Custom PC Build +
Dual-Boot Setup

One machine, two operating systems

Built a custom personal workstation from scratch and configured it as a dual-boot machine running both Windows 11 and Ubuntu. The goal was a single machine that could handle everyday desktop use on Windows while also providing a full Linux environment for development, lab work, and learning.

Full custom build

Build to boot

• Selected all components and assembled the full build — CPU installation, RAM seating, GPU mounting, cable management, and POST verification.
• Diagnosed and worked around faulty RAM slots on the motherboard discovered during initial testing.
• Installed Windows 11 with TPM 2.0 enabled and performed MBR-to-GPT disk conversion to meet Windows 11 requirements.
• Partitioned the drive to allocate space for Ubuntu alongside the Windows installation without disrupting existing data.
• Installed Ubuntu and configured GRUB bootloader to present both operating systems at startup.
• Verified drivers, display output, and network connectivity on both OSes post-install.

What went wrong (and got fixed)

• Discovered two faulty RAM slots on the motherboard mid-build — had to reseat and test individual sticks to isolate the issue before proceeding.
• Windows 11's TPM and Secure Boot requirements added steps beyond a standard install — required converting the disk from MBR to GPT and enabling UEFI settings in BIOS.
• GRUB configuration required manual editing to ensure both OSes appeared correctly at boot and that Windows Boot Manager wasn't overwritten.

A stable dual-boot workstation

Successfully built and deployed a stable dual-boot workstation. Both operating systems boot reliably via GRUB, with full hardware support on each. The machine serves as both a daily driver and a Linux lab environment.