In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of setting up a dual-boot system on your Acer Aspire E15, allowing you to choose between Ubuntu and your current operating system each time you start your computer. This process involves several steps, including creating a bootable USB drive, partitioning your hard drive, and installing Ubuntu.
Yes, it is possible to dual boot Acer Aspire E15 with Ubuntu. This can be done by creating a bootable USB drive with Ubuntu, configuring the BIOS settings to prioritize the USB drive, and then following the prompts to install Ubuntu alongside your current operating system. After installation, you can choose between Ubuntu and your current OS each time you start your computer.
Preparing for Installation
Before we begin, it’s important to ensure you have a backup of any important data. The process of creating a new partition and installing a new operating system can potentially erase data.
Next, you’ll need a bootable USB drive with the Ubuntu operating system. You can create this using a tool like Rufus or UNetbootin. Download the Ubuntu ISO file from the official Ubuntu website and use the tool to create your bootable drive.
Configuring BIOS Settings
- Restart your Acer Aspire E15 and press F2 repeatedly as it boots up to enter the BIOS settings.
- Navigate to the boot menu using the arrow keys.
- Adjust the boot order to prioritize the USB drive (containing Ubuntu) over the Windows Boot Manager.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS. The exact key to press to save changes will be displayed on the BIOS screen, but it’s typically F10.
Installing Ubuntu
- With the boot order set to prioritize the USB drive, restart your laptop. It should boot from the USB and display the Ubuntu installation screen.
- Choose the option to install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager. This option will automatically create a new partition for Ubuntu.
- Follow the prompts to complete the Ubuntu installation. This will involve setting your location, keyboard layout, and user details.
Booting into Ubuntu
After the installation is complete, restart your laptop. You should now see a menu that allows you to choose between Ubuntu and Windows each time you boot up. Use the arrow keys to select your desired operating system and press Enter to boot into it.
Removing Ubuntu and Recovering Partition
If you decide to remove Ubuntu and recover the partition for Windows, follow these steps:
- Restart your laptop and press F2 to enter the BIOS.
- Switch the boot mode from “UEFI” to “Legacy”.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS.
- Boot into Windows and open the Disk Management tool.
- Locate the partition that was created for Ubuntu, right-click it, and select “Delete Volume”.
- Confirm the deletion, then right-click on the unallocated space and select “Extend Volume”.
- Follow the prompts to merge the unallocated space with your Windows partition.
Remember, these steps can vary slightly depending on your specific laptop model and BIOS version. If you encounter any issues, refer to the official Ubuntu installation guide or the Acer Aspire E15 manual for more detailed instructions.
By following these steps, you should now be able to dual boot your Acer Aspire E15 with Ubuntu and your current operating system. This setup allows you to experience the benefits of both operating systems on a single machine. Enjoy your new dual-boot system!
Yes, you can dual boot Ubuntu with Windows 10 on your Acer Aspire E15 by following the steps mentioned in this guide.
Dual booting Ubuntu should not erase your data, but it’s always recommended to have a backup of any important data before proceeding with the installation process, as there is always a small risk of data loss.
Yes, there are several other tools available for creating bootable USB drives, such as Etcher or the built-in disk image writer in Ubuntu. You can use any tool that you are comfortable with as long as it can create a bootable USB drive from an ISO file.
The amount of space you allocate for Ubuntu depends on your needs. Generally, a minimum of 20-30 GB should be sufficient for the Ubuntu installation, but if you plan to install additional software or store large files, you may want to allocate more space.
Yes, you can change the default operating system that boots up by modifying the GRUB configuration. There are several tutorials available online that provide step-by-step instructions on how to change the default boot entry in GRUB.
To remove Ubuntu and recover the partition for Windows, you need to switch the boot mode to "Legacy" in the BIOS, delete the Ubuntu partition using the Disk Management tool in Windows, and then extend the Windows partition to merge the unallocated space. Please refer to the guide for detailed steps.
Yes, you can reinstall Ubuntu after removing it by following the same installation process mentioned in this guide. Just create a new bootable USB drive with the Ubuntu ISO, boot from it, and choose the option to install Ubuntu alongside Windows Boot Manager.
