How to Dual Boot macOS and Linux Safely (2025)

Running macOS and Linux side by side on the same Mac is a great way to enjoy the best of both worlds. macOS offers polished stability and native app support, while Linux gives you control, flexibility, and access to powerful developer tools. In this 2025 step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to dual boot macOS and Linux safely—whether you’re on an Intel Mac or the newer Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) models.

Why Dual Boot macOS and Linux?

Dual booting lets you choose which system to use at startup. Developers, ethical hackers, and power users often prefer Linux for coding, server management, and privacy tools, while keeping macOS for design, video editing, or general work. Benefits include:

• Access to Linux-exclusive tools and package managers.
• Learning and testing multiple OS environments.
• Maximizing performance instead of relying on virtualization.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, make sure you have the following:

• A Mac (Intel or Apple Silicon)
• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS or another beginner-friendly distro (ISO file)
• A USB drive (8GB minimum)
• balenaEtcher for creating the bootable USB
• Backup of your macOS data (Time Machine or external drive)
• Optional for Apple Silicon: UTM app or Asahi Linux installer

Warning: Always back up your data before partitioning. Incorrect setup can lead to data loss.

Step 1: Prepare Your Mac

Clean up space for Linux installation. You’ll need at least 30GB free.

On macOS

1. Open Disk Utility.
2. Select your main disk and click Partition.
3. Click the “+” icon to create a new partition for Linux.
4. Allocate 30–100GB (depending on your needs).
5. Set format to MS-DOS (FAT) or ExFAT and name it “Linux”.
6. Click Apply to save the new partition.

Step 2: Create a Bootable Linux USB

1. Download your preferred Linux ISO (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint).
2. Install balenaEtcher on macOS.
3. Launch Etcher → select the ISO → choose your USB → click Flash.
4. When done, eject the USB safely.

Step 3: Boot into Linux Installer (Intel Macs)

1. Insert the USB stick into your Mac.
2. Restart your Mac and hold Option (⌥) during boot.
3. Choose EFI Boot from the menu.
4. Select Try Ubuntu to ensure compatibility, then click Install Ubuntu.
   During installation, choose Install Ubuntu alongside macOS. The installer will automatically detect macOS and safely configure a dual-boot setup.

Step 4: Boot and Test Linux

After installation, restart your Mac. Hold Option (⌥) again and choose the EFI Boot for Linux.
You’ll now see the GRUB bootloader, which lets you select between macOS and Linux each time you start up.

Step 5: Fix Wi-Fi, Graphics, and Power Settings

Depending on your Mac model, you might need to install additional drivers.

On Linux

• Open Software & Updates → Additional Drivers.
• Install available Wi-Fi or GPU drivers.
• Use sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade to ensure everything’s up to date.

Optional tweaks

• Install TLP to improve battery performance.
• Adjust HiDPI scaling under Settings → Displays for Retina screens.

Step 6: Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) Macs

Apple Silicon requires a different approach since traditional bootloaders don’t yet support it natively. You have two main options:

Option A: Virtualize Linux with UTM (Recommended for Most Users)

1. Download and install UTM from https://mac.getutm.app.
2. Create a new Virtualize → Linux machine.
3. Attach the Ubuntu ARM64 ISO file.
4. Assign 6–8GB RAM and 4–6 CPU cores.
5. Install Ubuntu inside the VM and enable shared folders and clipboard.
   UTM uses Apple’s virtualization framework for near-native performance while keeping macOS fully safe.

Option B: Install Asahi Linux (Native Dual Boot)

Asahi Linux allows native Linux installation on Apple Silicon hardware.

1. Visit https://asahilinux.org.
2. Follow the guided installer to set up a dual boot with macOS.
3. Expect partial support for some hardware (e.g., GPU and Thunderbolt features are improving steadily).

Step 7: Switching Between macOS and Linux

Whenever you start your Mac:

• Hold Option (⌥) and select your preferred OS.
• On Apple Silicon (with Asahi), you’ll see a boot picker managed by macOS Recovery.
  You can safely switch back and forth without data loss once both systems are installed properly.

Step 8: Optimize Both Systems

• Disable unnecessary startup items in macOS and Linux to reduce boot time.
• Keep both systems updated regularly.
• Use external drives for large data if disk space is tight.
• Back up both systems separately (Time Machine for macOS, rsync or Deja Dup for Linux).

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Wi-Fi or Bluetooth missing: Install drivers through Additional Drivers in Linux or via terminal (sudo apt install bcmwl-kernel-source).
Boot entry not appearing: Reset NVRAM (hold Option + Command + P + R) and retry.
Grub not loading macOS: Boot from macOS recovery, open Terminal, and run bless --mount /Volumes/Macintosh\ HD --setBoot.

Recommended Linux Distros for macOS Users

• Ubuntu 24.04 LTS: User-friendly and stable for beginners.
• Fedora Workstation: Great for developers and cutting-edge hardware.
• Zorin OS: Polished interface similar to macOS.
• Pop!_OS: Excellent power management and productivity features.

Final Tips

Dual booting macOS and Linux in 2025 is safer than ever—just remember to back up your files, plan your partitions carefully, and keep both systems updated. For newer Apple Silicon users, virtualization with UTM offers an easy and reliable experience, while Intel Mac owners can still enjoy a true dual-boot setup with full native performance.

FAQ

Can I dual boot Linux and macOS on Apple Silicon?
Yes, via Asahi Linux, though it’s still under active development. For most users, virtualization with UTM is safer and easier.
Does dual booting slow down my Mac?
No, it won’t affect performance. Each OS runs natively when booted.
Can I remove Linux later?
Yes, you can delete the Linux partition through Disk Utility and reclaim the space for macOS.
Which Linux is best for Mac users?
Ubuntu, Zorin OS, and Fedora are the most compatible and beginner-friendly for macOS users.