How to Install Two Operating Systems on One Computer | 4 Parts

The days of finding it impossible to install two operating systems on your computer are long gone. For instance, you can now install Windows followed by Linux and utilize a virtual machine. Occasionally, having two operating systems installed on your computer can come in handy.

This article can be useful if you wish to run the latest Windows system alongside another operating system with your preferred features. Here, you will learn how to install two operating systems on one computer through the guidance provided by tools. Let's begin.

Can We Install Two Operating Systems on One Computer

Have you ever found yourself pondering a question like, "Can I install one operating system on my SSD disk partition and another on my HDD disk partition?"

In a nutshell, yes. You can have both, and this setup is called dual-booting. In this scenario, you can separate the operating systems by using a different partition on your hard drive.

Different operating systems, such as Windows 10 and 11, have varying functionalities and benefits. Installing multiple OS on a single computer allows you to quickly switch between them, using the most suitable one for each task. It also simplifies the process of trying and experimenting with alternative operating systems.

This article will guide you on how to dual-boot one version of Windows with another, for instance, dual-booting Windows 11 alongside Windows 10. Continue reading!

Windows 11 23H2 has been released. If you wish to download the ISO file for a clean installation, please refer to the article below.

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How to Download the Windows 11 23H2 ISO File

This article presents 3 free methods to guide you through downloading the Windows 11 23H2 ISO file on your Windows PC. Read more >>

Preparing to Install Two Operating Systems on a Computer

Before installing two operating systems on your computer, what do you need to dual-boot Windows? Actually, there are a few things to figure out before you start.

• Download the second operating system you desire, such as Windows 10 or 11.
• As always, it's crucial to back up your data using reliable backup software, since there's no guarantee that nothing will go wrong during the process. It's not advisable to take the risk.
• Either install a new hard drive or use the Windows Disk Management Tool to create a new partition on an existing one.
• You'll also need a USB drive or another external storage device with sufficient space to create a bootable USB drive.

How to Run Two Operating Systems on One Computer

With the preparations out of the way, let's dive into the main topic: how to install two Windows operating systems on a single computer. The installation process consists of four parts, and you should follow them carefully to avoid any issues. Let's explore how to proceed.

• Part 1. Create a Bootable USB Drive
• Part 2. Create a New Partition
• Part 3. Prepare Your PC
• Part 4. Install a Second Operating System

Part 1: Create a Bootable USB Drive

When it comes to creating a bootable USB, the most efficient and straightforward method is to utilize a professional tool like tool OS2Go.

OS2Go is a practical and user-friendly Bootable USB Creator tool for Windows 11/10/8/7. It enables you to create a Windows bootable USB drive without needing an ISO image. Furthermore, it allows you to transfer your Windows 10 to another PC and install Windows 10 without a Microsoft account.

What makes this bootable USB creation tool unique and highly commendable?

• User-friendly design. It features an intuitive interface for creating a portable Windows To Go USB drive.
• Run Windows on macOS. It enables you to create a bootable Windows USB drive for Mac.
• Make Windows portable. You can create a portable version of Windows for Windows 10/11.
• Run Windows Apps on Mac. It allows you to play Windows games on your Mac.
• Superb technical support. It offers premium 24/7 Email support to provide customers with immediate and professional solutions.

Here's how to create a bootable Windows 11/10 USB using the tool OS2Go:

Step 1. Install the OS2Go tool on your Windows computer. It will show the used space on your system drive. Insert a USB drive with a capacity larger than the used space on your system drive. Select the target USB drive and click Next to proceed.

Step 2. OS2Go will warn you that the following operation will erase all data on your drive. Make sure you've backed up all important data. Click Continue to proceed.

Step 3. Adjust disk layout. The default disk layout on the target drive will be identical to the source drive. You can also edit the layout to suit your requirements. Check the option provided if you're using a Solid State Drive as the Windows boot drive. Then, click Proceed.

Step 4. OS2Go will then begin creating the portable USB drive. This process may take a while, depending on your operating system and network conditions. Once the progress reaches 100%, the USB drive should be bootable.

Step 5. Insert the portable Windows USB and start your computer. Press the necessary key (F2, DEL, F10...) to access the BIOS. Select to boot from the USB drive.

注意: 请确保便携式USB和目标计算机的启动模式（UEFI或Legacy）相同，否则可能无法启动。

Here's a more detailed article on how to create a Windows 10 live USB.

Part 2. Create a New Partition

If you want to install a second version of Windows on the same drive as the first, there must be sufficient space available. If your storage is limited, this can pose a challenge. For instance, ideally, dual-booting Windows 10 and Windows 11 would require approximately 20-25 GB of space (though we generally advise having at least 50-100 GB of free storage space).

To create a new partition using the Disk Management tool, follow these steps:

Step 1. Press and hold the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box. Then type diskmgmt.msc and press Enter.

Step 2. You'll see a list of partitions on your hard drive. First, select the primary partition, typically the C drive, then right-click it and choose Shrink Volume.

Step 3. In the box next to Enter the amount of space you want to shrink in MB, input a number, then click Shrink.

等待过程完成，你就会得到一个未分配的卷。

Part 3: Prepare Your PC

Before installing another version of Windows on your computer, you need to properly prepare your system. Here's how to do it, using Windows 10 as an example.

Step 1. Disable Fast Boot

You can disable Windows' Fast Boot by following these steps:

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• In the Windows search bar, type Control Panel and then open it.
• Click Power Options.
• Select Choose what the power button does.
• Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
• Make sure the checkbox at the bottom labeled "Turn on fast startup (Recommended)" is unchecked. Then click Save Changes.

Step 2. Access the BIOS on your computer.

To install a second operating system, you'll need to make some changes to the BIOS. Each computer brand and model has its own method for accessing the BIOS. On some computers, you can enter the BIOS by pressing a function key (like F1, F2, F9, or F12), Esc, or Delete as the computer is starting up. These steps can also be used to reset the BIOS in Windows.

Click the Windows 10 Start menu. Click the Power icon. Hold down Shift and click Restart. Click Troubleshoot. Click Advanced Options: UEFI Firmware Settings Click Restart.

Step 3. Disable Secure Boot

The BIOS menu differs between computers. To access it, use the arrow keys on your keyboard. Typically, you can find Secure Boot in the Security, Boot, or Authentication menus. Locate Secure Boot and change its status to "Disabled."

Step 4. Change the boot order to boot from USB

Typically, this can be located in the Boot menu. Find the boot order menu and change it so that a USB drive boots up first.

Step 5. Save settings

After making the necessary changes in the BIOS system, look for the option to save your settings. Next, use the BIOS save and exit function to save the changes and restart your computer.

Part 4. Install a Second Operating System

Now, let's move on to the final section: how to install the second operating system on your computer. Follow the instructions below to install Windows step by step:

Step 1. Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer.

Insert the USB drive into your computer.

Step 2. Restart your computer if it's currently on. If it's off, turn it on by pressing the power button, which will initiate the boot process from the USB drive.

Step 3. If your computer successfully boots from the bootable USB drive, you should see the setup program for the operating system.

Step 4. You should see a screen that looks like the one below. Choose the option 'Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)'.

Click "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" as shown in the image below, and then proceed with the installation.

Step 5. When prompted to choose where to install Windows, select the partition labeled "Unallocated Space." After selecting the partition, click "Apply" and then "Next."

Note: It should be 25GB or whatever size you specified when creating the partition.

When the installation process continues, wait for a moment. Once it's finished, you'll be prompted to choose between the two operating systems every time you start your device.

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To Conclude

Now, do you know how to install two operating systems on one computer? Generally, installing two Windows on a single PC is a straightforward process. The guide in this article will assist you in quickly installing two Windows on a single laptop. Remember to backup your data and closely follow the instructions.

Tools OS2Go can assist you in creating a bootable USB for installing another Windows operating system. It is instrumental in running two operating systems on a single PC. Furthermore, it can aid in resolving the WinToUSB not working problem. There are more valuable features awaiting your exploration. Download and give it a try.

Frequently Asked Questions

< strong > 1. Is it safe to dual boot?

While selecting Dual Boot is entirely safe, it does come with certain risks. Dual booting is a feasible option if your computer's resource demands hinder it from running a virtual machine.

**2. How do I switch between two operating systems?**

The reboot process works as follows:

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• Restart your computer using either Windows or MAC operating system.
• While your computer is restarting, hold down the Option or Alt key on your keyboard.
• A new window will appear, offering you the choice to select between MAC and Windows.
• Begin by choosing the System you wish to use.

< strong >3. Can I dual boot with 2 hard drives? Yes, you can dual boot with two hard drives. Here's how it typically works: 1. **Install Different Operating Systems on Separate Drives**: You'll need to install different operating systems (OS) on each hard drive. For example, you can have Windows on one drive and Linux on the other. 2. **Boot Manager**: During or after installation, the OS usually creates a boot manager, such as the Windows Boot Manager or GRUB (GRand Unified Bootloader) for Linux, which allows you to choose which drive and OS to boot from when starting your computer. 3. **BIOS/UEFI Settings**: To select the drive you want to boot from, you may need to access your computer's BIOS or UEFI settings. This is usually done by pressing a specific key (like F2, F10, or Del) during the initial startup screen. 4. **Configure Boot Order**: In the BIOS/UEFI, set the desired hard drive as the first boot device. This way, your computer will attempt to boot from that drive first, and you can then choose the OS from the boot manager. 5. **Switching Between OSes**: Whenever you want to switch between operating systems, simply restart your computer and use the boot manager to select the desired drive and OS. Remember that proper partitioning and backup of data are crucial to avoid any potential data loss during the installation process. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, consider seeking assistance from a professional or following detailed tutorials online.

To set up a dual boot, you'll just need enough space on your hard drive for a second partition. If you don't have enough room for another partition, add a second drive and install the second operating system on that instead.