer's optical drive.
Step 2. Restart your computer
If the system is already running, restart it. If not, press the "Power" button and the computer will boot from the installation CD / DVD or USB drive.
Step 3. Wait for the installer to run
If the computer has been configured correctly, the window of the installation wizard of the operating system you have chosen should appear on the screen.
Step 4. Select the installation language and keyboard layout
The installation procedure varies by operating system. Generally speaking, you will need to start by selecting your language and keyboard layout.
Step 5. Enter your Product Key or Serial Number (if required)
Some operating systems, such as Ubuntu, can be installed for free. In other cases, for example for Windows, you need to purchase an activation code (Product Key). In the latter scenario, if required, enter the code in the appropriate text field.
Step 6. Select the "Custom" or "Other" installation option
When given the option to choose the type of installation, select the option "Custom", "Other" or something similar. By selecting the standard installation type, the current operating system on the computer would be overwritten.
Step 7. Format the new disk partition on which you want to install the operating system
When installing an operating system, the user has to choose the destination hard drive or partition which will then be formatted. In this case, choose the unallocated space you got from the previous partitioning of your computer's hard drive.
- If you want to install Linux, you will need to format the new partition with the "Ext4" file system.
- If you want to install Ubuntu, you will need to format the unallocated space partition as a swap area. The size of the swap area should match the amount of RAM installed in the computer.
Step 8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation
Most likely, you will be asked to create a user account and login password, and then configure the date, time and time zone settings. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Step 9. Restart your computer to switch between operating systems
When two or more operating systems are installed on a single computer, a menu is shown at startup that you can use to choose from time to time which operating system to load. Restart your computer every time you need to change your operating system.
Advice
- If you have chosen to install multiple versions of Windows, it is generally always best to start with the oldest version.
- It is easier to install a new operating system on a newly purchased computer as the number of items to reinstall or back up will be limited. However, some computers that come with the preinstalled operating system do not include all the drivers required for all hardware devices in the system to function properly. In this case, you will need to make sure you have all the necessary drivers on hand before installing a new operating system.
- Some pairs of operating systems may coexist within the same partition, others may not. In any case, consult the corresponding documentation or create a separate partition for each operating system.
Warnings
- Before installing the second operating system, it is strongly recommended that you perform a full backup of your computer to make a copy of your data in case of problems.
- Before installing the second operating system, make sure it is what you want and that you actually need to use both systems.
