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Arch Linux is an open-source operating system, known for its customizability, flexibility, and minimalist design. However, it can be daunting to install alongside another operating system like Windows 11. Dual booting these two operating systems may have benefits such as the ability to run software that may not work on one or the other. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of dual booting Arch Linux and Windows 11.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of Dual Booting Arch Linux and Windows 11

Dual booting Arch Linux and Windows 11 can be a challenging and time-consuming process. It requires some technical knowledge and attention to detail. Some of the common challenges people face while dual booting Arch Linux and Windows 11 are:

Creating a partition to install Arch Linux without losing data from the existing Windows 11 installation,
Installing the bootloader correctly,
Dealing with the differences in software installation between Arch Linux and Windows 11,
Ensuring that both operating systems can access files on a shared partition,
Resolving any issues that might arise during the installation process.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before you can dual boot Arch Linux and Windows 11, there are a few things you should prepare:

Arch Linux installation iso, which can be downloaded from the official Arch Linux website.
USB drive with at least 4GB of storage space to create a bootable USB drive for the Arch Linux installation.
A partition with at least 20GB of free space on the hard drive where you wish to install Arch Linux.
A backup copy of your important files to make sure you don’t lose any data.
Basic understanding of partitioning and command-line interface (CLI).

Method 1: Via USB drive

This method is the most popular and convenient way of installing Arch Linux alongside Windows 11. Follow the below instructions carefully for a successful dual booting experience.

Create a bootable USB drive with Arch Linux installation media.
Insert the USB drive and restart your computer.
Choose the Boot from USB drive option when prompted.
Once the Arch Linux boot menu appears, choose the option, Arch Linux Boot Arch Linux (x86_64). This will start the installation process.
Use the following command to check the disk layout on your computer:
lsblk
This will list the available disks and partitions. Here you can check the available space on your disk to create a new partition for Arch installation.
Use the fdisk command to create a new partition on the hard drive.
Set the new partition as bootable and format it using the ext4 file system.
Enter the following command to mount the newly created partition:
mount /dev/sda2 /mnt
Run the following command to install Arch Linux on the new partition:
pacstrap /mnt base linux linux-firmware
Create the filesystem table with the following command:
genfstab -U /mnt >> /mnt/etc/fstab
Finally, run the following command to enter the new installation for chrooting:
arch-chroot /mnt
Then, set the time zone, hostname, and locale settings with the following command:
ln -sf /usr/share/zoneinfo/Europe/London /etc/localtime

hwclock --systohc

nano /etc/locale.gen

locale-gen

echo LANG=en_US.UTF-8 > /etc/locale.conf

export LANG=en_US.UTF-8

echo arch > /etc/hostname
Create a password for root with the following command:
passwd
Update and configure the bootloader and reboot the system with the following command:
pacman -Syy grub

grub-install /dev/sda

grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg

exit

umount -R /mnt

reboot

Pros:

Easy to boot using the USB drive.
You can see all the disk partitions and their free space.
During installation, you have more control over the installation process.

Cons:

The installation through a USB drive may take a longer time to complete.
Requires more technical knowledge.

Method 2: Create a Virtual Machine

This method is less popular but useful for those who want to test out Arch Linux before committing to a full installation. This method involves installing the operating system inside virtualization software like VirtualBox.

Download the VirtualBox from their official website, and then run the installer.
Next, create a new VirtualBox virtual machine with a minimum of 20GB of vacant space.
Afterward, insert the Arch Linux ISO image into the virtual optical drive of the newly created virtual machine.
Boot the virtual machine from the ISO image, and run the installer as though you were installing to a physical machine.
Create a root user account and insert the root password.
Install VirtualBox Guest Additions by choosing the Devices menu from the VirtualBox console window and subsequently choose "Install Guest Additions."
Select the Arch Linux virtual machine, then click the Settings gear to open the VirtualBox VM settings window.
Click the Shared Folders option; then, click the Add New Shared Folder button from the folder map section.
Choose a folder on your physical computer, provide the folder a shared name, and check the box to "auto-mount" the folder during the virtual machine boot.
Finally, reboot the virtual machine.

Pros:

Lesser risk of damaging your existing setup by trying out a new OS in a separate and isolated environment.
Easy installation without taking much time.
Simple to remove the virtual machine if you decide you don’t want to continue using it.

Cons:

Performance can be slow due to having to run through a layer of emulation
Cannot take advantage of hardware acceleration and hardware support that a physical machine can offer.

Method 3: Replace Windows with Arch Linux

This method involves completely erasing Windows 11 and installing Arch Linux in its place.

Back up all data to an external media source before starting the procedure.
Download the Arch Linux ISO image file and create a bootable USB drive.
Insert the USB drive and restart the computer.
Boot from USB and open the command line.
Use the fdisk command to erase all partitions’ data on the system drive.
Create a new partition table, and set the new partition as bootable.
Create a new partition using the ext4 file system and mount it.
Run the installation through the Arch Linux command line.
Follow the steps to set up your system, such as hostname, time zone, and user account details.
Install the Arch Linux bootloader.
Reboot the system.

Pros:

Arch Linux is the only operating system running on your computer, which can lead to better performance.
You have complete control over the installation process.

Cons:

You will lose all data from the previous installation of Windows.
Cannot revert back to Windows without reinstating the operating system.

Method 4: Use a Third-Party Software

This method involves using a third-party software like EasyBCD, which can manage the bootloader and configure dual boot systems.

Download and install EasyBCD.
Launch EasyBCD and select the "Add New Entry" button.
Enter the name, type, and bootloader location for the Arch Linux installation.
Save all changes and reboot the computer.
On reboot, the computer will prompt you to choose either Windows 11 or Arch Linux.

Pros:

Easy to use and quick installation.
No command line knowledge required.

Cons:

Not always reliable, and sometimes causes complications with the bootloader.
May need to pay to use some versions of the software.

Why Can’t I Dual Boot Arch Linux and Windows 11?

1. Not enough disk space: To dual-boot two operating systems on one computer, you need enough free space on your hard drive to create a separate partition for each of them. If you do not have enough space, you may not be able to dual boot Arch Linux and Windows 11.

Fix: Free up disk space on your hard drive or consider upgrading to a larger hard drive.

2. Incorrect partitioning: If you partition the hard drive incorrectly, you may not be able to dual boot Arch Linux and Windows 11.

Fix: Ensure that you have partitioned the hard drive correctly before installing Arch Linux. We recommend using the gdisk command line partitioning tool during installation.

3. Incorrect bootloader installation: If you do not install the bootloader correctly, you may not be able to boot into Arch Linux when you restart your computer.

Fix: During installation, ensure that you have installed the bootloader correctly. We recommend using the GRUB bootloader.

Additional Tips

Ensure that your device drivers are up to date to avoid any issues during dual boot installation.
Choose a reputable ISO image to prevent security vulnerabilities or other malicious code.
Back up all important data stored on your hard drive or partition that will be installed on.

5 FAQs about Dual Booting Arch Linux and Windows 11

Q1: Can I switch between Arch Linux and Windows 11 without restarting my computer?

A: Unfortunately, no. Switching operating systems will trigger a restart of your computer.

Q2: Is it possible to only dual boot Arch Linux with part of a Windows 11 partition, rather than the whole partition?

A: Yes, it is possible to partition the hard drive so that you can install Arch Linux on only part of the partition.

Q3: If I install Arch Linux alongside Windows 11, will I be able to access files on both partitions?

A: Yes, you can create a shared partition on your hard drive that can be accessed from both operating systems.

Q4: Can I dual boot Arch Linux along with another operating system?

A: Yes, it is possible to dual boot Arch Linux with another operating system, provided you have enough free space on your hard drive to create separate partitions for each OS.

Q5: Can I change the partition size for Arch Linux after installation?

A: Yes, it is possible to change the partition size for Arch Linux after installation using partitioning software. However, it is always a good practice to make sure you have backed up all important data before making any changes.

In Conclusion

Dual booting Arch Linux and Windows 11 can be challenging, but it’s a great way to take advantage of the benefits of both operating systems. We have provided you with several methods to dual boot, each with its own pros and cons. Remember to back up your data and follow the instructions carefully. With patience and attention to detail, you’ll have a successful dual boot setup in no time.