How to Install Ubuntu 19.10+ alongside Windows 10

Preparation

1. In the laptop BIOS enable Legacy Boot (if the laptop supports UEFI/Legacy Boot) as dual-booting is problematic on UEFI enabled hardware.
2. When booting enter the BIOS boot menu (e.g. by pressing F12) and select Legacy Boot.
3. Create the required logical partions on the drive for Windows 10 and leave unalocated space for Ubuntu 19.10+.

NOTE: Ubuntu 19.10+ may require at least two partitions: a system and a swap partion.

Window 10 Installation

4. Download and prepare bootable Windows 10 installer on a USB stick.
5. Install Windows 10 on the first logical partion.
6. Boot into Windows 10, download and install Easy BCD from https://www.neowin.com

Ubuntu 19.10+ Installation

7. Download an Ubuntu 19.10+ ISO image and use rufus.exe to create a bootable installer.

8. From the BIOS boot menu select Legacy Boot to boot to legacy mode.

9. From the Ubuntu Live USB select Install.

   NOTE: In case Ubuntu 19.10+ Live glitches. Boot into Ubuntu 19.10+ Safe Graphics.

10. Follow the installation instructions on the corresponding screens:

    • Welcome: Select English
    • Keyboard layout: Keyboard (US), English (US)
    • Wireless: Select a wireless connection (optional)
    • Updates and other software: Select the full installation option and the option to install a third party drivers to enable the installation of proprietary graphics drivers (NVIDIA).

    NOTE: Latest NVIDIA proprietary graphics driver is required for proper multi-monitor support (PRIME Render Offload).

    • Installation type:

      • Select Something else to open the drive partition editor.

      • In the partion editor use the free drive space to create two (preferably logical) partions:

        • swap: A swap area, select Use as: swap area.
        • ext4: An installation area, select Use as: ext4, Mount point: \.

        NOTE: If you want to use the Windows 10 boot loader by default (as this guide instructs) be sure to select the Ubuntu root partion as the target for the boot loader installation.

        • Device for bootloader installation: Select the device with the Ubuntu root partion.

      • After creating the required logical partions for Ubuntu continue with the installation following the required steps.

11. After completing the Ubuntu installation reboot and boot into Windows 10. Start Easy BCD application and select Add New Entry then select Linux/BSD tab to create a Linux boot menu entry:

    • Type: GRUB (Legacy)
    • Name: Ubuntu
    • Drive: Leave the default (recommended), e.g. Partion 1 (NTFS - 500MiB)

NOTE: After upgrading the kernel, it is necessary to recreate the Linux Boot Menu entry in Easy BCD or booting into Ubuntu may fail.