I'm considering replacing Windows with Ubuntu on my laptop. I'm new to desktop Linux, although I've used it on a home server and enjoyed it. The laptop is used for everyday tasks and university work, but my university's online proctored exams require Google Chrome and specific extensions that officially do not support Linux.
I only have one exam at the end of the year, and running Windows in a virtual machine is prohibited. I also don't have another laptop and would rather not buy one just for this purpose. The university has not offered a useful alternative.
Would dual-booting Linux and Windows be a reasonable approach if I only needed Windows occasionally? Is it genuinely risky, or are there other practical options I should consider?
5 Answers
There’s no need to avoid dual-booting just because it gets occasional warnings online. Many people run both systems for years without trouble. Give each system enough disk space, keep backups, and boot into Windows periodically so it can install updates before exam day. Testing the exam software well in advance would also be important.
I would not risk an important exam with a workaround such as a virtual machine, browser user-agent change, Chromium, or an application that integrates Windows software into Linux. Proctoring software may detect virtualized environments or require the officially supported browser and operating system. If the rules explicitly exclude Linux, use a supported Windows installation rather than hoping an unofficial method passes.
If you can add a second SSD, installing Windows on that drive and Linux on the other can make the setup easier to manage. Otherwise, partition the existing drive only after making a full backup. An external SSD or a rented loaner computer could also work, but external Windows installations can be awkward and may not satisfy the exam requirements.
If this laptop is essential for your degree and the university truly does not support Linux, postponing the switch is also a valid choice. Linux will still be available after graduation, while an unsupported setup could create unnecessary stress at exam time. At minimum, get written confirmation from the exam provider about supported systems and test the exact setup before committing.
Dual-booting is probably the most practical solution here. It’s generally reliable, especially if you only switch between systems occasionally, and Windows can remain available for the exam. Back up your important files first, disable Windows Fast Startup and hibernation, and install each operating system carefully. A separate internal SSD is ideal if your laptop supports one. If Windows ever replaces the Linux bootloader, it is usually recoverable with a Linux live USB, but you should still prepare for that possibility.
Windows updates can occasionally interfere with the bootloader, so it’s worth keeping a live USB and a current backup. That usually affects booting Linux, not the Windows installation itself.
Even if the exam is browser-based, the restriction may come from the proctoring software’s security checks rather than Chrome itself. It’s safer not to experiment during the actual exam.