Install Windows 10 as a dual-boot from Linux, without a USB drive
linwin makes room on the disk, copies the installer, boots it once and installs Windows unattended. It then comes back to Linux and adds Windows to your boot menu. Free software, for any distribution.
What linwin does
No USB stick
A temporary FAT32 partition replaces the USB drive. It is deleted at the end and its space goes to Windows.
Zero interaction
Windows installs itself, creates your local account and reboots into Linux, which finishes the job.
Linux stays safe
Partitions go into free space, or a Btrfs root (even LUKS-encrypted) is shrunk online. Every step is verified.
Drivers included
Intel RST/VMD so the installer sees the SSD, plus Wi-Fi and Ethernet drivers from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Your boot loader
Windows is added to GRUB, systemd-boot, Limine or rEFInd; Linux stays the default.
Reversible
linwin cancel removes Windows at any step and gives the space back to Linux.
Install
git clone https://github.com/2Deathadder/linwin.git
cd linwin
sudo ./linwin install
linwin checkThen open linwin from your application menu, or use the command line:
sudo linwin prepare --size 100G— creates the Windows partitionssudo linwin stage --iso Win10.iso --edition Home --user me— copies the installersudo linwin bootand reboot — Windows installs itself- Back in Linux, linwin finishes (Windows appears in the boot menu)
Back up your data and keep the charger plugged in: linwin edits the partition table. The interface and messages are in French.
Compatibility
| PC | x86-64, 64-bit UEFI boot, GPT disk |
|---|---|
| Distributions | Ubuntu, Debian, Mint, Fedora, Arch, Manjaro, openSUSE, Void, Alpine, Gentoo… (apt, dnf, pacman, zypper, xbps, apk, emerge) |
| Boot loaders | GRUB, systemd-boot, Limine, rEFInd |
| Init | systemd, OpenRC |
| Space for Windows | unallocated space (any filesystem) or a Btrfs root shrunk online |
| Interface | GTK 4 + libadwaita 1.5+; command line everywhere |
Guides
Dual-boot Windows 10 and Linux without a USB drive
How it works, requirements and steps.
Windows 10 alongside Ubuntu, Mint or Debian
ext4, free space and the GRUB menu.
Windows setup can't find the SSD (Intel VMD/RST)
Why, and how to add the driver without BIOS changes.
Add Windows to GRUB, systemd-boot, Limine
Boot menu and UEFI boot order.
FAQ
Can I install Windows 10 from Linux without a USB drive?
Yes. linwin creates a small FAT32 partition that acts as the USB stick, copies the Windows 10 ISO to it and schedules a one-time boot.
Will linwin erase Linux?
No. It uses unallocated space, or shrinks a Btrfs root with checks at every step, and the installer may only write to the planned partition. A backup is still recommended.
My root filesystem is ext4. Is it possible?
Yes, if the disk has enough unallocated space. ext4 and XFS cannot be shrunk while Linux is running: free some space first (for example with GParted from a live system).
The Windows installer does not see my SSD (Intel VMD/RST)
linwin detects Intel VMD and adds the Intel RST driver to the installer automatically. No BIOS change is needed.
Will Wi-Fi work in Windows?
Yes: linwin adds the Windows 10 driver for each Wi-Fi and Ethernet card from the Microsoft Update Catalog (Intel, MediaTek, Realtek…).
How do I remove Windows later?
sudo linwin cancel removes Windows, its boot entries and partitions, then gives the space back to Linux.