How to configure a dual-boot system with Windows 10 and Fedora on an HP Spectre x360?

If you've bought an HP Spectre x360, you're probably relishing in the laptop's sleek design and its powerful performance. But if you're a tech enthusiast - or someone who simply needs the flexibility that comes with multiple operating systems - you might be pondering over how to install both Windows 10 and Fedora on a dual-boot system. In this post, we're going to walk you through each step of the process, demystifying the jargon so you can set up your new system with minimum fuss.

Preparing Your System for the Dual-Boot Installation

Before diving into the installation process, it's crucial to ensure that your HP Spectre x360 is primed for a dual-boot system setup. You'll need to create a backup of your existing data, as the process may erase existing files on your laptop. It's also helpful to bookmark this page for easy reference as you navigate through the steps.

First, make sure that your system's BIOS is set up to secure boot, which will protect your system from potential threats during the installation process. To do this, restart your laptop and hit the 'Esc' key when you see the HP logo. This will bring up the Startup Menu. Choose 'BIOS Setup' from the menu, and then navigate to the 'Boot' tab. Change the Boot Mode to 'UEFI', save your changes, and exit.

Next, you must partition your hard drive to create space for the Fedora operating system. From Windows 10, open the Disk Management tool. You'll see a map of your current disk partitions. Right-click on the primary partition and choose 'Shrink Volume.' Enter the amount of space you want to allocate to Fedora – for example, if you have a 500GB hard drive, you might decide to give 200GB to Fedora.

Creating a Bootable Fedora USB

Now that your system is prepared, you need to create a bootable Fedora USB. This will act as an installer for the Fedora operating system. To create the bootable USB, first, download the latest version of Fedora from the official website. At the time of this post, in Jan 2024, the latest version is Fedora 35.

After downloading the Fedora ISO file, you'll need a tool to copy it to your USB drive. Rufus is a popular free tool that's simple to use. Download and install Rufus, then insert your USB drive. In Rufus, select the downloaded Fedora ISO file, and choose the 'DD' mode for copying. Click 'Start' and wait for the process to complete.

Remember, all data on the USB drive will be erased during this process. Make sure that you've backed up any important files beforehand.

Installing Fedora alongside Windows 10

With your bootable Fedora USB ready, it's time to install Fedora on your HP Spectre x360. Restart your laptop and press the 'Esc' key when the HP logo pops up. This will open the Startup Menu. Choose 'Boot Device Options' and select the USB drive.

You'll then see the Fedora boot menu. Select 'Start Fedora-Workstation-Live 35' and hit enter. Once Fedora is loaded, choose 'Install to Hard Drive.' Ensure you choose the 'Custom' installation type, so you can specify the partition on which to install Fedora.

Debugging Common Dual-Boot Issues

Even with careful preparation, you might encounter issues when setting up a dual boot system. Here are some common issues and their solutions.

If you're unable to boot into Fedora, you might need to disable Fast Boot in Windows 10. To do this, go to 'Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.' Click on 'Change settings that are currently unavailable' and uncheck 'Turn on fast startup.'

If your system doesn't recognize the Fedora bootable USB, try using a different USB port or check if your BIOS is set to 'UEFI' mode.

If you're unable to see the partition you created for Fedora, ensure that you shrunk the Windows partition from within Windows, not Fedora.

Remember, setting up a dual-boot system on your HP Spectre x360 with Windows 10 and Fedora is not a task to be rushed. Take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and you'll be rewarded with a flexible, powerful system that caters to all your computing needs.

Managing Your Dual-Boot System

Once you have installed Fedora alongside Windows 10 on your HP Spectre x360, managing your dual-boot system becomes your next priority. This stage essentially involves configuring your system to smoothly switch between the two operating systems as per your requirements.

In order to switch between the operating systems, you'll need to restart your laptop and press the 'Esc' key when the HP logo appears. This will bring up the Startup Menu. Select 'Boot Device Options' and choose either Fedora or Windows 10.

One crucial aspect of managing your dual-boot system is ensuring that both operating systems are regularly updated. For Fedora, you can use the Software app to check for updates or you can use the terminal and input the command 'sudo dnf update'. For Windows 10, you can go to 'Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update' to check for updates. Remember, windows update is essential for the smooth operation of your laptop.

You should also create an account on the Fedora and Windows forums. These communities can be incredibly helpful if you run into any issues with your operating system and can provide you with a variety of solutions. Click on the bookmark subscribe button on the forum to get updates about any potential issues and solutions.

If you encounter any hardware compatibility issues, remember to check the HP support center on their website for any necessary drivers or firmware updates. Also, if you find this guide helpful, don't forget to mark it as recommended so that it can help others too.

In conclusion, configuring a dual-boot system with Windows 10 and Fedora on an HP Spectre x360 isn't as daunting as it might seem. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy the benefits of having two powerful operating systems at your disposal.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast wanting to explore the open-source world of Linux Mint or a professional needing the unique capabilities of Windows and Fedora for your work, a dual-boot system allows you to have the best of both worlds.

Remember to secure boot your system, create a partition for Fedora, and create a bootable Fedora USB. Be patient, follow these steps carefully and do not rush the process. If you run into any issue, always look for a solution. Click on the flag post option to report any problem on the forums and use the permalink print option to keep a hard copy of important posts.

By taking the time to understand and configure your dual-boot system, you'll create a flexible, powerful tool that can cater to a myriad of computing needs. Like any worthwhile endeavor, it may take some time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it. Enjoy the journey and welcome to the world of dual-booting.