How to Dual Boot Windows 11 24H2 with Windows 10 on the Same Drive (Unsupported PC)
Are you excited to try out Windows 11 24H2 but hesitant to upgrade from your existing Windows 10 setup? Don’t worry, you don’t have to sacrifice your current Windows 10 installation to explore Windows 11. In this guide, I’ll show you how to dual boot Windows 11 24H2 on the same drive as Windows 10, even if your PC doesn’t officially support Windows 11.
Why Dual Boot?
Dual booting is an excellent solution for users who want to test out Windows 11 without permanently upgrading from Windows 10. This method allows you to install both operating systems on the same drive, giving you the freedom to switch between them. Whether you’re checking out Windows 11 features, compatibility, or performance, dual booting lets you keep Windows 10 intact.
If you find that Windows 11 isn’t right for you, removing it is easy, and you can go back to using Windows 10 as before. This method is ideal for older PCs or unsupported hardware that may not meet all of the requirements for Windows 11.
What You’ll Need:
- A Windows 11 24H2 ISO file
- Rufus (for creating a bootable USB drive)
- EaseUS Partition Master (for partitioning your drive)
- A USB flash drive (at least 8GB, ideally 16GB or larger)
- Basic knowledge of partition management
Step-by-Step Guide to Dual Boot Windows 11 and Windows 10 on the Same Drive
1. Check Your PC’s Requirements
Even though we’re working with an unsupported PC, it’s important to check the current hardware requirements to see if your processor can handle Windows 11. Tools like CPU-Z can help you verify if your system supports necessary features like SSE 4.2 and TPM 2.0.
2. Download Windows 11 24H2 ISO
Head to the Microsoft website and download the Windows 11 24H2 ISO. Ensure that you select the right language and version for your system.
Check Windows Language version:
dism /online /get-intl
3. Create a Bootable USB Drive with Rufus
Once you have the ISO file, use Rufus to create a bootable USB. Make sure to select GPT as the partition scheme, especially if you plan on dual booting with a modern UEFI system. If you use MBR by mistake, Windows 11 may refuse to install.
Tip: Don’t forget to back up any important files on your USB drive before formatting!
4. Partition Your Drive for Windows 11
Now, it’s time to create space for Windows 11. Using EaseUS Partition Master, resize your existing Windows 10 partition to free up space for the new installation. You can use Windows Disk Management if you prefer, but EaseUS makes the process simpler and safer.
Aim for at least 60GB of space for Windows 11, as the installation requires a minimum of 52GB.
5. Convert MBR to GPT (If Needed)
If your drive is formatted as MBR and you encounter an error while installing Windows 11, you’ll need to convert the partition to GPT. EaseUS Partition Master offers a straightforward way to convert the drive without data loss.
Alternatively, you can use the command prompt (CMD) with the following commands to perform the conversion:
mbr2gpt /validate /allowFullOS
mbr2gpt /convert /allowFullOS
Video Tutorial for this:
🎬 How to Enable TPM 2.0 | Secure Boot | Convert to UEFI | Prepare for Windows 11
6. Boot from the USB Drive and Install Windows 11
Restart your PC and boot from the USB drive you created with Rufus. Once the setup begins, choose the partition you created for Windows 11 and start the installation.
Troubleshooting Common Errors
- Partition Size Too Small: If you receive an error about partition size, ensure your Windows 11 partition is at least 52GB. If it’s smaller, you’ll need to resize it using EaseUS or Disk Management.
- GPT Partition Requirement: If you can’t install Windows 11 because the drive is MBR, convert it to GPT using the method above.
- TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot: During installation, Rufus can help you bypass TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot requirements by modifying the setup options.
7. Finalize the Installation
Once Windows 11 is installed, your PC will reboot, and you’ll be prompted to choose between Windows 10 and Windows 11 on startup. Congratulations, you now have a dual-boot system!
8. Testing Dual Boot
After installation, restart your computer to make sure the dual boot works properly. You should see the option to select either Windows 10 or Windows 11 when the system starts. This setup allows you to switch back and forth depending on your needs.
Optional: Removing Windows 11
If you decide that Windows 11 isn’t for you, removing it is simple. Head to Disk Management or use EaseUS Partition Master to delete the Windows 11 partition. Once deleted, you can extend your Windows 10 partition to reclaim the space.
Video Tutorial: Watch the Full Step-by-Step Guide
For a more detailed walkthrough, check out my video tutorial embedded below where I cover every step, including how to solve common errors during installation.
Conclusion
Dual booting Windows 11 with Windows 10 on the same drive is a practical way to try out the new operating system without committing to a full upgrade. It’s perfect for those running unsupported PCs or those who want to test Windows 11 24H2 before making the jump. Plus, with the ability to remove Windows 11 easily, there’s no risk in giving it a try!
If you have any questions or run into issues, feel free to drop a comment or reach out via my YouTube channel for additional support.
EaseUS Partition Master Giveaway License for first 100 devices!
Get EaseUS Partition Master Here ➤ https://bit.ly/4h8tU0C
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By following this step-by-step tutorial, you’ll be able to dual boot Windows 11 and Windows 10 on your unsupported PC, all on the same drive! Whether you’re trying Windows 11 before upgrading or just want to experiment, this guide has you covered. And remember, if you ever want to remove Windows 11, I’ve included a section on how to safely do that too! 👍