Upgrading from Windows 10 to Kubuntu Linux

A Simple Dual-Boot Tutorial in VirtualBox

If you’re curious about switching from Windows to Linux but don’t want to risk your main computer, this guide is for you. We’ll use VirtualBox (a free tool that lets you run “virtual” computers on your real one) to safely test everything. I’ll show you how to install Windows 10 first, then “upgrade” it to a dual-boot setup with KUbuntu Linux 24.04.

Dual-boot means you can choose between Windows or Linux when starting up. This is beginner-friendly – no advanced knowledge needed. We’ll go step by step, with screenshots where helpful. If you’re completely new, don’t worry; I’ll explain terms as we go. Let’s get started!

Why Do This in VirtualBox?

VirtualBox creates a “sandbox” computer inside your real one. Anything that goes wrong stays in the sandbox – your main PC is safe. It’s perfect for experimenting with Linux without committing.

Prerequisites (What You’ll Need)

• A computer with at least 8GB RAM (to run the virtual machine smoothly).
• About 100GB free disk space (for the virtual disk and downloads).
• Internet connection for downloading files.
• A free USB drive (optional, for ISO files).
• About 2-3 hours of time.

Step 1: Install VirtualBox

VirtualBox is free software from Oracle. It runs on Windows, macOS, or Linux.

Go to the VirtualBox website and click “Download VirtualBox” for your operating system. Install it like any other program (double-click the installer and follow the prompts). Also download the “Extension Pack” from the same page (it’s under “VirtualBox Extension Pack”). Install it by opening VirtualBox, going to File > Preferences > Extensions, and clicking the plus icon to add the pack.

Once installed, open VirtualBox. You’re ready!

Step 2: Create a Virtual Machine and Install Windows 10

We’ll make a “virtual computer” with limited resources: 4 CPU cores, 4GB RAM, and 80GB disk. This shows how Linux can run well on “weak” hardware.

In VirtualBox, click “New” to create a VM. Name it “Windows 10 Test”. Select “Microsoft Windows” as type, “Windows 10 (64-bit)” as version. Set memory (RAM) to 4096 MB (4GB). Create a virtual hard disk: Choose “Create a virtual hard disk now”, set size to 80GB, type “VDI”, and “Dynamically allocated”. Click “Create”.

Now, start the VM:

• Right-click your new VM, select “Settings”.
• In “System”, allocate 4 processors (cores).
• In “Display”, enable “3D Acceleration” if available (helps with graphics).
• In “Storage”, click the empty CD icon, then the disk icon to “Choose a disk file”. Select your Windows 10 ISO (download it free from Microsoft if you have a key, or use a trial).
• Click “OK” and “Start” the VM.

Windows 10 will boot from the ISO. Follow the installer:

• Choose language, time, keyboard.
• Click “Install Now”.
• Enter a product key (or skip for trial).
• Select “Custom” install, choose the 80GB disk, and install.
• Set up a user account (e.g., “TestUser”).

Let it finish (about 20-30 minutes). Once Windows is running, shut down the VM.

Step 3: Upgrade to Dual-Boot with Kubuntu Linux 24.04

Now we’ll “overwrite” part of the disk to add Kubuntu alongside Windows, creating a dual-boot. When you start the VM, you’ll see a menu to choose Windows or KUbuntu.

Download the KUbuntu 24.04 ISO from kubuntu.org/download It’s free.

In VirtualBox, right-click the VM, “Settings” > “Storage”. Add the KUbuntu ISO to the CD drive (like in Step 2). Start the VM. It will boot from the Kubuntu ISO (live mode – no install yet). In the live Kubuntu, click the installer icon on the desktop (called “Install KUbuntu”). Follow the prompts: Language, keyboard, updates (check “Download updates while installing”). For partition, choose “Install alongside Windows”.

You’ll see the 80GB disk. It has Windows partitions (one big NTFS). Select free space (or shrink the NTFS if needed – aim for 40GB for KUbuntu). Create new partitions for KUbuntu: A root (/) partition: Ext4, size 30GB, mount point “/”. A swap partition: Swap, size 4GB (same as RAM). A home (/home) partition: Ext4, the rest.

Select the disk for bootloader (GRUB) – the main 80GB one. Click “Install Now” and confirm.

Kubuntu will install (about 15-20 minutes). Restart the VM when done. Remove the ISO from “Storage” settings. Now, when the VM starts, you’ll see GRUB (a menu). Choose KUbuntu or Windows!

Step 4: Test KUbuntu and Install Luanti (Free Minecraft)

In KUbuntu (dual-boot mode):

Log in (default user from install). Open the terminal (search “Konsole”). Add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:minetestdevs/stable
sudo apt update
sudo apt install minetest

Run Luanti from the menu or luanti in terminal.

Connect to a server or create a world. Luanti is lightweight – runs great on our “weak” VM! Final Thoughts This setup lets you try Linux safely. If you love Kubuntu, you can install it on your real PC the same way (dual-boot with Windows).