I'm trying to find a way to use both Linux and Windows on my desktop without the hassle of restarting my PC every time I want to switch between them. I already have Linux on my Surface Pro 3, but it's not the best machine for daily use. My main setup is a powerful desktop that I prefer to run on Windows due to specific applications like Excel and Fidelity Trader+, but I'd really like to use Linux as well. I know dual-booting isn't ideal for my workflow since I'd have to reboot to change operating systems, so I'm wondering if there's a way to use both at the same time, like swapping between them as if they were different workspaces. Can anyone help me figure this out?
4 Answers
To put it simply, if you want to run them side by side, you're going to need a virtual machine. Running dual-boot means you have to restart to switch; a VM lets you run both at the same time. Just keep in mind, it won't be as fast as running them natively, especially for resource-heavy apps.
You can switch between the two OSs easily by using a virtual machine. I have a Windows VM running inside my Linux setup, and it works like a charm! If you make your Windows VM full screen, it feels a lot like using a separate machine, but you're still able to access both systems easily.
Totally agree! I find it so convenient to just pop open the VM whenever I need to switch tasks.
The best way to achieve what you're looking for is to set up a virtual machine (VM). Using software like Oracle's VirtualBox or QEMU could let you run Windows inside of Linux. This way, you can easily switch between the two operating systems without needing to reboot your PC. Just remember, if you go the VirtualBox route, it might not perform as well as a native installation for demanding applications, but it’s much more convenient!
Yeah, I think starting with a VM for Linux is smart, especially since you don't want to risk messing up your Windows install. Just make sure your GPU setup is solid for the best performance!
True! If you also want better graphics performance from your VM, consider using GPU passthrough, but it can be tricky to set up.
Using a VM is definitely the way to go. I have both Windows 10 and Linux Mint in VMs, and I can work seamlessly between the two. Plus, you can set up file sharing and clipboard sharing, so you can copy and paste between the two easily.
Yes! That's a game-changer when you can just copy-paste between a VM and the host system.
Exactly! VMs are great for multitasking, but performance might lag a bit depending on your hardware.