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How to Run Linux and MS Operating System in a Single System?

1 pointraavikant5 comments
On HN

I have been assigned a task which is possible in Linux. And I only have Windows system, Is it possible to install Linux without interrupting Windows. I am doing [Power BI course](https://www.igmguru.com/data-science-bi/power-bi-certification-training/") and I have to complete the task.

Any solution will be highly appreciated.

Comments

3 ways:

1. Dual boot. Don't do this unless you want to be an expert and understand both GRUB and Windows BCD. Have access to a 2nd device to troubleshoot when one OS randomly updates and borks GRUB/BCD, or take FULL nightly backups and be ready to restore them. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/d...

2. Put Linux in a VM. Why not? There is no real reason other than hardware. You will need dedicated cores and lots of disk space. Expect horrible battery life if this is a laptop. This is probably the best choice for you. https://www.virtualbox.org/

3. WSL2. If you would like an OS salad, do this. It's the ultimate blurry line between Windows and Linux. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install

- One method, probably the least intrusive would be WSL Windows Subsystem for Linux [1]

- Another option would be installing VirtualBox [2] if the license does not conflict with anything in your company the extensions have a restrictive license. Then grab a small Linux distribution.

- If your company / organization already has a license for VMWare that would be yet another way.

There are tutorials on how to do these on Youtube if you prefer video instructions.

[1] - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install

[2] - https://www.virtualbox.org/

In addition, if the OP is running Windows 10/11 Pro, Education, or Enterprise as the host OS and if the native x86-64 hardware supports virtualization, then the OP can use the bundled Hyper-V client. I've successfully run Linux and FreeBSD virtual machines using Hyper-V on Windows 10.

Is it possible to install Linux without interrupting Windows

I see at least 10 relevant tutorials for that Google web search.

What does interrupting Windows mean? Like keeping windows running while you install Linux?

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