I'm looking to switch from Windows 11 to Ubuntu Linux but want to keep both operating systems. However, I only have my internal disk available—no USB or external drive. I'm wondering if dual-booting is safe under these circumstances. Can I install Ubuntu without a USB drive? If so, what's the best method? As a beginner in Linux, I would really appreciate any guidance. Thanks!
5 Answers
From my experience, every time I tried installing Linux alongside Windows, I ended up losing Windows. I was following guides, but still! just to be safe, you should consider using a USB drive when switching.
It's possible to dual-boot safely without a USB, but it complicates things. I’ve done it using virtual drives, but it didn’t work perfectly. A USB is definitely easier and more reliable.
If you don’t have a USB drive, you could potentially use an SD card, like the one from your camera or even a gaming console. Just make sure it’s compatible!
Dual-booting is generally safe, but I highly recommend using a USB drive for the installation. You can technically install without one, but it's messy, especially for beginners. Buying an 8GB USB stick is worth it for a smoother experience, trust me!
Sure, you can dual-boot without a USB drive, but be careful! Windows can mess with your partitions during updates since it doesn't recognize Linux. Always keep a backup and have your Windows install media ready, just in case you need to repair things later.
So you mean it’s really not safe to do it without a USB? That’s worrying!

Yeah, I think Linux ISOs usually fit on smaller drives, but finding a cheap 4GB one these days is tough!