How to Dual Boot a Compatible Linux Distro with Windows

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Assuming you have a Windows 8 PC or laptop and an Ubuntu 64-bit (or other 64-bit Distro) disk or USB ready

   The partition for your files and folders can be as large as you like. , The next few steps are where things may differ, depending on the PC. ,,, Make sure that you do this correctly. , If you don't do this, the Ubuntu installation will not boot. ,,,, Choose the empty space and create a partition that is equal to your RAM (the swap partition is named swap). , This will hold your Ubuntu systems' files' application data, so make at least 15GB, but 30GB is an ideal size imo (the root partition is named ./). ,, Upon reboot, if all was done correctly, you will get the grub screen.
2. 2

   Step 2: create a backup of your Windows 8 Installation just in case.

3. 3

   Step 3: Create a partition where you will install Linux using Windows Disk management.

4. 4

   Step 4: If you want to install an Ubuntu system in one partition and the files and folders in another

5. 5

   Step 5: create 2 partitions

6. 6

   Step 6: one about 30GB (but at least 15GB)

7. 7

   Step 7: and the other for your files and folders.

8. 8

   Step 8: You're almost ready to start the installation.

9. 9

   Step 9: Enter your BIOS settings to change a few things.

10. 10

    Step 10: and disable Fastboot.

11. 11

    Step 11: Find the UEFI settings (in boot section of BIOS settings) and change the settings to allow "other OS" to boot.

12. 12

    Step 12: In boot options in your BIOS

13. 13

    Step 13: find and select the Ubuntu UEFI option to boot.

14. 14

    Step 14: Using your Ubuntu DVD or USB

15. 15

    Step 15: start the installation process.

16. 16

    Step 16: When you've reached the options screen

17. 17

    Step 17: choose the "something else" option.

18. 18

    Step 18: Find the empty space you created in Windows.

19. 19

    Step 19: Create a swap partition.

20. 20

    Step 20: Create a root partition.

21. 21

    Step 21: Create a partition for your files and folders with the empty space left over on the created partition (this partition is named /Home).

22. 22

    Step 22: Click on the partition you create for the System (./) and install Ubuntu.

Detailed Guide

About the Author