How to Use VirtualBox for Dual Booting Ubuntu in Windows 10

Many users wish to have both Windows and another operating system, such as Ubuntu, on their laptops. While this can be achieved through dual booting, it can become messy and may cause issues. Instead, I recommend using VirtualBox to run Ubuntu as a virtual machine within Windows 10. This approach offers several advantages, including the ability to switch between operating systems without needing to reboot and the ease of managing resources for each OS.

Why Use VirtualBox?

Installing VirtualBox in Windows and running Ubuntu in a virtual environment is a cleaner and more flexible solution. Here's how to set it up:

Step 1: Install Oracle VirtualBox

First, download and install Oracle VirtualBox from their official website. This application allows you to run multiple operating systems within a single host operating system, in this case, Windows 10.

Step 2: Install Ubuntu in VirtualBox

Once VirtualBox is installed, you can create a new virtual machine and install Ubuntu. Assign adequate resources to Ubuntu, such as two cores and 4 GB of RAM, to ensure it runs smoothly. Make sure to install the necessary utilities during the installation process to maintain functionality.

Step 3: Configure VirtualBox Settings

After installation, configure the virtual machine settings to ensure optimal performance. Allocate the necessary hardware resources, such as CPU, RAM, and storage, to both Windows 10 and Ubuntu.

Alternative Methods for Dual Booting

Although running Ubuntu in VirtualBox is a cleaner solution, it is worth noting that there are other methods to achieve dual booting:

Method 1: Install Ubuntu along with Windows 10

When installing Windows 10, it may set up a dual-boot menu automatically. If you prefer, you can also install Ubuntu alongside Windows 10, using advanced options during installation. Be cautious, as Windows 10 updates may replace the boot loader, which can be problematic.

Method 2: Install Windows 10 first, then Ubuntu

Install Windows 10, and then install Ubuntu as a separate application. This method requires using GRUB2 as the boot menu. Ensure that Ubuntu is installed alongside Windows 10, and GRUB2 will handle booting the correct OS.

Method 3: Install Different OSes on Separate Disks

A rule of thumb is to install different operating systems on their own disks or partitions. This separation ensures that system updates and installations don't interfere with each other. Debian or Fedora Workstation are also excellent options for those interested in learning more about GNU/Linux.

Conclusion

While dual booting is possible, it can lead to complex and sometimes frustrating issues. Running Ubuntu in VirtualBox or using a separate disk/partition for each OS is a more streamlined approach. By doing so, you can enjoy the benefits of both operating systems without the risk of boot loader conflicts and easier management of resources.