Table of Contents
Dual booting Zorin OS with Windows is a great way to enjoy both systems on the same computer without losing your existing files.
Step 1: Download Zorin OS ISO
Before installing, you need to download the official Zorin OS ISO file, which contains the operating system needed for the setup.
# Visit the official Zorin OS download page
https://zorin.com/os/download/
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB
To install Zorin OS, create a bootable USB using tools like Rufus or balenaEtcher, which prepare your USB stick to boot the installer.
# Using Rufus (Windows)
1. Open Rufus
2. Select your USB
3. Choose the Zorin OS ISO
4. Click START
Step 3: Shrink Windows Partition
You need free space to install Zorin OS alongside Windows, so shrink your Windows partition from Disk Management.
# Open Windows Disk Management
diskmgmt.msc
# Right-click your main partition → Shrink Volume
Step 4: Boot from USB
Restart your computer and enter the Boot Menu, then select your USB as the boot device to start the Zorin OS installer.
# Common boot keys during startup
F2, F12, Esc, Delete
Step 5: Start the Zorin OS Installer
When Zorin OS loads, choose “Try or Install Zorin OS” and begin the installation wizard to start setting up the system.
# In the menu click:
Install Zorin OS
Step 6: Choose “Install Zorin OS Alongside Windows”
This option automatically sets up dual boot safely and preserves your Windows system without touching your existing files.
# Installation Type:
Install Zorin OS alongside Windows Boot Manager
Step 7: Select Partition for Zorin OS
If prompted, choose the partition you shrank earlier to ensure Zorin OS installs in the correct location.
# Recommended partitions:
Root mount point: /
Format: ext4
Step 8: Complete Installation and Reboot
Let the installer finish copying files, then restart your system to access Zorin OS from the boot menu (GRUB).
# After restart:
Choose "Zorin OS" from GRUB
Step 9: Update Zorin OS After Installation
Once inside Zorin OS, update your system to ensure everything runs smoothly and drivers are properly installed.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Step 10: Switch Between Windows and Zorin OS
Switching between Windows and Zorin OS is simple and quick, and understanding how the boot menu works ensures you can easily choose your preferred operating system every time you start your computer.
# GRUB Menu Options:
Zorin OS
Windows Boot Manager
