You can use Linux without replacing Windows. Start with WSL for Linux command-line tools and supported apps inside Windows, choose a virtual machine (VM) for a separate Linux desktop while Windows stays open, or dual boot to run Linux directly on the computer and keep Windows as an option. The right choice depends on whether you need a full desktop, must use both systems at once, and can set aside disk space.
Should I dual boot Linux or use a virtual machine?
Choose based on how you want Linux to run. These options do not require you to give up Windows, but they differ in setup, access to hardware, and how you switch between systems.
| What you need | Best starting point | Why it fits | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linux shell, development tools, or supported Linux apps alongside Windows | WSL | It integrates Linux tools with Windows; Microsoft’s install path does not require a traditional VM or dual-boot setup. | It is not the same as installing a general-purpose Linux desktop directly on the computer. Check that your required apps and hardware are supported. Microsoft: Install WSL |
| A full Linux desktop while Windows remains open | VM | Linux runs as a guest operating system in a window, with Windows still running. Ubuntu documents Hyper-V and VirtualBox approaches. | Performance and hardware access depend on the computer’s resources and virtualization support. Some workloads, including high-performance GPU tasks, may be limited. Ubuntu: VirtualBox guide Ubuntu: Hyper-V guide |
| Linux running directly on the hardware, with Windows available occasionally | Dual boot | Windows and Linux occupy separate disk space, and you choose which operating system to start. | Requires disk allocation and rebooting to switch. Encryption and hardware compatibility need to be checked first. Microsoft: Dual boot overview Ubuntu: Install Ubuntu Desktop |
Can I use Linux without replacing Windows?
Yes. WSL, a VM, and dual boot all let Windows remain available. The choice is whether Linux should supply tools within Windows, run as a desktop in a guest environment, or start directly on the computer.
Use WSL for Linux tools alongside Windows
WSL is the simplest starting point when your goal is a Linux command line, development tools, or applications supported by WSL rather than a conventional Linux desktop installation. Microsoft documents wsl --install for Windows 10 version 2004 (build 19041) or later, and Windows 11. The setup can enable required Windows components, install the Linux kernel, set WSL 2 as the default, install Ubuntu, and require a restart. Follow Microsoft’s current instructions for your Windows version: Install WSL and Set up a WSL development environment.
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Use a VM for a separate Linux desktop
A VM runs Linux as a guest while Windows remains the host. This is useful if you need a full desktop or prefer to keep Linux separate from Windows files. The specific VM software and available features depend on your Windows edition and hardware; virtualization must be supported and enabled.
Ubuntu’s Hyper-V guide says Hyper-V on Windows client is available in Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, not Home. The guide lists typical Hyper-V requirements of a 64-bit processor with SLAT, firmware-enabled CPU virtualization, 4 GB of memory minimum (8 GB recommended), and 5 GB of disk space minimum (15 GB recommended). These are the guide’s Hyper-V figures, not universal requirements for every Linux VM. See Ubuntu’s Hyper-V instructions.
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VM resource limits can matter for demanding work. Canonical notes limitations for VirtualBox with disk-intensive, CPU-bound, and high-performance GPU tasks. Consult its VirtualBox guide and the requirements of your intended applications before choosing this route.
Use dual boot for Linux directly on the computer
Dual boot installs Linux alongside Windows on the computer’s storage. You allocate space for both operating systems and select one at startup; changing from one to the other requires a reboot. It is the option to consider when you want Linux to run directly on the hardware rather than inside Windows.
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Ubuntu’s installer describes a guided option for installing alongside another operating system, with controls to select a drive and allocate space. Installer screens and steps can vary by release, so use the current Ubuntu desktop installation tutorial rather than relying on instructions written for an older release.
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Back up important files and prepare recovery options
Changing partitions and operating-system startup settings involves more risk than installing WSL or creating a VM. Back up important files before changing disk layout, and make sure you have a way to recover Windows if something goes wrong. Ubuntu’s installation tutorial recommends backing up existing data. Its community dual-boot page also advises keeping a backup and recovery media, but is marked as needing updates, so treat it as a risk reminder rather than current step-by-step guidance: Ubuntu Community: Windows dual boot.
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Check BitLocker before using an alongside-install option
Ubuntu says its installer cannot safely configure an alongside installation when the Windows installation is encrypted with BitLocker, because it cannot access the encrypted installation. Ubuntu documents disabling BitLocker or using a separate unencrypted disk as alternatives. Before changing encryption settings, check your Windows edition, recovery requirements, and the current Ubuntu instructions: Ubuntu’s installation tutorial and Ubuntu’s BitLocker guidance.
Confirm disk space, hardware, and installation media
A dual-boot installation needs storage space for Linux as well as Windows. Confirm that your computer has enough free space and that Linux supports the hardware you rely on; requirements vary by device and workload. Ubuntu’s installation tutorial recommends a flash drive of 12 GB or above for its instructions. Check the current ISO and tutorial before preparing a drive, since installation guidance can change.
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A bootable USB drive is relevant when installing Linux from media for dual boot. It is not a universal requirement: WSL does not require one, and a VM can often use a local ISO file. If you already have a suitable flash drive, you do not need to buy another.
Quick Recap
Which option should I try first?
- Try WSL if Linux tools or supported applications are what you need, and you want to stay in Windows.
- Try a VM if you need a Linux desktop but want Windows open at the same time.
- Consider dual boot if you want Linux to run directly on the computer and are prepared to allocate disk space, reboot to switch systems, and check encryption and recovery needs.
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