After the latest launch event of Windows 11, everyone is so excited about trying out new features without bad experiences. Windows 11 Insider Preview has come up with a lot of new features but it can negatively impact your productivity in a beta state.
So if you don’t want to lose your Windows 10 then dual boot it with Windows 11. As of now, Microsoft hasn’t released its ISO files so first, we will install two Windows 10 on one device and later upgrade to Windows 11.
The dual-booting Windows 11 will be a lengthy guide so consciously apply all the steps from preparing to upgrading for free.
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Prepare to dual boot with Windows 11
Take note of several points to prepare Windows 10 to dual boot with Windows 11. You may end up wasting your time if you blindly keep going to the next step. First, make sure your PC is compatible with Windows 11 by fulfilling all the requirements.
- Enable Secure Boot on UEFI BIOS – Follow the Guide to make sure Windows 10 is installed on GPT partition and UEFI and Secure boot options are enabled from the UEFI BIOS Settings.
- TPM 2.0 Chip – Turn on TPM 2.0 from the BIOS.
- Your PC has at least 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of Free Storage.
- Dual-core processor with 1 GHz frequency, latest processor is not required.
- Graphics cards have got the DirectX12 and WDDM 2.0 driver support.
Once your PC meets all the requirements except the latest Processor then it’s ready for dual booting with Windows 11. Also, cross-check with the WhyNotWin11 tool to check Windows 11 compatibility.
Also, make the final confirmation by going into Settings > Update and security > Windows Insider Program, it must at least display the following message.
Your PC does not meet the minimum hardware requirements recommended for Windows 11 but there may be issues and bugs that impact your experience.
With this message, you will able to upgrade the newly installed Windows 10 to Windows 11.
Make the Separate Partition
Multiple booting with Windows 11 will require 64 GB empty or a separate partition of no use. If it’s already available on your PC then skip to the next step to make the Windows 10 Bootable USB.
Search for Create and format hard disk partitions in the Start menu to open the Disk Management.
All the connected disks and their partitions will be listed on Windows. Right-click on the partition whom you want to Shrink and get an extra 64 GB partition for Windows 11. It will check for available free storage of the drive, at least shrink 71680 MB to get 70 GB of partition.
The shrunk volume will appear as an unallocated partition with black color. Create its New simple volume (right-click) and name it Windows 11.
Create Windows 10 Bootable USB
We have got a guide on How to create Windows 10 Bootable USB. Well, first download the Windows 10 Pro ISO file for 64 bit architecture and later create the bootable USB with RUFUS. Select the GPT partition type in the RUFUS menu.
Download the Windows Media creation tool to run on your device. Then download Windows 10 ISO file. Now, get the RUFUS from their official website and plug in the USB drive. The Rufus will automatically identify the connected USB and you have to select the downloaded ISO file. Also, do not forget to select the GPT partition scheme then start the process. It will be ready in a few minutes.
Dual Boot Windows 11 with Windows 10
Turn off your computer and keep the bootable USB plugged in. Press the power button and keep pressing the BOOT Menu key to launch the Boot Options. The F2, F10, F12, and ESC keys are the general boot menu keys for most of the PCs. Select the Windows 10 Bootable USB drive from the boot options.
Follow the on-screen instructions to make the Custom Installation of Windows using the advanced options. Then select the empty drive specially prepared for Windows 11. The Installation will take some time to install with a few restarts.
Finish the setup with I do not have a product key and with your desired choices. You will be on the new Windows 10 desktop once it finishes the installation. Recheck both Windows 10 working fine by restarting several times.
Also, activate Windows 10 by following several guides on the internet and sign in or create a new Microsoft account on Windows.
Upgrade to Windows 11
Once your new Windows 10 is activated and logged in with a new Microsoft account then it’s time to upgrade it to Windows 11. Go to Windows Insiders Program settings to Get Started by linking to Microsoft Account. Choose the Dev Channel to receive the Windows 11 Upgrade. Also, Restart to start receiving the Insider Previews.
Go to the Updates and security to Check for updates. It will automatically start downloading Windows 11 Insider Preview 10.0.22000.51 build. It will also start installing in the background without disturbing your workflow.
The Windows 11 Insider Preview will prompt to Restart to begin the free upgrade.
It will take half an hour to install the updates, do not turn off your PC or laptop until it finishes the installation.
Windows 11 will take you to the new lock screen once it is ready. Enter your password or pin to log in to the new Windows 11.
Congrats on successfully dual-booting Windows 11 with Windows 10.