How to dual boot Ubuntu and Windows 11 – Easy Steps

Are you using Windows 11 on your desktop or laptop? Would you like to be able to install Ubuntu alongside it? If so, this guide is for you! Follow the instructions as we explain how to dual boot Ubuntu and Windows 11.

Note: You must have a computer that meets the Windows 11 and Ubuntu Linux system requirements to dual boot them. For best results, see the system information pages on Microsoft.com and Ubuntu.com.

Downloading the latest version of Ubuntu

If you plan to dual-boot Ubuntu with your current Windows 11 installation, you will need to get your hands on the latest Ubuntu ISO. Here’s how you can download it to your computer.

First, head over to Ubuntu.com/desktop. Once on the desktop, locate the green button “Download Ubuntu” and select it with the mouse. After that, download Ubuntu 20.04.3 LTS or the latest version of Ubuntu.

After downloading the latest Ubuntu ISO file on your computer, you can proceed to the next step in the process.

Creating a bootable Ubuntu USB

To dual boot Ubuntu with Windows 11, the ISO you have downloaded needs to be updated on a USB drive. There are many ways to do this in Windows 11, but by far the best way to do it is Etcher.

Why Etcher? First, it is cross-platform and works on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. Second, it is an easy-to-use program and will help you set up Ubuntu on USB quickly.

To get started, download the latest Etching Author app to your computer. Then install it and open it. Once opened, plug in your USB flash drive and follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Paso 1: Find the “Flash from file” button with your mouse. Next, find the Ubuntu ISO file on your computer.

Paso 2: Find the “select target” button within Etcher and click on it with your mouse. Then choose your USB flash drive as the target for Etcher to use.

Paso 3: Find the “Flash!” and click on it with the mouse. When you select this button, Etcher will start copying the Ubuntu ISO file to your USB drive. Be patient.

When the process is complete, reboot your Windows 11 system. Then load your computer’s BIOS and select the Ubuntu USB to boot from.

Ubuntu / Windows 11 dual boot setup

Now that Ubuntu is installed on a USB flash drive, you are ready to configure it alongside Windows 11. To begin, select the “Install Ubuntu” button within the Ubuntu installer. Then follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Paso 1: Within the Ubuntu installer, select your keyboard layout (if the installer hasn’t automatically detected yours yet). Click the button at the bottom when you are done to continue.

Paso 2: After selecting a layout, Ubuntu will present you with the “Updates and Other Software” page. Select “Normal” installation and “Install third-party software graphics and Wi-Fi hardware and additional media formats.”

After selecting these two boxes, check the “Configure Secure Boot” button. Next, enter your secure boot password for Ubuntu. Click “Continue” when done to proceed to the next step in the process.

Paso 3: On the “Installation Type” page, Ubuntu will show you that your computer already has the “Windows Boot Manager” (aka Windows 11.) Select “Install Ubuntu along with Windows Boot Manager” to configure a boot dual.

Note: Ubuntu may not detect Windows 11 in the installer if Windows 11 did not shut down safely. Restart Windows 11 and then shut it down safely before attempting to load the Ubuntu USB installer.

Paso 4: When selecting your installation type, Ubuntu will ask you to choose how the hard drive should be partitioned. Using the slider, determine the size you want Ubuntu and Windows 10 to have on the drive.

Select the “Install Now” button to continue.

Paso 5: After setting up dual boot, you need to choose your time zone. Find where you live on the global map and click your mouse. When you have set your time zone, click the “Continue” button and continue.

Paso 6: With the time zone set in Ubuntu, it’s time to set your username, hostname, and password. Using the keyboard, set up your username, set a password, and set your computer’s name.

Click the “Automatically sign in” button if you want Ubuntu to start automatically without the need for a password.

Paso 7: When you have set a password, your work is done. From here, sit back and allow Ubuntu to install on your computer. This process takes about 20 minutes (or more depending on the speed of the disc).

When the installation is complete, restart your PC and disconnect the USB flash drive. Ubuntu is now installed alongside Windows 11.

Enroll Ubuntu in BIOS

Since you have Windows 11 dual-booting with Ubuntu, your system has a secure boot configuration. You should enroll your Ubuntu installation in Secure Boot if your computer does not automatically request it.

For more information on how to enroll Ubuntu in your BIOS, see your computer’s manual.