You can keep Windows and install Ubuntu beside it using the installer’s install alongside option, but no dual-boot setup is risk-free. Back up important files to a separate location and verify the backup before changing partitions or boot settings. This guide follows Ubuntu Desktop 24.04’s installation instructions, last updated January 16, 2026; other Linux distributions, installer releases, Windows editions, and PC manufacturers may use different steps or labels.
Before you begin: protect your files and check the PC
Back up files and keep recovery information separate
Copy important files to a separate destination, such as an external backup drive, then open some of the copied files to confirm the backup works. Keep Windows recovery or installation media available if you have it. There is no universal recovery-media procedure for every PC in the Ubuntu guidance, so check your manufacturer’s or organization’s instructions.
Save the BitLocker recovery key for every encrypted drive somewhere you can reach without the PC. Ubuntu notes that firmware, hardware, or boot-setting changes can trigger a recovery-key request. Its hardware-backed disk encryption reference, updated August 20, 2026, also advises keeping recovery information available: Ubuntu hardware-backed disk encryption.
Check BitLocker or Device Encryption before installing
Find out whether Windows has BitLocker or Device Encryption enabled. If Ubuntu’s installer warns that it cannot map the encrypted Windows disk, stop rather than trying manual partitioning to bypass the warning. Ubuntu says it cannot safely install alongside Windows on that protected layout without risk of data loss. Its guidance says to cancel, use another disk where appropriate, or consider turning BitLocker off only after checking whether your Windows version can enable it again. That option is not universally reversible. See Ubuntu’s BitLocker installation guidance and verify the consequences for your exact Windows edition and device before changing encryption.
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Check storage compatibility
Ubuntu’s installer does not support Intel RST storage configuration in some PCs without a storage configuration change. If the Windows disk is missing or an RST warning appears, stop and follow current instructions for your exact PC and Windows configuration. Do not switch RAID, RST, or AHCI settings by guesswork; the appropriate procedure depends on the hardware and existing setup.
Create the Ubuntu USB and test the live session
Download the official Ubuntu Desktop image and use an image-writing application to make a bootable USB. Do not simply copy the ISO file onto the drive. Writing the image erases the selected USB stick, so use a spare one and double-check that the writer has selected the correct device. Ubuntu’s 24.04 installation tutorial covers preparing installation media: Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 installation tutorial.
Restart the PC and open its boot menu to start from the USB. Ubuntu lists F12 as common on PCs; Escape, F2, and F10 are also used, depending on the manufacturer. If the USB offers a live session, try it first to check that basic hardware works before installing.
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Install Ubuntu beside Windows
Choose the guided alongside option
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Start the interactive Ubuntu installation from the USB and follow the installer screens.
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At disk setup, choose the explicit install alongside option if it is offered. Confirm that the installer has identified the intended drive and that the proposed Ubuntu space is acceptable. Ubuntu’s 24.04 guide says this route lets you choose the drive and Ubuntu space while preserving existing files.
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Review the complete final installation summary before confirming. Check that it describes the intended target and does not say that the Windows drive will be erased.
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Avoid the erase-disk choice
Do not select Erase disk and install Ubuntu for the drive containing Windows if you want to keep Windows. Ubuntu says this choice uses the entire disk space on the selected drive. Even when installing to a separate disk, verify the target carefully: the selected drive is still erased by this option.
Stop if the installer presents a blocker
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BitLocker warning: cancel and consult Ubuntu’s BitLocker guidance and current Microsoft information for your Windows edition. Do not use manual partitioning as a workaround for an encrypted-disk warning.
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Intel RST warning or missing Windows drive: stop and find instructions specific to your computer and Windows storage configuration. Ubuntu’s guide notes that some PCs require a storage configuration change, but it does not establish one universally safe method.
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Manual partitioning or unclear layout: do not apply changes unless you understand the partitions and mount points. Ubuntu describes manual partitioning as intended for advanced users.
After installation: test both operating systems
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Restart, remove the USB when prompted, and check that Ubuntu starts.
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Use the installed boot menu or the PC’s firmware boot menu, as appropriate, to select Windows and confirm that it still starts.
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In Windows, check that important files are present. If you access Windows partitions from Ubuntu, inspect them carefully before writing to them.
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Install Ubuntu updates using Software Updater or the documented package update path.
The Ubuntu installation guide covers restarting and updating, but it is not a universal recovery manual for every PC. If either operating system fails to start, use the current recovery instructions for your distribution and device rather than changing firmware or partition settings at random.
Boot mode, Secure Boot, and encryption caveats
Boot mode and Secure Boot behavior can differ by distribution, firmware, and PC. Older community instructions are not a reliable substitute for current setup guidance. Before changing firmware settings, consult the current documentation for your Linux distribution and the exact PC model, and keep recovery keys available for encrypted drives. Ubuntu’s hardware-backed disk encryption reference described that feature as Beta when updated August 20, 2026; check its current status rather than assuming it is generally available.
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