Introduction
This guide will walk you through the process of installing and dual booting Windows 10 and Ubuntu 24.04 on a computer with two M.2 SSDs. The larger M.2 SSD will contain the Windows 10 operating system and its data partitions (used for the OS), while the smaller M.2 SSD will be used for Ubuntu 24.04.
Preparation
Back Up Your Data
Before proceeding, make sure to back up all important data on both SSDs to an external hard drive or cloud storage service.
Create a Bootable Ubuntu USB Drive
Download the Ubuntu 24.04 ISO file from the official website and create a bootable USB drive using a tool like Rufus or Etcher.
Booting Ubuntu from the USB Drive
Entering the BIOS
Restart your computer and press the key to enter the BIOS settings (usually F2, F10, or F12).
Changing the Boot Order
Use the arrow keys to navigate to the "Boot" tab and change the boot order so that the USB drive is the first priority.
Starting Ubuntu Installation
Save and exit the BIOS settings, then press Enter to boot from the USB drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to begin the Ubuntu installation process.
Partitioning the Smaller M.2 SSD
During the installation process, you will be prompted to partition the smaller M.2 SSD. Create a new partition for Ubuntu, leaving enough space for the root filesystem, swap space, and any additional partitions you may need.
Installing Ubuntu
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Ubuntu installation. Make sure to select the correct time zone, keyboard layout, and other settings for your region.
Booting Windows from the Larger M.2 SSD
Reentering the BIOS
Restart your computer and press the key to enter the BIOS settings.
Changing the Boot Order
Use the arrow keys to navigate to the "Boot" tab and change the boot order so that the larger M.2 SSD is the first priority.
Starting Windows Installation
Save and exit the BIOS settings, then press Enter to boot from the larger M.2 SSD. Install Windows 10 as you normally would, making sure to create partitions for the OS and any necessary data.
Dual Booting Windows and Ubuntu
Once both operating systems are installed, you will be able to choose which one to boot at startup by pressing the key to enter the boot menu (usually F12).
Summary
- Back up all important data on both SSDs
- Create a bootable Ubuntu USB drive
- Boot Ubuntu from the USB drive and partition the smaller M.2 SSD
- Install Ubuntu on the smaller M.2 SSD
- Reenter the BIOS and change the boot order to boot from the larger M.2 SSD
- Install Windows 10 on the larger M.2 SSD and create partitions for the OS and data
- Dual boot Windows and Ubuntu by pressing the key to enter the boot menu