Dual Boot Ubuntu and Windows: Prepare and Install Safely

Dual boot provides native Ubuntu and Windows performance, but partitioning and encryption changes require preparation to prevent data loss or boot failure.

Before changing the disk

Back up data, create Windows recovery media, save the BitLocker key, and confirm UEFI mode. Shrink Windows in Disk Management and leave unallocated space for Ubuntu.

Test before installation

Download the ISO from Ubuntu and create bootable media. Use Try Ubuntu to test Wi-Fi, audio, graphics, keyboard, and touchpad. Boot the USB in the same UEFI mode as Windows.

Install and verify

Choose installation alongside Windows when detection is correct. For manual partitioning, do not format the existing EFI partition. After installation, boot both systems, update them, and resume BitLocker only when boot is stable.

Reference

• ubuntu.com