Windows Dual Boot: How to Install Two Operating Systems

Can you dual boot Windows 10 and 11?

Since a while ago, Windows 11, the newest operating system, has been available. It has a new user interface and a lot of interesting features. A lot of people are looking forward to installing and using this new system, but they might not be ready to completely replace their current Windows versions, especially Windows 10 users. So, it might be a good idea to dual boot Windows 11 and Windows 10.

But dual boot demands your computer meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. Many users are not sure whether they can run the system and they ask “Can I dual boot Windows 10 and 11 on my computer?”. In such case, it is recommended to check your PC health first. Once you find the answer is “Yes”, you can continue to follow this guide to dual booting

Before you dual boot Windows 10 and Windows 11

Any time when you have to make great changes to your computer, you should be well prepared in advance. To make sure successfully dual boot Windows 10 and 11, please check the following points have been done:

★ Confirm that your computer has met the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, which are stricter according to Microsoft’s official statement, to ensure Windows 11 can run normally and smoothly after dual booting.

★ Make a complete backup of your system in case of unexpected system problems caused by improper operations during the process. This can guarantee you to restore your OS to its original state easily and quickly.

★ Please prepare an external USB flash drive which is at least 16GB in size as an installation media to download Windows 11.

Full guide: How to dual boot Windows 10 and Windows 11

While it is possible to dual boot Windows 11 and 10, there are still concerns, including incompatibility, system instability, and the risk of data loss when running two operating systems simultaneously.

Fortunately, there is an alternative that allows you to enjoy both systems without worrying about the negative impacts or being bothered by complex installation steps.

AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, a powerful computer management tool for Windows OS provides a convenient feature called "Win to Go Creator" that enables you to create a portable Windows environment on a USB drive or an external hard drive. This means you can carry your complete Windows operating system with you and use it on different computers without the need to install or modify the host system.

AOMEI Partition Assistant

The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

Preparations:1. If you’re using a USB, it must be larger than 13GB and if it has important data, you’d better backup it because all data will be deleted. 2. If you need a new Windows 11, you may need to download Windows 11 ISO file.

Step 1. Insert the USB into your computer and wait for it to be recognized. If it fails, you can refer to the provided solutions for assistance. Then open the installed software and click on "Tools" on the top pane and select "Windows To Go Creator".

Step 2. Click on "Create Windows To Go for personal computer" and select "Next". For Mac computer users, there is an alternative option called "Create Windows To Go for Mac computer."

Step 4. Choose "Create Windows To Go with system disc/ISO". The Windows 11 ISO file will be automatically detected, or you can manually select the target file by clicking on the folder icon. Click "Next" to proceed.

Step 5. Select the USB drive as the target device and click on the "Proceed" button to continue.

Step 6. A warning message will appear, indicating that all data on the USB will be erased. Choose "Yes" to proceed with the process. Afterward, unplug the USB and attempt to boot it on another computer. If you are unsure how to boot from the USB, you can continue following the subsequent steps.

Step 7. Connect the Windows 11 To Go USB drive to your computer. Start the device and press a specific key to access the BIOS/UEFI interface. Each computer brand has a different key for entering the BIOS/UEFI. To find the specific key for your computer, you can visit the official website of the manufacturer and search for the relevant information.

Tip: AOMEI Partition Assistant can also help you install Windows 11 via directly migrating Windows 11 OS from one disk to another disk or cloning the whole disk from one to another. Both no need to reinstall the system.

Conclusion

Dual booting Windows 10 and Windows 11 can offer the best of both worlds, allowing users to experience the new features of Windows 11 while retaining the familiarity of Windows 10. However, it's essential to ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 and to make a complete backup of your system before proceeding with the dual boot setup. Alternatively, AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional offers a convenient solution with its "Win to Go Creator," enabling users to create a portable Windows environment on a USB drive or external hard drive, eliminating concerns about compatibility and system instability.

FAQs

1. Can I dual boot Windows 10 and Windows 11 on my computer?

   • Yes, you can dual boot Windows 10 and Windows 11 on your computer if it meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. It's essential to check compatibility before proceeding.

2. What precautions should I take before dual booting Windows 10 and Windows 11?

   • Before dual booting, ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, make a complete backup of your system, and prepare an external USB flash drive as an installation media for Windows 11.

3. Is there an alternative to dual booting for experiencing both Windows 10 and Windows 11?

   • Yes, AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional offers a "Win to Go Creator" feature, allowing you to create a portable Windows environment on a USB drive or external hard drive, enabling you to use both operating systems without complex installation steps or concerns about data loss.

4. What are the prerequisites for using AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional's "Win to Go Creator" feature?

   • You'll need a USB drive larger than 13GB, and if it contains important data, it's recommended to back it up as all data on the USB will be erased during the process. Additionally, if you need a new Windows 11 ISO file, you should download it beforehand.

5. How can I create a portable Windows environment using AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional?

   • Insert the USB drive into your computer, open AOMEI Partition Assistant, navigate to the "Tools" menu, select "Windows To Go Creator," choose the option to create Windows To Go with the system disc/ISO, select the USB drive as the target device, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.