🖥️ AlmaLinux Dual Boot with Windows: Complete Installation Guide

Want to try Linux but keep Windows? 🚀 Dual booting is the perfect solution! Run both AlmaLinux and Windows on the same computer, choosing which one to use at startup. This complete guide walks you through every step safely, so you can explore Linux without losing your Windows setup. Let’s build the best of both worlds! ⚡

🤔 Why Dual Boot AlmaLinux with Windows?

Dual booting gives you incredible flexibility! 🌟 Here’s why it’s perfect:

• 🔄 Best of Both Worlds: Use Windows for gaming, Linux for development
• 🛡️ Risk-Free Learning: Keep Windows as backup while learning Linux
• 💼 Professional Growth: Learn Linux skills worth $90k+ salaries
• 🎮 Gaming & Work: Windows for games, Linux for programming
• 🆓 Save Money: Try Linux before deciding to switch completely
• 📚 Educational: Perfect for students and tech enthusiasts
• 🔧 Problem Solving: Two systems mean more troubleshooting options
• 🌍 Future Proof: Linux skills are increasingly valuable

Millions of users successfully run dual boot setups! 🏆

🎯 What You Need

Let’s prepare for dual boot success! ✅

• ✅ Computer with Windows 10/11 already installed
• ✅ At least 4GB RAM (8GB+ recommended)
• ✅ 50GB+ free disk space for AlmaLinux
• ✅ USB drive 8GB+ for installation media
• ✅ Windows recovery disk (create backup)
• ✅ Important files backed up to cloud/external drive
• ✅ 2-3 hours for complete setup
• ✅ Patience and careful reading! 🎉

Let’s safely add Linux to your system! 🚀

📝 Step 1: Backup Windows and Important Data

Safety first! Let’s protect your Windows installation! 🛡️

Create Windows Recovery Drive:

# In Windows:
1. Type "recovery drive" in Start Menu
2. Click "Create a recovery drive"
3. Insert USB drive (will be erased)
4. Follow wizard to create recovery media
5. Keep this USB safe - it's your Windows lifeline!

Backup Important Files:

# Backup locations:
📁 Documents folder
📁 Pictures and videos
📁 Desktop files
📁 Browser bookmarks
📁 Email data
📁 Software license keys
📁 Game saves

# Backup methods:
☁️ Cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive)
💾 External hard drive
🔗 Network storage
📀 Additional USB drives

Create System Image (Recommended):

# Windows built-in backup:
1. Control Panel → System and Security
2. Backup and Restore (Windows 7)
3. Create a system image
4. Choose external drive
5. Start backup (takes 1-2 hours)

# Or use third-party tools:
- Macrium Reflect (free)
- AOMEI Backupper
- Clonezilla

Perfect! 🎉 Your Windows system is protected!

🔧 Step 2: Prepare Disk Space for AlmaLinux

Let’s make room for Linux! 💾

Check Current Disk Usage:

# In Windows:
1. Right-click "This PC"
2. Choose "Manage"
3. Click "Disk Management"
4. Review current partitions

# What you'll see:
C: Drive (Windows) - Usually largest partition
Recovery - Small Windows recovery partition
EFI System - Boot partition (UEFI systems)

Shrink Windows Partition:

# Method 1: Windows Disk Management
1. Right-click C: drive
2. Select "Shrink Volume"
3. Enter shrink amount in MB:
   - 51200 MB = 50GB (minimum)
   - 102400 MB = 100GB (recommended)
   - 204800 MB = 200GB (comfortable)
4. Click "Shrink"
5. You'll see "Unallocated" space

# Method 2: Command Prompt (Admin)
diskpart
list disk
select disk 0
list partition
select partition 2  # Usually C: drive
shrink desired=51200
exit

Alternative: Use Third-Party Tools:

# Free tools for better control:
- GParted Live USB
- AOMEI Partition Assistant
- MiniTool Partition Wizard

# Advantages:
- More precise control
- Better error handling
- Can handle complex scenarios

Amazing! 🌟 Disk space is prepared!

🌟 Step 3: Download and Create AlmaLinux Installation Media

Let’s get AlmaLinux ready! 📥

Download AlmaLinux:

# Visit official website:
https://almalinux.org/get-almalinux/

# Choose version:
AlmaLinux 9.3 (Latest - Recommended)
AlmaLinux 8.9 (Long-term stable)

# Download options:
AlmaLinux-9.3-x86_64-dvd.iso (8.5GB)
- Complete desktop environment
- Best for dual boot

AlmaLinux-9.3-x86_64-minimal.iso (1.5GB)
- Smaller download
- Add desktop later

Create Bootable USB:

# Windows - Using Rufus:
1. Download Rufus from https://rufus.ie/
2. Insert USB drive (8GB+)
3. Run Rufus
4. Device: Select USB drive
5. Boot selection: Click SELECT
6. Choose AlmaLinux ISO
7. Partition scheme: GPT
8. Target system: UEFI
9. Click START
10. Wait for completion

# Windows - Using Balena Etcher:
1. Download from https://balena.io/etcher/
2. Install and run
3. Flash from file → Select ISO
4. Select target USB
5. Flash!

Excellent! ⚡ Installation media is ready!

✅ Step 4: Configure BIOS/UEFI Settings

Prepare your computer to boot from USB! ⚙️

Access BIOS/UEFI:

# Restart computer and press:
F2, F10, F12, or Delete (during startup)
Look for "Setup" message on screen

# On Windows 10/11:
1. Hold Shift while clicking Restart
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options
3. UEFI Firmware Settings
4. Restart

Important Settings:

# Security settings:
Secure Boot: Disable (temporarily)
Fast Boot: Disable

# Boot settings:
Boot Mode: UEFI (recommended)
Legacy Support: Enable (if needed)

# Boot Priority:
1. USB/Removable Devices
2. Hard Drive/SSD

# Save settings and exit

For Newer Systems:

# Windows 11 specific:
TPM 2.0: Leave enabled
Secure Boot: Disable for installation
           Re-enable after setup

# BitLocker warning:
If using BitLocker, suspend it:
manage-bde -protectors -disable C:

Perfect! 🏆 System is ready to boot Linux!

🔧 Step 5: Install AlmaLinux Alongside Windows

Time for the main installation! 🚀

Boot from USB:

# Insert AlmaLinux USB
# Restart computer
# Press F12 (or F10/F11) for boot menu
# Select USB drive

# AlmaLinux boot menu:
> Install AlmaLinux 9.3
Press Enter

Language and Keyboard:

# Select language: English
# Choose keyboard layout
# Click "Continue"

Installation Summary:

# Main configuration hub appears
# We'll configure each section carefully

Critical: Installation Destination

# Click "Installation Destination"
# You'll see your disk(s)

# Select your main drive (usually 1TB, 500GB, etc.)

# Storage Configuration: Custom
# Click "Done"

# Manual partitioning screen appears
# This is the most important step!

Partition Setup (CRITICAL STEP):

# You should see existing Windows partitions:
/dev/sda1: EFI System Partition (500MB)
/dev/sda2: Microsoft Reserved (16MB)
/dev/sda3: Windows C: (remaining space)
/dev/sda4: Windows Recovery (450MB)
Plus: Unallocated space (your shrunk space)

# Create Linux partitions in unallocated space:

# 1. Root partition (/)
Click "+" to add
Mount Point: /
Desired Capacity: 25GB (or leave blank for auto)
File System: ext4

# 2. Home partition (/home) - Optional but recommended
Click "+"
Mount Point: /home
Desired Capacity: 20GB+
File System: ext4

# 3. Swap partition
Click "+"
Mount Point: [leave blank]
Desired Capacity: 4GB (same as RAM or 8GB max)
File System: swap

# IMPORTANT: Don't modify Windows partitions!
# Only use the unallocated space

Verify Partitioning:

# Double-check your setup:
✅ Windows partitions: UNCHANGED
✅ EFI partition: UNCHANGED (will be shared)
✅ Linux root (/): ~25GB ext4
✅ Linux home (/home): Remaining space ext4
✅ Swap: 4-8GB

# Click "Done" → "Accept Changes"

Fantastic! 🎯 Partitioning is configured safely!

🌟 Step 6: Complete AlmaLinux Installation

Finish the installation process! 🏁

Software Selection:

# Click "Software Selection"
# Choose: Workstation (for desktop)
# Or: Server with GUI (lighter option)
# Additional software: Development Tools
# Click "Done"

Network & Host Name:

# Click "Network & Host Name"
# Ethernet: Turn ON
# WiFi: Configure if needed
# Host name: almalinux-dual (or your choice)
# Click "Apply" → "Done"

User Settings:

# Root Password:
# Set strong password: LinuxRoot2025!
# Confirm and click "Done"

# User Creation:
# Full name: Your Name
# Username: yourname
# ☑ Make this user administrator
# Password: YourLinuxPass123!
# Click "Done"

Begin Installation:

# Review all settings
# Click "Begin Installation"

# Installation progress (20-30 minutes):
Phase 1: Preparing installation
Phase 2: Installing packages
Phase 3: Post-installation setup
Phase 4: Installing bootloader (GRUB)

# CRITICAL: Bootloader setup
# GRUB will be installed to detect both systems
# This creates the dual boot menu

Amazing! 🌟 AlmaLinux is installing!

✅ Step 7: Configure GRUB Bootloader

Set up the dual boot menu! 🎛️

First Boot After Installation:

# Remove USB drive
# Click "Reboot System"

# GRUB menu should appear:
AlmaLinux 9.3
Advanced options for AlmaLinux
Windows Boot Manager
System setup

# Test both options work!

Customize GRUB (Optional):

# Boot into AlmaLinux
# Open terminal

# Edit GRUB configuration
sudo nano /etc/default/grub

# Useful settings:
GRUB_TIMEOUT=10          # Wait time in seconds
GRUB_DEFAULT=0           # Default OS (0=Linux, 2=Windows)
GRUB_TIMEOUT_STYLE=menu  # Always show menu

# Apply changes
sudo grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/grub2/grub.cfg

# For EFI systems
sudo grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/efi/EFI/almalinux/grub.cfg

Perfect! 🏆 Dual boot menu is working!

🎮 Quick Examples

Master dual boot management! 🎯

Example 1: Switching Between Systems

# Default boot process:
1. Power on computer
2. GRUB menu appears (10 seconds)
3. Choose operating system:
   - AlmaLinux (default)
   - Windows Boot Manager
4. System boots

# From AlmaLinux to Windows:
sudo systemctl reboot
# Choose Windows at GRUB menu

# From Windows to AlmaLinux:
Restart → Choose AlmaLinux

Example 2: Set Windows as Default

# In AlmaLinux:
sudo nano /etc/default/grub

# Change default:
GRUB_DEFAULT=2  # Usually Windows position

# Update GRUB
sudo grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/grub2/grub.cfg

# Reboot to test
sudo reboot

Example 3: Access Windows Files from Linux

# Mount Windows partition
sudo mkdir /mnt/windows
sudo mount /dev/sda3 /mnt/windows

# Access Windows files
cd /mnt/windows/Users/YourName/Documents
ls -la

# Auto-mount at boot (optional)
echo '/dev/sda3 /mnt/windows ntfs defaults 0 0' | sudo tee -a /etc/fstab

Example 4: Backup and Recovery

# Create system snapshots
# In AlmaLinux:
sudo timeshift --create --comments "Fresh install"

# In Windows:
# Create restore point before major changes

# Emergency recovery:
# Boot from USB → Rescue mode
# Or use Windows recovery drive

🚨 Fix Common Problems

Dual boot troubleshooting! 🔧

Problem 1: No GRUB Menu (Boots Directly to Windows)

Solution:

# Boot from AlmaLinux USB
# Choose "Rescue a Linux system"
# Mount existing installation

# Reinstall GRUB:
chroot /mnt/sysimage
grub2-install /dev/sda
grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/grub2/grub.cfg

# For EFI systems:
grub2-install --target=x86_64-efi --efi-directory=/boot/efi

Problem 2: Windows Doesn’t Appear in GRUB

Solution:

# Install os-prober
sudo dnf install os-prober

# Enable Windows detection
echo 'GRUB_DISABLE_OS_PROBER=false' | sudo tee -a /etc/default/grub

# Regenerate GRUB config
sudo grub2-mkconfig -o /boot/grub2/grub.cfg

# Reboot to check
sudo reboot

Problem 3: Windows Time Issues

Solution:

# In AlmaLinux, make Windows time correct:
sudo hwclock --systohc --localtime

# Or in Windows (preferred):
# Run as Administrator:
reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\TimeZoneInformation" /v RealTimeIsUniversal /d 1 /t REG_DWORD /f

Problem 4: Can’t Boot Either System

Solution:

# Use Windows recovery drive:
1. Boot from Windows recovery USB
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced → Command Prompt
3. Run: bootrec /fixmbr
4. Run: bootrec /fixboot
5. Restart

# Or use AlmaLinux rescue:
# Boot from USB → Rescue mode
# Follow GRUB reinstall steps above

📋 Simple Commands Summary

💡 Tips for Success

Master dual booting like a pro! 🌟

• 💾 Always Backup: Before any changes, backup everything
• 🔄 Test Both Systems: Make sure both boot after setup
• 📖 Keep Recovery Media: Windows and Linux rescue disks
• 🎯 Use Separate /home: Easier to reinstall Linux later
• 📊 Monitor Disk Space: Both systems need room to grow
• 🔧 Update Carefully: Windows updates can break GRUB
• 📱 Cloud Sync: Keep important files synced
• 🛡️ Security Updates: Keep both systems patched
• 📚 Learn Gradually: Don’t rush to replace everything
• 🤝 Join Communities: Dual boot users share great tips

🏆 What You Learned

Congratulations! You’re now a dual boot expert! 🎉

• ✅ Safely backed up Windows system
• ✅ Prepared disk space without data loss
• ✅ Created AlmaLinux installation media
• ✅ Configured BIOS/UEFI settings correctly
• ✅ Installed Linux alongside Windows
• ✅ Set up GRUB dual boot menu
• ✅ Learned system switching methods
• ✅ Gained troubleshooting skills

🎯 Why This Matters

Your dual boot setup unlocks amazing possibilities! 🚀

• 🎮 Gaming & Development: Windows games, Linux coding
• 💼 Career Flexibility: Learn Linux while keeping Windows
• 🔒 Risk Mitigation: Two systems mean better backup
• 📚 Learning Path: Gradual transition to Linux
• 💰 Save Money: Try before you buy (free Linux)
• 🛠️ Tool Access: Best software from both worlds
• 🌍 Global Skills: Linux knowledge is universal
• 🔮 Future Ready: Prepared for any computing scenario

You’ve built the ultimate flexible computing environment! 🏆

Enjoy both worlds! 🙌