How to Install Linux on Windows 11

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In recent years, the popularity of Linux has surged, drawing both seasoned developers and newcomers interested in exploring its capabilities. With Windows 11’s user-friendly interface and robust performance, many users find themselves wanting to dual-boot Linux alongside their existing Windows installation or run it seamlessly within their Windows environment. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of installing Linux on Windows 11, including dual-booting options, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), and virtualization.

Understanding the Options

Windows 11 offers several ways to run Linux on your system:


Dual-Booting

: This involves installing Linux alongside Windows, allowing you to choose between the two operating systems during the boot process.


Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

: WSL allows users to run Linux distributions directly on Windows without needing a dedicated virtual machine. This method is particularly useful for developers who need Linux tools without the overhead of a full Linux environment.


Virtual Machines

: Using software like VirtualBox or VMware, you can run Linux as a virtual machine on Windows 11, providing good isolation and flexibility.

Choosing Your Method

Selecting the appropriate method for installing Linux depends on your needs:


  • Dual-Booting

    is ideal for users who want the full performance of Linux and the ability to use graphical applications.


  • WSL

    is perfect for developers and users who need command-line access to Linux tools while still operating primarily in Windows.


  • Virtual Machines

    offer a more isolated environment that can be useful for testing purposes.


Dual-Booting

is ideal for users who want the full performance of Linux and the ability to use graphical applications.


WSL

is perfect for developers and users who need command-line access to Linux tools while still operating primarily in Windows.


Virtual Machines

offer a more isolated environment that can be useful for testing purposes.

Installing Linux Using Dual-Boot


Backup Your Data

: Before making any changes to your system, it’s essential to back up your important files and system settings.


Free Up Disk Space

: Ensure you have ample free space on your hard drive. For most Linux distributions, a minimum of 20 GB is recommended. You can use the Disk Management tool in Windows to shrink your Windows partition and create unallocated space.

  • Right-click on the Start menu and select

    Disk Management

    .
  • Right-click the Windows partition (usually C:) and select

    Shrink Volume

    .
  • Enter the amount of space to shrink, then click

    Shrink

    .

  • Choose a Linux distribution. Popular options include Ubuntu, Fedora, and Linux Mint. For beginners, Ubuntu is highly recommended due to its user-friendly interface and robust community support.

  • Download the ISO file from the official website of the chosen distribution.

Choose a Linux distribution. Popular options include Ubuntu, Fedora, and Linux Mint. For beginners, Ubuntu is highly recommended due to its user-friendly interface and robust community support.

Download the ISO file from the official website of the chosen distribution.


Insert a USB Drive

: You need an empty USB drive with at least 4 GB of space.


Use a Tool to Create Bootable USB

: You can use tools such as Rufus or balenaEtcher.

  • For Rufus:

    • Open Rufus, select your USB drive, choose the downloaded ISO file, and click

      Start

      .

  • For balenaEtcher:

    • Open balenaEtcher, select the downloaded ISO, choose your USB drive, and click

      Flash!

      .

For Rufus:

  • Open Rufus, select your USB drive, choose the downloaded ISO file, and click

    Start

    .

For balenaEtcher:

  • Open balenaEtcher, select the downloaded ISO, choose your USB drive, and click

    Flash!

    .


Restart Your PC

: As your PC reboots, access your BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F10, or Del depending on your computer).


Change Boot Order

: Set the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.


Save and Restart

: Save your changes and restart your computer. Select the USB drive from the boot menu when prompted.


Start the Installation

: Once booted from the USB, you’ll typically see options to try or install the Linux distribution. Choose

Install

.


Select Language and Keyboard Layout

: Follow the prompts to select your preferred language and keyboard layout.


Prepare Installation Type

:

  • Choose

    Install alongside Windows Boot Manager

    if you want to set up dual-boot.
  • Alternatively, you can choose

    Something else

    to manually partition the disk.


Allocate Partitions

: If you select

Something else

:

  • Create a root partition (ext4 filesystem) and designate it as

    /

    .
  • Optionally create a swap partition and, if desired, a home partition (ext4 filesystem) for user files and settings.


Proceed with Installation

: After configuring partitions, follow the prompts to complete the installation. Set up user details such as username and password.


Reboot

: After installation, remove the USB drive and reboot your system.


Select Your OS

: Upon rebooting, you’ll see a boot menu allowing you to choose Windows or Linux.

Installing Linux Using Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

If you prefer to use WSL for its simplicity and efficiency, follow these steps:


Open PowerShell as Administrator

:

  • Right-click on the Start menu, choose

    Windows Terminal (Admin)

    .


Run Command

:

  • Execute the following command to enable WSL: 

    wsl --install

Execute the following command to enable WSL:


Restart Your PC

: Follow any prompts and restart your machine.


Visit the Microsoft Store

: Open the Microsoft Store application.


Search for Linux Distributions

: Look for distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, or Fedora.


Install the Chosen Distribution

: Click on your preferred distribution and then click

Install

.


Launch Your Installed Distribution

: Open it from the Start menu.


Create a User Account

: Follow the prompts to create a user account and set up a password.


Update Your Package List

: It’s good practice to update your distribution with the command:

Installing Linux Using Virtual Machines

If you choose the virtualization route, here’s how to do it:


Visit the VirtualBox website

: Download the latest version compatible with Windows 11.


Install VirtualBox

: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.


Open VirtualBox

: Click on

New

to create a new virtual machine.


Configure VM Settings

:

  • Name your VM and select the type and version (e.g., Linux and Ubuntu 64-bit).
  • Allocate RAM (at least 2 GB is recommended) and create a virtual hard disk (20 GB or more).


Attach the Linux ISO

:

  • Select your new VM, click on

    Settings

    , then go to

    Storage

    .
  • Click on the empty disc icon and choose

    Choose a disk file…

    to select your downloaded ISO.


Launch the VM

: Click

Start

to boot the virtual machine.


Follow the Linux Installation Guides

: The installation process will be similar to the dual-boot method outlined above.

  • Once the installation is complete, you can start using Linux in the virtual machine environment.

Conclusion

Installing Linux on Windows 11 can be a rewarding experience, whether you choose to dual-boot, utilize WSL, or run a virtual machine. Each method offers unique benefits catering to different user needs. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set up your preferred Linux environment effectively. With Linux’s extensive resources and growing community, the possibilities for development, learning, and experimentation are limitless. So dive in, explore, and enjoy the journey into the world of Linux!

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