Not ready to leave Windows completely? Dual booting lets you install Linux alongside it and choose which to run each time you start your PC. Here's how to set it up safely with Linux Lite.
Copy anything important to an external drive or cloud storage before you begin. Never skip this.
In Windows Disk Management, shrink your main drive to leave 30 GB or more of unallocated space for Linux.
Write the Linux Lite ISO to a USB stick — see how to make a bootable USB.
Boot from the USB, start the installer and pick Install alongside Windows, using the free space you made.
From now on a menu appears at boot, letting you start either Windows or Linux Lite.
Dual booting is the perfect middle ground: keep Windows for anything you still need, while using Linux day to day. Many people find they rarely boot back into Windows — and when you're ready, you can go all-in with a full Linux install. New to Linux? Start with the beginner's guide.
Download Linux Lite free and run it alongside Windows — the safest way to make the switch at your own pace.