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Windows 10 is a popular operating system that most users prefer. However, some users feel that they need to add another operating system to their computer. Adding a dual-boot option to Windows 10 is an excellent way of adding a new operating system to your computer. The user can use the other operating system for several reasons such as gaming, work, or testing. This blog will explain how to add a dual boot option on Windows 10.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Add Dual Boot Option on Windows 10
There can be various reasons for adding a dual boot option on Windows 10. Some of the reasons are:
- To test a new operating system without replacing the current operating system
- To increase the performance of the computer.
- To run legacy software that is not compatible with Windows 10
- To separate work and play environments
- To use different operating systems for different purposes
Adding a dual-boot option to Windows 10 gives the user the flexibility to use different operating systems for different purposes.
Method 1: Using Disk Management
The Disk Management console within Windows 10 can be used to create space for the new operating system and set up the necessary partitions.
Steps:
- Open the Disk Management console by pressing Windows key + X and selecting Disk Management from the list of options
- Select the main hard drive and right-click on the partition, choose “Shrink Volume…”
- Enter the desired size in megabytes for the new partition
- Click the “Shrink” button to shrink the partition
- Select the “Unallocated” space and right-click on it. Choose “New Simple Volume” from the context menu
- In the “New Simple Volume Wizard,” enter the desired size of the partition and follow the wizard’s instructions
- Install the new operating system on the newly created partition
Pros:
- Easy and quick to set up
- No third-party software is required
- The process is reversible
Cons:
- May require significant disk space allocation
- May require complex partition management for multiple operating systems
Method 2: Using EasyBCD
EasyBCD is a third-party software that simplifies the process of adding a dual-boot option on Windows 10.
Steps:
- Install EasyBCD on your Windows 10 computer
- Launch the EasyBCD software and click on the “Add New Entry” button on the left side of the window
- Choose the second option “Linux/BSD” and select the operating system type
- Enter the name of the operating system and click “Add Entry”
- Reboot your computer, and the new operating system will appear in the boot menu
Pros:
- Easy and quick to set up
- No need to manage partitions
- You can add any operating system
Cons:
- Requires installation of third-party software
- May not work with some operating systems
Method 3: Using Dual Boot USB Device
Creating a dual-boot USB device is another effective way of adding a dual-boot option on Windows 10.
Steps:
- Download the ISO file for the operating system you want to install
- Insert the USB drive into your computer
- Download and install a tool that creates an installation media
- Launch the tool and create installation media on your USB drive
- Reboot your computer, pressing the function key to go to the BIOS boot menu and select the USB drive
- Follow the installation instructions for the operating system
Pros:
- Easy to use
- No need to manage partitions
- The process is reversible
Cons:
- Requires a high-speed USB drive
- Might require some disk space
- USB drive may need to be reformatted after installation
Method 4: Via Virtualization
Virtualization software enables you to run multiple operating systems on a single computer.
Steps:
- Install virtualization software (e.g., VMware, VirtualBox) on your computer
- Create a new virtual machine
- Install the operating system on the virtual machine
- Start the virtual machine while Windows 10 is running
Pros:
- Easy to manage
- No need to manage partitions
- Multiple operating systems can run simultaneously
Cons:
- Requires additional hardware resources to run multiple operating systems
- Some virtualization software is not free
What to Do If You Can’t Add Dual Boot Option on Windows 10
Sometimes, it may not be possible to add the dual-boot option on Windows 10. You may encounter the following problems:
- No more free disk space to create a new partition for the new operating system
- The new operating system is not compatible with the current hardware
- Already have multiple operating systems installed
Here are some solutions:
- Free up disk space by deleting unwanted files, compress large files, or uninstalling unused programs
- Check the hardware requirements for the new operating system and upgrade your hardware if necessary
- Uninstall one of the installed operating systems to create space for a new one
Bonus Tips
- Make regular backups of your system before adding or removing an operating system
- Ensure that the dual-boot option is only set up for reliable and tested operating systems
- Before installing a new operating system, ensure that you have the latest updates for the current system
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I add as many operating systems on Windows 10?
A: Yes, you can add multiple operating systems on Windows 10 by creating partitions and applying the same process in each newly created partition.
Q2: Can I reverse the dual-boot option afterward?
A: Yes, you can revert back to a single operating system by deleting the partitions of the new operating system or modifying the boot menu.
Q3: Does adding a dual-boot option on Windows 10 affect the performance of the computer?
A: Adding a dual-boot option on Windows 10 does not significantly affect the performance of the computer but may cause some slowdown if the new operating system takes up too much disk space.
Q4: Is it necessary to install additional drivers after installing a new operating system?
A: Yes, it is essential to install additional drivers after installing the new operating system to ensure proper functioning of hardware and software.
Q5: Are there any precautions to take before adding a dual-boot option on Windows 10?
A: Yes, make sure to backup important files and data before adding a dual-boot option. Ensure that the new operating system is reliable and tested before adding it to the computer.
Final Thoughts
Adding a dual-boot option on Windows 10 is an excellent way to run multiple operating systems on the same computer. The process may be a little bit complex, but with the methods explained in this blog, it will be more manageable. It is essential to ensure that the new operating system is reliable, tested, and that there is enough disk space before adding it to your computer. Take precautions before adding the dual-boot option and backup important files and data.