How To Install a Linux Mint Dual Boot With Windows 11 and Secure Boot
Setting up Linux Mint alongside Windows 11 on a single drive is an excellent way to enjoy the strengths of both operating systems on the same PC. In this tutorial and video walkthrough, I demonstrate how to complete the entire dual-boot process while keeping Secure Boot fully enabled, ensuring a safe and modern system configuration.
We begin inside Windows 11 by preparing the drive for Linux Mint dual boot. This involves shrinking the existing Windows partition to create unallocated space that Mint can use during installation. The video explains how much room to set aside, what Windows disk-management tools to use, and how to confirm that the changes have been applied correctly.
From there, we move into your computer’s UEFI firmware. This step includes checking Secure Boot status, adjusting the boot order, and ensuring that the system is ready to install a second operating system without disrupting your existing Windows setup. Because Secure Boot stays enabled throughout the entire process, this guide is ideal for users who want to retain system integrity and avoid disabling important security features.
During installation, Linux Mint detects the existing Windows Boot Manager and offers the option to install Mint alongside it. I walk through selecting the proper installation mode, choosing the available free space, and allowing the installer to configure the EFI system partition and GRUB bootloader automatically.
Once installation is complete, we restart the system and verify that the GRUB menu correctly lists both Linux Mint and Windows 11. We also review a few key post-installation checks to ensure that Secure Boot remains active, updates are installed properly, and both operating systems boot exactly as they should. Whether you’re exploring Linux for the first time or building a flexible dual-OS workflow, this guide provides a clear, safe, and secure method to run Linux Mint and Windows 11 together on a single drive.
