How to Dual Boot Windows 10 and 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dual booting Windows 10 and Windows 11 allows you to enjoy the features of both operating systems on the same device. Whether you're testing out Windows 11 or need to use Windows 10 for compatibility reasons, dual booting provides the flexibility to switch between the two OS versions. In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to set up a dual boot system with Windows 10 and Windows 11.

How can I dual boot Windows 10 and Windows 11?​

1. Check System Requirements​

Before proceeding with a dual boot setup, ensure your device meets the system requirements for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. While Windows 10 has more lenient requirements, Windows 11 has stricter hardware demands, including:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor.
• RAM: 4 GB or more.
• Storage: 64 GB or more.
• TPM: Version 2.0.
• Secure Boot: Capable.

You can check if your device is compatible with Windows 11 using the PC Health Check tool available from Microsoft’s website.

2. Backup Your Data​

Before making any changes to your system, it’s essential to back up your important data. Dual booting involves partitioning your hard drive, which can sometimes lead to data loss if not done correctly. Use an external drive or cloud storage to save copies of important files and documents.

3. Create a Partition for the Second OS​

To dual boot, you’ll need a separate partition on your hard drive for the second operating system. Here’s how to create one:

1. Open Disk Management:
   • Press Windows + X and select Disk Management from the menu.

1. Shrink the Existing Partition:
   • Right-click on your main drive and select Shrink Volume.
     
   • Enter the amount of space you want to allocate for the new partition. Aim for at least 64 GB for Windows 11.
   • Click Shrink to create unallocated space.
2. Create a New Partition:
   
   • Right-click the unallocated space and select New Simple Volume.
   • Follow the wizard to create a new partition, assign it a drive letter, and format it with NTFS.

4. Install the Second Operating System​

With the partition ready, you can now install the second operating system. If you’re currently running Windows 10 and want to add Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Download Windows 11 Installation Media:
   • Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 11 ISO file or use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant to create installation media on a USB drive.
2. Boot from the Installation Media:
   • Insert the USB drive into your computer and restart it.
   • Enter the BIOS or UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, Del, or Esc during startup) and set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
   • Save changes and restart your computer.
3. Install Windows 11:
   • When the Windows 11 setup begins, select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
   • Choose the partition you created earlier as the destination for Windows 11.
   • Complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions.

If you’re adding Windows 10 to a system with Windows 11 already installed, the steps are similar—just use the Windows 10 installation media instead.

5. Configure the Boot Manager​

After installing both operating systems, your computer should automatically display a boot menu when starting up, allowing you to choose between Windows 10 and Windows 11. If this menu doesn’t appear, you may need to configure the boot manager manually:

1. Access the Boot Menu:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
2. Set Default OS and Timeout:
   • You’ll see both Windows 10 and Windows 11 listed under Operating Systems.
   • Choose the OS you want as the default and adjust the Timeout value, which controls how long the boot menu appears before the default OS is selected.
   • Click Apply and OK to save your settings.

6. Manage Disk Space and Updates​

After setting up a dual boot, managing disk space and updates is crucial:

• Allocate Space Wisely: If either OS runs out of space, consider adjusting the partition sizes using Disk Management or third-party software.
• Handle Updates Carefully: Windows updates can sometimes affect the boot configuration, so keep an eye on updates for both operating systems. It's a good practice to back up your system before installing major updates.

7. Switching Between Windows 10 and 11​

To switch between Windows 10 and Windows 11:

• Restart your computer.
• When the boot menu appears, use the arrow keys to select the OS you want to boot into and press Enter.

If you set a default OS with a timeout, the boot menu will disappear automatically after the specified time.

Dual booting Windows 10 and Windows 11 gives you the best of both worlds, allowing you to switch between the two operating systems based on your needs. With careful preparation, partitioning, and installation, you can easily set up a dual boot system. Just remember to manage your disk space and updates properly to ensure a smooth operation of both OS versions.