Can I Use the Linux Mint Alongside the Windows 10 OS?
Yes, you can install Linux Mint alongside Windows 10 and dual-boot between the two operating systems. Dual-booting allows you to choose which operating system to boot into at startup.
To install Linux Mint alongside Windows 10, you will need to create a separate partition on your hard drive for Linux Mint. You can either shrink an existing partition or create a new partition using the disk management tools in Windows.
Once you have created a separate partition for Linux Mint, you can install Linux Mint using a bootable USB drive or DVD. Follow the prompts to install Linux Mint on the separate partition that you created. During the installation process, you will be asked how you want to partition your hard drive. Choose the option to install Linux Mint alongside Windows 10 and select the partition that you created for Linux Mint.
Here are the steps for how to install Linux Mint alongside Windows 10:
- Download the Linux Mint installation image from the Linux Mint website (https://www.linuxmint.com/download.php).
- Insert a blank USB drive or DVD into your computer.
- Use a tool such as Rufus (https://rufus.ie/) or Etcher (https://www.balena.io/etcher/) to create a bootable USB drive or DVD with the Linux Mint installation image.
- Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. You can usually do this by pressing a specific key during boot (e.g. F2, F12, Del).
- In the BIOS or UEFI settings, set your computer to boot from the USB drive or DVD.
- Save your changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings. Your computer will now boot from the USB drive or DVD.
- Follow the prompts to install Linux Mint. During the installation process, you will be asked how you want to partition your hard drive. You will need to create a new partition for Linux Mint, either by shrinking an existing partition or by creating a new partition as explained above.
- Once the installation is complete, you will be prompted to restart your computer. Remove the USB drive or DVD and select Linux Mint from the boot menu to boot into your new Linux Mint system.
Note: Before you begin, it is recommended to create a backup of your important files and to make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Linux Mint. It is also a good idea to read the release notes for any known issues or compatibility issues.