🛠 Step 1: Prepare the Bootable USB
- Download a Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu)
- Flash the ISO to USB using Rufus:
- Open Rufus, select your USB drive.Choose the downloaded Linux ISO
- Click Start and wait for completion.
⚙ Step 2: Free Up Disk Space for Linux
- Open Disk Management (Win + X > Disk Management).
- Shrink the Windows partition:
- Right-click C: > Shrink Volume.Allocate at least 30GB for Linux (more if possible)
- Click Shrink.
🔧 Step 3: Boot from USB & Install Linux
- Restart PC and enter Boot Menu (usually F12, Esc, or Del).
- Select the USB drive to boot.
- Choose Try or Install Linux (live mode lets you test first).
- Follow the installer:
- Select language, keyboard layout.
- At Installation Type, choose:
“Install alongside Windows Boot Manager” (automatic partitioning).
-OR-
“Something else” (manual partitioning for advanced users).
- Assign partitions:
- Root (/) – 20GB+ (Ext4)Swap – Equal to RAM (if <8GB RAM)
- Home (/home) – Remaining space (optional)
- Set username/password and complete installation.
🔄 Step 4: Configure Bootloader (GRUB)
- After installation, reboot.
- The GRUB menu should appear, letting you choose between Windows & Linux.
- If Windows boots by default:
- Boot into Linux, open Terminal, and run:
- bash
- sudo update-grub
- Restart to see the boot menu.
✅ Troubleshooting Common Issues
❌ No GRUB menu?
- Use Boot-Repair in Linux or disable Fast Startup in Windows.
❌ Windows overwrites GRUB?
- Reinstall GRUB using a live USB.
❌ Disk not detected?
- Check BIOS settings for AHCI mode (not RAID/RST).
Video
📌 Final Notes
- Always back up data before partitioning.
- For beginners, Ubuntu or Linux Mint are recommended.
- Need help? Ask in Linux forums or comment below!
