How to configure a dual-boot system with Windows 10 and Kali Linux on a Dell XPS 15?

Setting up a dual-boot system can be an excellent way to get the best of both worlds, combining the flexibility of Windows 10 and the power of Kali Linux. Whether you are a tech enthusiast, a developer, or someone who needs both operating systems for work, this guide will help you through the process. Follow these detailed instructions to install and configure a dual-boot system on your Dell XPS 15.

Preparation: What You Need

Before you get started, it’s crucial to gather all necessary tools and information. Preparation will ensure a smooth and successful installation.

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First, make sure your computer is up-to-date. Verify that Windows 10 is installed and running correctly.

Essential Tools and Software

1. USB Drive: You will need a USB drive with at least 8GB of capacity to create a bootable disk for Kali Linux.
2. Installation Media: Download the latest ISO images for Windows 10 and Kali Linux from their respective official websites.
3. Rufus: A tool to create bootable USB drives.
4. Disk Management: Pre-installed on Windows 10, this tool will help partition your disk.

Backup Your Data

Before making any changes to your system, back up all important data. This step is crucial as partitioning and installing a new OS can lead to data loss if something goes wrong.

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BIOS Settings

To dual-boot, you need to enter the BIOS settings of your Dell XPS 15. Restart your computer and press F2 to access the BIOS menu. Here, you will make necessary changes to facilitate the installation.

Key BIOS Settings:

• Set the boot mode to UEFI.
• Disable Secure Boot.
• Enable Legacy Boot support if necessary.

Creating Bootable USB Drives

Creating bootable USB drives is the next step. This involves downloading the ISO files and using Rufus to make the USB drives bootable.

Windows 10 Bootable USB

1. Download the Windows 10 ISO from the official Microsoft website.
2. Open Rufus and select the USB drive.
3. Select the downloaded Windows 10 ISO file.
4. Click Start to create the bootable USB.

Kali Linux Bootable USB

1. Download the Kali Linux ISO from the official Kali Linux website.
2. Launch Rufus and select the USB drive.
3. Choose the downloaded Kali Linux ISO file.
4. Click Start to create the bootable USB.

With both USB drives ready, you can now proceed to the installation phase.

Partitioning the Disk

Partitioning your disk is a crucial step in setting up a dual-boot system. This involves dividing your existing disk space to create room for Kali Linux.

Using Windows Disk Management

1. Open Disk Management by pressing Win + X and selecting it from the menu.
2. Select the main partition, usually the C: drive.
3. Right-click and choose "Shrink Volume".
4. Enter the amount of space to shrink, preferably at least 50GB for Kali Linux.

This will create unallocated space on your disk where Kali Linux will be installed.

Installing Kali Linux

Now that you have prepared your disk, it’s time to install Kali Linux.

Boot from USB

1. Insert the Kali Linux bootable USB drive.
2. Restart your computer and press F12 to access the Boot Menu.
3. Select the USB drive from the boot options.

Installation Process

1. Once booted from the USB, select "Install" from the Kali Linux menu.
2. Choose your preferred language and keyboard settings.
3. When prompted, select the partitioning method. Choose "Manual" for more control.
4. Select the unallocated space created earlier and create a new partition.
5. Assign this partition as the root file system (/).
6. Complete the installation by following the on-screen instructions.

After installation, Kali Linux will prompt you to install the GRUB boot loader. Select the option to install it to the disk’s primary partition. This will allow you to select between Windows 10 and Kali Linux on startup.

Final Configurations and Testing

With both operating systems installed, the final step is to configure and test your dual-boot setup.

Configuring GRUB

GRUB, the boot loader, allows you to select which OS to boot into when you start your computer. By default, it will boot into the last used OS. You may customize GRUB settings to suit your preferences.

Testing Dual-Boot

Restart your computer and you should see the GRUB menu. Select Windows 10 or Kali Linux to boot into the respective operating system. Ensure both OSes work correctly and have access to the Internet, peripherals, and necessary files.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues:

• Check BIOS settings: Ensure UEFI mode is enabled and Secure Boot is disabled.
• Verify partitions: Ensure both partitions are correctly configured.
• Reinstall GRUB: If GRUB doesn’t show up, you may need to reinstall it using Kali Linux Live Boot.

Configuring a dual-boot system with Windows 10 and Kali Linux on your Dell XPS 15 involves several steps, including preparation, creating bootable USB drives, partitioning the disk, installing Kali Linux, and configuring GRUB. Following these steps carefully ensures that you can enjoy the benefits of both operating systems on a single machine. You can now leverage Windows 10 for your everyday tasks and Kali Linux for your security and development requirements. Properly managing a dual-boot system will provide a versatile computing environment, enhancing both productivity and capabilities.