diff --git a/src/content/docs/guides/dual-boot.md b/src/content/docs/guides/dual-boot.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c7dd534 --- /dev/null +++ b/src/content/docs/guides/dual-boot.md @@ -0,0 +1,221 @@ +# Dual Boot Guide: Windows + AxOS + +How to do a full **dual boot installation** with **Windows 11** and **AxOS** (Windows 10 should work as well). + +> **System Requirements**: [Check here](https://www.axos-project.com/docs/get-started/installation/#required) +> Minimum disk space: **10 GB** (but **50 GB or more is strongly recommended** for a smoother experience) + +## Step 0: Before You Begin + +> I will **skip the steps** for flashing AxOS to a USB. Please make sure you’ve already created a **bootable USB**. + + +## Step 1: Create Free Space on Your Disk (Windows) + +We need to shrink an existing partition to make room for AxOS. + +### Instructions: + +1. Press `Win + X` → choose **Disk Management** + *or* + Press `Win + R`, type `diskmgmt.msc`, and hit Enter. +2. In the Disk Management window: + * Right-click on a partition with enough free space (e.g. your D: drive) + * Click **"Shrink Volume"** + * Enter how much you want to shrink (in MB). For example, `50000` for 50 GB + * Click **"Shrink"** + +This will create **unallocated space** which we’ll use to install AxOS. + + +## Step 2: Boot into AxOS from USB + +1. Reboot your computer +2. Enter your **BIOS/UEFI menu** +3. Select your **bootable USB** device +4. Boot to AxOS + + +## Step 3: Verify Free Space in AxOS + +Once inside the live AxOS, open the terminal (`Win + Enter`) and run: + +```bash +sudo parted -l +``` + +This will list all available disks and their partitions. + +Look for something like: + +``` +Unallocated space: 50GB +``` + +Or run: + +```bash +sudo parted -l | grep "Unallocated" +``` + +> **Note:** Take note of your disk’s name — it could be something like: +> +> * `/dev/sda` +> * `/dev/nvme0n1` +> +> We’ll use that name in the next step. + + +## Step 4: Create Partitions with `gdisk` + +We’ll now use `gdisk` to manually create two partitions: + +* One for the **EFI System** (`/boot/efi`) +* One for the **Linux Root** (`/`) + +Replace `yourdiskname` below with your actual disk name (e.g. `/dev/sda` or `/dev/nvme0n1`). + +```bash +sudo gdisk /dev/yourdiskname +``` + +### Inside `gdisk`: + +1. Press `n` to create a **new partition** +2. Press `Enter` to accept default partition number +3. Press `Enter` to accept default first sector +4. Type `+512M` → this creates a 512MB partition +5. Type `EF00` → this sets it as an **EFI System** partition + +EFI partition done! + + +### Create the Root Partition (`/`): + +1. Press `n` again +2. Press `Enter` for all prompts (partition number, first/last sector, partition type) +3. Type `w` and press `Enter` to **write changes** + +> Confirm with `y` if asked. + +We’ve now created two partitions. + +> ⚠️ The **partition names** depend on your disk: +> +> * If your disk is `/dev/sda`, partitions will be `/dev/sda1`, `/dev/sda2`, etc. +> * If your disk is `/dev/nvme0n1`, partitions will be `/dev/nvme0n1p1`, `/dev/nvme0n1p2`, etc. +> *(Note the **"p"** before the number of partition)* + + +## Step 5: Mount the Partitions + +### Mount the Root Partition (Linux filesystem): + +```bash +sudo mount /dev/nvme0n1p2 /mnt +``` + +### Create and Mount EFI Directory: + +```bash +sudo mkdir -p /mnt/boot/efi +sudo mount /dev/nvme0n1p1 /mnt/boot/efi +``` + +> **Adjust disk and partition names and numbers as needed.** + +Now we’re ready to launch the installer. + + +## Step 6: Launch the AxOS Installer + +1. Open the **AxOS Install** application from the menu. +2. Proceed through the installation. +3. When you get to **"Installation disk and partitioning"**, choose **Manual Partitioning**. + +### Configure the Mount Points: + +* For the **EFI partition**: + + * Set **FAT32** format + * Set mount point to `/boot/efi` + +* For the **Linux root partition**: + + * Set **ext4** format + * Set mount point to `/` + +4. Continue through the installer +5. Once installation finishes, reboot + +> **Adjust disk and partition names and numbers as needed.** + +## Step 8: Configure GRUB to Detect Windows + +After rebooting into AxOS: + +### 1. Open a terminal and edit the GRUB config: + +```bash +sudo nano /etc/default/grub +``` + +### 2. Find this line: + +```bash +GRUB_DISABLE_OS_PROBER +``` + +Change it to: + +```bash +GRUB_DISABLE_OS_PROBER=false +``` + +> **Save and Exit Nano**: +> +> * Press `Ctrl + O` (to save) +> * Press `Enter` (to confirm filename) +> * Press `Ctrl + X` (to exit) + +### 3. Detect Windows: + +```bash +sudo os-prober +``` + +If it returns your Windows installation, proceed. + + +## Step 9: Generate GRUB Config + +Choose the appropriate command depending on your system: + +### BIOS Systems: + +```bash +sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg +``` + +### UEFI Systems: + +```bash +sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/efi/EFI/grub/grub.cfg +``` + +> ⚠️ If you are not sure what to choost stick to BIOS System. + + +## Final Step: Reboot + +Now reboot your system: + +```bash +sudo reboot now +``` + +You should now see the **GRUB boot menu**, with both **AxOS** and **Windows** listed. + +--- + +## Done