There are various ways to dual boot, including using multiple partitions or separate hard drives for each operating system. Before starting, decide which operating systems to use and whether to use multiple hard drives or partitions. To install multiple operating systems on one drive, partition the hard drive, install the secondary operating system, and modify the bootloader. Installing each operating system on its own hard drive is the easiest method, and some can be installed on removable media.
There are several ways to dual boot, and which one you choose can depend on factors such as your currently installed operating system (OS) and other operating systems you want to use. Two main ways to dual boot are to have multiple partitions on a hard drive or a separate hard drive for each operating system. If you choose to put multiple operating systems on a single drive, you’ll need some type of bootloader and may even need to install them in a particular order. It’s also possible to run some operating systems directly from removable media, so that might be an option as well.
Before you begin the process of setting up a multi-boot system, you need to decide which operating systems you want to work with. It can also be helpful to consider the operating system you already have installed on your computer, as some are easier to use than others. You will also need to decide whether to use multiple hard drives or different partitions. Each of these variables will change the way you alter your dual boot computer.
If you choose to install multiple operating systems on one drive, the first step is usually to partition your hard drive. You will need a separate partition for each operating system. If you’re installing from scratch, you’ll typically be presented with an option to do so. Some operating systems have built-in partitioning systems, while others require you to obtain a separate program to perform this step. Once you have the right partitions, you can install your secondary operating system and then modify the bootloader to present you with a choice every time you turn on your computer.
Depending on your operating system, the process of installing a secondary operating system might be simplified. In this case, you can install a new operating system from within the existing system and then switch to it whenever you like. This is typically a simpler process, although you’re usually limited to a handful of supported secondary operating systems.
The process of installing each operating system onto its own hard drive is usually the easiest way to dual boot. This method doesn’t involve any partitioning, so you just install each new operating system on a clean hard drive. Some operating systems can also be installed on Secure Digital (SD) cards and other types of removable media. Since each operating system has its own unique drive with this method, you can dual boot by entering the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) every time you start your computer. This may allow you to avoid working with a bootloader altogether, although you may choose to do so anyway for convenience.
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