This blog post describes how to install Windows 10 AFTER installing Linux (Ubuntu 20.04.4 LTS), which I recently made dual bootable on my computer (Ubuntu). This blog is for you if you have a machine running Linux but haven’t yet added Windows and wish to do so to enable dual booting.
Please prepare the following before installing Windows and setting up a dual boot on your computer. I’ll briefly describe how to establish a partition in this blog, however, comprehensive instructions are provided in another blog entry (How to Create a New Partition in Linux -GParted Live). Please take note that I only had one partition that was being used, hence I am creating an unallocated partition using GParted Live rather than standard GParted.
It is strongly advised to back up your OS and data before attempting to dual-boot your computer unless you have nothing to lose.
Your original OS might not start due to installation issues or other configuration errors, and your data might even get lost or ruined.
What is Dual Boot?
Dual boot is a state in which two operating systems are installed (such as Ubuntu and Windows 10) on a single computer and making it possible to switch between two at a time of startup.
How to make your PC dual bootable
- Step1Make an unallocated partition with GParted Live
Here, I used GParted Live to create an unallocated partition after clearing some space from my single Linux-installed sector (no format necessary).
Please read my blog for a thorough how-to. In conclusion, the following steps must be taken to create an unallocated partition:- Download GParted Live ISO
- Make a bootable USB drive for GParted Live
- Go to UEFI (BIOS) and set to boot from GParted Live USB drive
- Select the partition and choose Resize/Move
- Allocate the size in free space following (MiB)
- Finalize it by clicking the green checkmark
- Your screen should show unallocated partition you just made
- Quit and exit from GParted Live
- Unplug GParted Live USB and reboot PC and enter UEFI (BIOS)
Click to View. Screenshot of my drive after I made 300GiB of unallocated space for Windows - Step2Change the boot order in UEFI (BIOS)
Attach your Windows 10 installation media (USB drive in my case). Once your computer has started, go to the UEFI (BIOS) settings and choose the Windows 10 installation disc to boot from.
- Step3Install Windows 10
Start the installation once your PC has started from your installation media (USB/CD).
Windows Installation is started
I cannot even proceed with this. I see a driver load error with “A media driver your computer needs is missing” when installing Windows. What should I do?
Read the bottom note of About Windows Installation Media – Driver Load Error. It might help you to fix the problem.
Select I don’t have a product key (if you have, enter it here)
Select custom installation
Select unallocated space and click “New”. Select apply and proceed.
Now the unallocated space is formatted and partitions are made. Click the partition you are installing the Windows and click Next.
Once you’ve completed the aforementioned steps, the rest of the process is simple. Complete the installation by providing the relevant information (preferred language, account name, etc.). Windows will launch on your computer as necessary.
- Step4Go to UEFI (BIOS) and boot from Linux
Restart your computer after Windows 10 installation is finished to access the UEFI (BIOS) settings.
Choose to boot from Ubuntu in the boot menu configuration. - Step5Update Grub
Once your Ubuntu is booted, go to the terminal and enter below to update your boot loader.
sudo update-grub2
Click to View. Windows boot manager is successfully added to the grub menu - Step6Reboot to enter UEFI (BIOS) to change boot priority
Choose Windows as your second choice after choosing Ubuntu.
Restart your System after saving.
Click to View - Step7Windows is added and we can now choose an OS to boot
After saving the UEFI (BIOS) boot priority and restarting the computer, we can now see a grub menu every time we turn on the machine.
We have the option to boot Windows or Ubuntu from this menu.
If nothing is selected within a certain time interval, the system automatically launches Ubuntu.
That is it for making your PC dual bootable with Ubuntu and Windows 10!
About Windows Installation Media – Driver Load Error
Do you see the aforementioned message but are unable to continue installing Windows 10?
The suggested solutions are then listed below. Try one of the following methods:
- Try using a different USB port (change from USB 2.0 to 3.0 and vice versa);
- Use Rufus to generate a bootable USB; or
- Request a bootable USB from a friend who already has Windows installed.
Upon installing Windows, I encountered the aforementioned problem. I attempted numerous solutions (including going to the BIOS and altering the settings), but nothing worked until I tried solution #3. Try one of the solutions to see if it helps if you are experiencing the same problem. If option #1 doesn’t work, the shortest fix is option #3. For me, it worked like a charm.
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