How to Install Linux on Your Windows 11 System

In this post, we'll walk you through the process of installing Linux on your Windows 11 machine, providing detailed instructions and insights to help you navigate the installation journey smoothly.

Posted by @Grace December 17, 2024 Updated By @Grace April 9, 2024

Brief Overview of Linux Operating System

Based on open-source code, the operating system Linux is an OS like to Unix that forms its foundation for several other systems with operating systems. Linux itself is another name for the distributions of Linux, or distros. Many applications, both at home and in the office, use it due to its famed dependability, security, and portability.

The following are some of the benefits of using Windows 11 and Linux concurrently: Users have the option to install both Linux and Windows 11 on the same machine by dual booting, which provides them the freedom to choose the operating system that works best for them. By combining the two platforms in this way, users may enjoy the best of both worlds without compromising on performance or effectiveness.

Preparing Your System for Installation

Before you may install Linux with Windows 11, there are a few needs that must be met on your machine. Doing so will guarantee a positive and easy approach.

Backing Up Your Data

It is very important to generate a backup of all of the data that is essential to your system before making any significant changes to your system, such as installing a new operating system. Examples of such changes include installing a new operating system. This category includes any files that you do not intend to lose, such as documents, images, videos, and any other files. In most of instances, installing Linux with Windows 11 should not have any effect on the files that are already present on your computer.

However, there is always the potential of losing data during the operation of partitioning or installing Linux. If you back up your data in advance, you can protect yourself against any difficulties that may come in the future and ensure that your information is safe and readily available even in the event that there is a problem with the installation. This is because you will have a backup of your data.

When it comes to backing up your data, you have a lot of alternatives accessible to you, including the following:

Using file explorer or backup software, copy your data to an external hard drive or USB device. This may be done by using one of these two storage options. You will be able to access them remotely as a result of this.

The data you want to store should be uploaded to a cloud storage service such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. There is another name for cloud storage, which is online storage.

If you have a Windows 11 computer, you can generate a complete disk image of your computer by using disk imaging software such as Macrium Reflect or EaseUS Todo Backup.

Before continuing with the installation process, it is vital to confirm that your backup is full and can be accessed. This is true regardless of the technique that you choose to employ.

Checking System Requirements

It is necessary to make certain that your computer system satisfies the minimal requirements for both Windows 11 and Linux before installing Linux alongside Windows 11. While Windows 11 has its own needs for the system, it is possible that each Linux distribution has its own set of requirements that are exclusive to that distribution.

You are able to verify the system requirements for Windows 11 by using the PC Health verify program that is supplied by Microsoft or by following the instructions on the official Microsoft website.

To determine the minimum system requirements for the Linux distribution that you have selected, you may either visit the official website or consult the documentation. Typically, these comprise requirements for the central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), disk space, and graphics card. Make sure that your system satisfies or exceeds these criteria in order to guarantee the best possible performance and compatibility with the Linux distribution that you wish to install.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

When you have finished backing up your data and ensuring that your system fits the essential criteria, the next step is to build a bootable USB stick which includes the Linux distribution that you want to install. A boot into the Linux installer and the beginning of the installation procedure will be completed with the help of this USB device.

When you want to make a USB device that can boot, follow these steps:

Get the Linux distribution by downloading it: Download the ISO image file by going to the official website of the Linux distribution that you have selected.

Use a USB Tool: Build a bootable USB drive from the ISO image file. Insert the USB Drive: Insert a USB drive that has a suitable amount of storage capacity into your computer.

Launch the USB : The ISO image file that you downloaded should be selected when you open the USB tool that you have chosen.

Construct the Bootable USB Drive: In order to construct the bootable USB drive, you must first follow the instructions that are supplied by the USB tool. Depending on the speed of your USB drive and the size of the ISO image file, this operation might take a considerable amount of time.

When you have finished creating the bootable USB device, you are now ready to move on with the installation of Linux in conjunction with Windows 11. Keep the USB drive close at hand, as you will require it in order to boot into the Linux installer while you are in the process of installing the device.

Choosing the Right Linux Distribution

Many distinct Linux distributions are available, each designed to meet the specific needs and tastes of its intended users. Linux Mint, Ubuntu, and Fedora are only a few examples. When deciding on a distribution, keep things like usability, compatibility with hardware, software availability, and community support in mind. Because of their intuitive design and plenty of helpful documentation, Ubuntu and Linux Mint are popular choices among newcomers.

Configuring BIOS/UEFI Settings

Press the specified key (usually Del, F2, or F12) when the machine is booting up to access the BIOS/UEFI configuration. Installing Linux Distributions Requires Disabling Secure Boot If Necessary: Installing Linux distributions on some computers may need disabling Secure Boot, which is enabled by default. To begin installing Linux from a USB drive, you must first configure the boot order to boot from the USB device.

Installing Linux Alongside Windows 11

Partitioning the Disk before installing

Before installing the system, you may need to manage the disk first so that you can get an enough space for Linux installation. AOMEI Partition Assistant is an easy and safe partition software and hard disk manager that taps into the disk potential and manages partitions efficiently. It's a function of disk speed test and disk surface test that allows you to quickly learn about your disk performance. Its partitioning functions, such as "create a partition, split partition, and allocate free space from one to another", can also optimize your disk utilization.

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Setting Up Dual Boot Options

The advantages of both Linux and Windows 11 may be experienced on a single machine by installing them simultaneously. In order to install Linux in conjunction with Windows 11, below is a comprehensive guide:

Booting from the USB Drive

Booting your computer from a bootable USB drive with your preferred Linux distribution is the next step after making the disk. Allow me to show you:

Connect the USB Drive: Enable the USB connection between your computer and the bootable USB drive.

To get to the boot menu, you have to restart your computer. Pressing a certain key during startup can be necessary to access the boot menu. Depending on your computer's manufacturer, common keys might be F2, F12, Esc, or Del.

After you reach the boot menu, use the arrow keys to find the option that lets you boot from a USB device. Select the drive. Go ahead and hit Enter when you've made your selection.

Now that your computer is ready to boot from the USB device, you may enter the Linux installation. Here, you can see a variety of choices that vary with the distribution you've selected.

Initiating the Installation Process

The installation of Linux may be started after you have booted into the installer. Just do as instructed:

The Linux installation screen will usually provide an option to "Install" or "Install Linux." Select this option. Press this button to start installing the software.

During installation, you will have the option to select a language and keyboard layout.

Establish an Internet Connection (Optional): During installation, you may be given the opportunity to establish an internet connection with certain Linux distributions. You may use this to download updates or other software packages while the installation is going on.

Make Room on the Hard Drive: When asked to choose an installation type, pick Linux and Windows 11 together. By doing so, you may free up space on your drive for the Linux installation without removing any data from your current Windows partition.

 

The installer will set up the bootloader so you can select between Linux and Windows 11 when you boot up once the installation is complete. So, here's the deal: The installer will configure the bootloader, which is often GRUB, to identify both Windows 11 and Linux installs after the installation is complete.

Select Operating System: Select Windows 11 or Linux from the bootloader menu that appears when you restart your machine. To boot into a certain operating system, use the arrow keys to pick it and then hit Enter. To make sure both Windows 11 and Linux can be accessed, restart your machine and check the dual boot setup.

Post-Installation Setup

It will be necessary to install the drivers for any hardware components that were not recognized automatically during the installation process. Make sure the bootloader can recognize both Linux and Windows 11 after installing them. A choice of operating systems will be available to you when the computer powers up. It is critical to apply system updates to keep your software secure and current. To make Linux work for you, you may install a variety of apps, themes, and desktop environments.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

For specific instructions on fixing bootloader issues, it's best to refer to the official documentation of your Linux distribution. Problems with compatibility and ways to fix them: Problems with compatibility can be resolved by consulting internet resources or reaching out to the Linux community for assistance.

Managing Hardware Conflicts Hardware problems could be fixed by updating drivers or changing system settings.

Conclusion

If you follow these steps, you may install both Windows 11 and Linux on the same computer. Because of this, you can take advantage of everything that each OS has to offer. Take extra care during installation and ensure you have a backup of your data in case something goes wrong with your machine. You may build a customized computing experience by combining the fullest capability of both operating systems and utilizing a dual boot.