How to Install Windows 10 Alongside Ubuntu

Evan Gower August 8, 2019

Most PC users have gotten used to the latest Microsoft release and they are using it as their main OS. However, Ubuntu is more resource-friendly and it is completely free. That being said, Ubuntu still can’t do many of the things that Windows can, like run popular video games. This is why it is becoming common practice to have a dual-boot system that has both Ubuntu for more technical purposes and Windows 10 installed. Here’s how to install Windows 10 alongside Ubuntu.

How to Install Windows 10 Alongside Ubuntu

Ubuntu Benefits

Before completely disregarding Ubuntu and just using Windows 10, you should consider the benefits that the former brings to the table. For one, unlike Windows, Ubuntu is completely customizable. You can personalize virtually every element of your UI/UX, which is amazing compared to the personalization options you get with Windows 10.

Ubuntu also runs without installing, meaning that it’s completely bootable from a pen drive. Yes, this means that you can carry around your entire OS in your pocket and run it on any computer, wherever you need it. Ubuntu is more secure, too. It might not be fully immune to security issues, but it is a safer environment than Windows 10. It is also a common developer’s tool, which is not something that Windows 10 was intended for.

Windows 10 on Ubuntu

If you have Windows 10 installed on your PC, installing Ubuntu is a straightforward process. Ubuntu is commonly installed “on top” of Windows 10, as it’s a simpler platform that can even function on multiple computers through a pen drive. Installing Windows 10 after Ubuntu, however, is a tad tricky and not recommended. However, when push comes to shove, sometimes this needs to be done.

Preparing a Partition

If you want to install Windows 10 in Ubuntu, make sure that the intended partition for the Windows OS is the Primary NTFS partition. You need to create this on Ubuntu, specifically for Windows installation purposes.

To create the partition, use the gParted or Disk Utility command-line tools. If you already have a logical/extended partition, you’ll need to delete it and create a new Primary Partition. Keep in mind that all data in the existing partition will be erased.

Installing Windows 10

Use the bootable DVD/USB stick to start the Windows installation process. First, you’ll need to provide the Windows Activation Key to authenticate your installation. After this, choose Custom Installation, because the automatic option may create issues.

Make sure that you select the NTFS Primary Partition that you’ve created earlier as your Windows 10 installation partition. Keep in mind that after the successful Windows 10 installation, GRUB will be replaced by the Windows bootloader, meaning that you won’t see the GRUB menu when booting your computer. Fortunately, this is easy to solve by installing GRUB for Ubuntu again.

Installing GRUB for Ubuntu

In order to install and fix GRUB, a LiveCD or LiveUSB of Ubuntu is a must. This means that you’re going to have to get an independent version of Ubuntu. Having a pen drive is ideal here, as you can use it easily.

Once Live Ubuntu has been loaded, open the Terminal and use the following commands to start boot-repair to fix GRUB for Ubuntu:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:yannubuntu/boot-repair && sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install -y boot-repair && boot-repair

After the installation is done, boot-repair will launch automatically. Select the recommended repair option when repairing the GRUB. Once everything is done, reboot your computer and you’ll see the GRUB menu, where you choose which OS you want to run.

Windows 10 and Ubuntu

Windows 10 and Ubuntu are a perfect pair. Every bit of technical work, such as development, is better performed in Ubuntu. The majority of everyday computer activities, such as gaming, watching movies and TV shows, and browsing is best left to Windows 10. Remember that it is not recommended that you install Windows 10 after Ubuntu, but it can be done.

Do you use dual-boot? Do you use a pen drive for your Ubuntu? What are your thoughts on installing Windows 10 alongside Ubuntu? Share your thoughts in the comment section.