Dual-boot Linux-Windows setup guide
SolvedBenoit -
Hello,
I have a laptop with a 64GB SSD, to which I will add a 64GB USB stick (on a USB 3 port). I intend to completely reset the computer to reinstall everything.
In addition, I would like to have both Linux (Ubuntu) and Windows (10 or 11, I’m not sure). Is it better to put Ubuntu on the USB stick and Windows on the hard drive, or should I install both operating systems on the SSD, with the applications on the USB stick?
I should mention that I will probably use both operating systems about equally (maybe a bit more Windows).
Thank you very much,
Benoit
3 answers
Hello,
You need to partition the disk, install Windows 10, and then Ubuntu in "side-by-side" mode; it's very simple, but I'm not sure it's a good idea with only 64 GB of storage.
An alternative is to install Linux in a virtual machine under Windows (VMWare or equivalent), which has the same downside.
You can also create a Linux Live USB, and some versions allow you to save changes, but it's going to be terribly slow.
Hello,
Having a dual-boot on such a PC is really not a good idea. Already, with 64 GB, Windows is quite cramped, so a dual-boot is out of the question! You might be able to create this dual-boot, but Windows will immediately start complaining about a lack of vital space and you'll be stuck on updates.
What are the specifications of the PC? (brand, model, amount of RAM)
At most, this PC will perform better with Linux alone (64 GB for Linux might be enough) than with Windows.
Hello,
My PC is a unowhy Y13 with 4GB of RAM. If I add a 64GB USB stick, which I use as an external drive (to store space-consuming applications and my personal folders), will it work or not?
As for the virtual machine, I don't see the point because I often shut down my PC, so if I want to access Linux, I'll just restart it.
Thank you very much for your responses,
Benoit
If you install Linux on the SSD, you won’t be able to put applications on an external USB stick; they will be installed where the system root is located. At most, you can put your /home there.
If you install Linux on a USB stick used as an external hard drive (that’s your question, I believe), it’s possible, but you will face performance issues and the lifespan of the USB stick, as Linux constantly writes a lot of log files to its root. Moreover, for Linux, you need either a partition or a swap file (at least 2 GB), which will further reduce the available space on your internal drive. 64 GB is already very little for Windows...
I think the best solution in your case is to buy a small 2.5-inch SATA SSD instead of a USB stick (the first prices are under €20 for 128 GB), a USB adapter for this drive or an enclosure (you can find them for about ten euros), and install Linux only on this SSD without installing GRUB on the internal drive (the best is to disconnect the internal drive if possible during installation to avoid any issues). Be careful to choose an enclosure with USB 3.0. You will then boot your PC into the system of your choice, Windows or Linux, from the UEFI boot menu.
With 128 GB, you will have a Linux system with enough space. The downside is the bulk, but when you use Windows, you won’t need to take out your external drive.