How to Install Ubuntu 24.04 on Windows 11 for a Safe Dual Boot Setup

At Linux Simplify, many users want to explore Linux seriously without abandoning their Windows setup. Learning how to install Ubuntu 24.04 on Windows 11 for a safe dual boot setup is one of the best ways to experience Linux at full performance while keeping your existing files, applications, and workflows intact. A dual boot configuration lets both operating systems run independently on the same computer, giving you the flexibility to switch between Windows and Ubuntu without compromising either environment. 

This complete guide walks you through the entire Ubuntu installation process, including system preparation, disk configuration, creating installation media, and setting up Ubuntu alongside Windows 11 in a secure, non-destructive way.

This tutorial is written to help beginners and advanced users complete the dual boot installation without missing any important step. Whether you are preparing to run Linux and Windows side by side for development, testing, or everyday use, following the instructions carefully ensures that you can install Ubuntu 24.04 on your Windows 11 machine without losing data, damaging your partitions, or disrupting the Windows bootloader.

Why Dual Boot Windows 11 and Ubuntu 24.04

Many users want the flexibility of Linux for development, system administration, or testing, while still depending on Windows for specific tools or applications. Dual booting offers the best performance for both systems because each boots directly on hardware instead of sharing resources like a virtual machine.

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is a long term support release with years of security updates. This makes it ideal for a stable dual boot configuration that you plan to use long term.

System Requirements and Preparation

Before starting, check that your hardware and Windows installation meet these conditions.

Minimum Requirements

• 64 bit CPU supporting UEFI
• At least 4 GB RAM, 8 GB recommended
• 25 GB free storage or more
• USB flash drive of at least 8 GB
• Stable internet during installation

Important Preparation

• Back up important Windows files to avoid data loss
• Ensure Windows updates are complete
• Know how to enter your BIOS or UEFI menu

Step 1: Check UEFI Mode

Windows 11 requires UEFI mode. Ubuntu can also use UEFI. Both systems must match to boot reliably.

How to verify UEFI mode

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type msinfo32
3. Check the entry labeled BIOS Mode

If it says UEFI, continue. If it says Legacy, you must convert the disk to GPT and switch the firmware to UEFI. This ensures both systems can share the bootloader correctly.

Step 2: Disable BitLocker (Temporarily)

BitLocker encrypts the Windows drive. Ubuntu cannot read partition information correctly when encryption is active, which may cause installation failure.

How to disable BitLocker

1. Open the Start menu and search for BitLocker or Device Encryption
2. Open the settings page
3. Turn off encryption for your main system drive

After installation, you may enable BitLocker again without affecting Ubuntu.

Step 3: Create Free Space for Ubuntu

Ubuntu needs unallocated space on the disk. Do not attempt to install Ubuntu inside the Windows partition.

Read More: Cara Konfigurasi DHCP Server di Ubuntu Linux

How to shrink the Windows partition

1. Right click Start and open Disk Management
2. Select the main Windows drive (C:)
3. Choose Shrink Volume
4. Enter how much space to shrink

At least 25 GB is required, but 40 GB or more is recommended. You will now see Unallocated Space which Ubuntu will use.

Step 4: Download the Ubuntu 24.04 ISO

Download the Ubuntu ISO from the official Ubuntu website. Select the Desktop version of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

Step 5: Create a Bootable USB Installer

You must use a tool to create the bootable USB correctly. Copying the ISO to the USB manually will not work.

Using Rufus

1. Open Rufus
2. Select your USB drive under Device
3. Click Select and open the Ubuntu ISO
4. Set Partition Scheme to GPT
5. Set Target system to UEFI
6. Click Start

Using balenaEtcher

1. Open balenaEtcher
2. Choose Flash from file
3. Select the Ubuntu ISO
4. Choose your USB device
5. Click Flash

After completion, safely remove the USB.

Step 6: Boot from the USB

Restart your computer and enter the boot menu. The key depends on your system:

• F12 for many laptops
• F2 or F10 for others
• Esc for Surface devices

Select the USB drive. If Secure Boot prevents the USB from loading, disable Secure Boot temporarily in your firmware settings.

Step 7: Enter the Ubuntu Live Environment

You will now see the Ubuntu boot menu. Select Try or Install Ubuntu.

The live environment allows you to test your hardware. Make sure Wi Fi, mouse, keyboard, and screen work. If you see a blank screen, reboot using the safe graphics mode.

Step 8: Install Ubuntu 24.04 (Click by Click)

Start the Installer

Once the Ubuntu live environment has loaded successfully, the next step is to launch the installer that will guide you through configuring your system and preparing the disk for installation. This installer handles language settings, keyboard configuration, network access, and disk partitioning. Before proceeding, make sure your system is stable in the live session and that your mouse, keyboard, and display are working correctly.

• Double click Install Ubuntu 24.04 LTS
• Select your language
• Click Continue

Select Keyboard Layout

Choosing the correct keyboard layout ensures that every character you type matches the input expected by the system. This is especially important for passwords and terminal commands, where even a minor mismatch can cause login issues. Take a moment to confirm the layout that matches your physical keyboard before continuing.

• Choose your keyboard layout
• Choose the correct variant
• Click Continue

Connect to the Internet

Connecting to the internet during installation allows Ubuntu to download important updates and drivers, improving hardware support and minimizing the setup work required afterward. Wi Fi and Ethernet connections are supported, and either will enable the installer to fetch updated packages while the system is being installed.

• Select your Wi Fi network
• Enter the password
• Click Connect then Continue

Choose Installation Type

Ubuntu provides two installation styles depending on your needs. The Normal Installation includes essential applications such as a web browser, office tools, and media players. 

The Minimal Installation provides a lighter system with fewer default programs, ideal for advanced users or those who prefer to install software manually. Enabling updates and third party drivers during installation ensures a smoother experience once Ubuntu is installed.

• Select Normal Installation or Minimal Installation
• Check the box Download updates while installing Ubuntu
• Check Install third party software
• Click Continue

Disk Setup

This step determines how Ubuntu will coexist with Windows 11. Beginners should choose the automatic option, which safely partitions your drive without touching critical Windows system files. Advanced users may choose manual partitioning to define custom layouts. Regardless of the method, it is important to proceed carefully and verify each selection before continuing.

Option A: Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager (Recommended)

This option automatically detects your Windows installation and creates the necessary partitions for Ubuntu. It is the safest and most straightforward choice for users who want a hassle free setup. The installer handles resizing the Windows partition if necessary and configures the bootloader to allow choosing between operating systems at startup.

• Select Install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager
• Click Continue
• Adjust the slider if available
• Click Continue
• Click Install Now

Option B: Manual Partitioning (Advanced)

Manual partitioning gives full control over how the disk is allocated. This is useful for users who want a highly customized setup or who need additional partitions such as /home or a separate data partition. However, this option requires more caution, as choosing the wrong partition could overwrite Windows or remove essential boot files. Always double check before applying changes.

• Select Something else
• Click Continue
• Select the free space
• Click the + button to create root partition
• Set Use as to Ext4
• Set Mount point to /
• Click OK
• Select the EFI System Partition
• Click Change
• Set Mount point to /boot/efi
• Ensure Format is unchecked
• Click OK
• Select the correct disk for bootloader installation
• Click Install Now
• Click Continue to confirm partition changes

Optional Encryption

Ubuntu allows you to encrypt your installation for additional security. Encryption helps protect your data if your device is lost or accessed without permission. This step is completely optional but recommended for laptops or shared computers. Keep in mind that forgetting your passphrase will make your data unrecoverable.

• Click Advanced features
• Select Use LVM
• Enable encryption if desired
• Click OK

Create User Account

This section defines your login credentials and your computer's identity on the network. A strong password is highly recommended, especially if you enabled encryption or plan to use administrative commands frequently. This information can be changed later, but setting it correctly now ensures a smooth first login.

• Enter your name
• Enter computer name
• Create a username
• Create a strong password
• Select login preference
• Click Continue

Install Ubuntu

Before finalizing the installation, Ubuntu shows a summary of your chosen options. This is your last chance to verify the partition layout and ensure you are not overwriting any important Windows data. Once you confirm, Ubuntu will begin installing the system and configuring the bootloader. This process usually takes several minutes depending on your hardware.

• Review your settings
• Click Install Now
• Wait until installation finishes

Restart

After installation completes, Ubuntu will prompt you to restart the system. Removing the USB installer at the correct time ensures the computer boots from the internal drive rather than returning to the installer. On reboot, you should see the GRUB menu that lets you choose between Ubuntu and Windows.

• Click Restart Now
• Remove the USB when prompted
• Press Enter

After Installation: First Boot and Setup

You should now see the GRUB boot menu. This menu allows you to choose which operating system to start.

To boot into Ubuntu

Select Ubuntu and press Enter.

To boot into Windows

Select Windows Boot Manager and press Enter.

Post installation tasks

• Open Software Updater and install updates
• Check Additional Drivers for optimal hardware drivers
• Set language, time zone, and privacy settings
• Install your preferred applications

Troubleshooting

System boots directly into Windows

Fix by adjusting boot priority:

• Enter your firmware settings
• Move Ubuntu above Windows Boot Manager
• Save and reboot

Windows missing from GRUB

Fix by updating GRUB:

1. Boot into Ubuntu
2. Open Terminal
3. Run the GRUB update command

Ubuntu shows a black screen

Try safe graphics mode or update drivers after installation.

Conclusion

Dual booting Windows 11 and Ubuntu 24.04 gives you full access to both systems with maximum performance. By following every step in this guide, from UEFI configuration to partition preparation and installation, you can build a reliable dual boot environment that serves both your Windows and Linux workflows. 

Ubuntu 24.04 provides a stable and powerful platform, while Windows remains available whenever you need it. This complete A to Z guide is crafted for Linux Simplify readers who want clarity, safety, and confidence in setting up dual boot systems.