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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsYou can install Ubuntu alongside Windows and keep both systems available at startup, but the safe route depends on your disk layout and whether Windows uses BitLocker. Back up important files, secure your recovery keys, and stop if the Ubuntu installer says it cannot map a BitLocker-encrypted disk. When the installer offers a suitable “Install Ubuntu alongside” option, use it rather than erasing the disk or attempting manual partitioning without experience.
Before you start: protect your files and recovery access
Ubuntu recommends backing up files before installing on a computer that is already in use. Keep the backup somewhere other than the disk you plan to repartition, so it remains available if something goes wrong during installation. Ubuntu’s Desktop installation instructions cover preparing installation media and installing on an existing computer.
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Check whether Windows has BitLocker or device encryption enabled, and make sure you can retrieve its recovery key before changing firmware or boot settings. Store the key somewhere separate from the computer. If Linux encryption is part of your planned setup, keep its recovery information separately as well. Ubuntu notes that boot-order changes, Secure Boot changes, or firmware updates can trigger a Windows recovery prompt; its recovery documentation explains the need to retain recovery keys.
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Check encryption before partitioning
If BitLocker is enabled, the Ubuntu installer may be unable to read the Windows disk layout. Ubuntu explains that encrypted contents can appear as “random noise” to the installer. If it reports that BitLocker is blocking disk mapping, do not continue with an alongside installation or make partition changes on that disk.
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Prepare Ubuntu installation media
Download the Ubuntu Desktop image and create a bootable USB flash drive using the instructions for the release you intend to install. Follow that release’s current media requirements; capacity guidance can change, so do not rely on an older tutorial’s USB size recommendation.
Boot the USB without changing more than necessary
Use your computer’s firmware boot menu to start from the USB. The key and menu differ by manufacturer, so follow the device’s instructions rather than assuming a universal key sequence. Boot in the machine’s normal firmware mode and leave its existing Secure Boot configuration in place unless you have a specific, documented compatibility issue.
Ubuntu’s standard signed boot chain is designed to work with Secure Boot: firmware validates a Microsoft-signed shim, which in turn validates Canonical-signed GRUB and kernel components. Custom kernels or unsigned modules may require additional signing or setup, but disabling Secure Boot is not the default requirement for installing standard Ubuntu. See Ubuntu’s Secure Boot documentation for details.
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Resolve BitLocker before choosing an install target
If the installer warns that it cannot map a BitLocker-encrypted Windows disk, exit the installation and return to Windows. Ubuntu says it cannot safely install alongside Windows when it cannot correctly map the encrypted installation.
- Keep BitLocker enabled: Do not attempt an alongside install on a disk the installer cannot map. A separate, unencrypted disk may be an alternative target; carefully confirm which physical disk the installer will use before any erase or partition operation.
- Turn off BitLocker: Ubuntu documents this as a possible route before retrying, but disabling encryption reduces Windows data protection while it is off. Some Windows versions may not allow BitLocker to be re-enabled after it has been turned off, so check your Windows version and requirements before choosing this route. Do not assume encryption can always be restored.
Ubuntu’s BitLocker installation guidance describes these constraints. If you are unsure about the consequences for your Windows configuration, pause rather than proceeding with disk changes.
Choose the installation route that matches your disk
Use the guided alongside option when it fits
If the installer offers “Install Ubuntu alongside” Windows and identifies the intended disk, review the selected drive and the space allocation before continuing. Ubuntu describes this option as letting you choose a drive and space for Ubuntu while preserving existing files. Screen wording and available choices vary by release and hardware.
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Do not select an erase-disk option when your goal is to retain Windows. Before confirming, check the disk and partition information shown by the installer and make sure it matches the plan you intended.
Treat manual partitioning as an advanced route
Manual partitioning is for people who understand the disk layout and how the required configuration should be set. If you cannot confidently identify the Windows partitions, the intended Ubuntu target, and the effect of each change, stop and seek qualified help instead of guessing.
Consider a separate disk when Windows encryption blocks the shared-disk route
A separate unencrypted disk can be a way to install Ubuntu when BitLocker prevents the installer from mapping the Windows disk. This does not remove the need to verify the target: confirm the physical disk selected before any installation, formatting, or erase operation.
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Test both operating systems after installation
When installation finishes, restart and use the startup menu offered by Ubuntu or the computer’s firmware boot selection to test each system independently. The menu and firmware navigation vary between computers, so Windows or Ubuntu may not appear in the same place on every machine. If Windows requests its recovery key after a boot or firmware change, use the key you saved before starting.
If one system does not appear in the expected startup menu, avoid making further partition changes as a first response. Check the computer’s boot selection and firmware settings, and consult the device and Ubuntu documentation for that specific configuration.
Quick Recap
Which dual-boot route should you choose?
| Situation | Route to consider | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Installer offers “Install Ubuntu alongside” and can read the intended disk | Review the drive and space allocation, then use the guided alongside route. | Options and screens depend on the Ubuntu release and computer. |
| BitLocker prevents the installer from mapping the Windows disk | Stop. Consider a separate unencrypted disk, or investigate turning off BitLocker before retrying. | Turning off BitLocker can have version-specific consequences, including inability to re-enable it. |
| You understand the complete partition layout and configuration | Manual partitioning may be appropriate. | Ubuntu identifies manual partitioning as a route for users who understand the configuration. |
| You plan to use standard Ubuntu boot components with Secure Boot | Keep Secure Boot enabled and use the supported signed boot chain. | Custom kernels and unsigned modules can require additional signing or setup. |
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