This part is for people who want both Windows and Bazzite on the same machine, either because you still need Adobe apps or you’re just scared to commit (again valid).

Step 1: TURN OFF WINDOWS FAST BOOT

I’M BEGGING YOU
I didn't do this, and If you skip this, Windows will lock your drive like a jealous ex and Linux won’t be able to mount or resize anything.

Do this in Windows:

• Control Panel -> Power Options
• “Choose what the power buttons do”
• Uncheck “Turn on Fast Startup”

If it’s greyed out:
Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”

Boom. Done.

Step 2: Shrink the Windows Partition

You need space for Bazzite. Windows isn't going to give it willingly.

• Press the Windows key
• Type Create and format hard disk partitions
• Find your Windows drive (usually C:)
• Right-click → Shrink Volume
• Leave at least 60–100GB for Bazzite (more if you game a lot)

You’ll see free Unallocated Space afterward.
That’s your Linux playground.

Step 3: Install Bazzite to the Free Space

Boot the Bazzite USB again.
Open the installer and select the unallocated space.
Bazzite will automatically create the partitions it needs.

No need to manually create:

• root
• boot
• swap
• EFI hellrooms

It handles all that for you.

Step 4: Bootloader Stuff (Don’t Panic)

After installation, your system should show a nice boot menu (GRUB or systemd-boot) where you can choose:

• Bazzite
• Windows Boot Manager

If Windows isn’t showing up:

• Reboot, go into BIOS
• Make sure Secure Boot is OFF
• Make sure Bazzite drive is above Windows in boot order

That’s it. You’re done. Welcome to Linux Gamer!

Common Problems (Advanced Install)

• “Linux can’t resize my Windows drive!”

Cause: Windows Fast Boot is STILL on.
Fix: Go back into Windows and disable it properly.

• “Windows disappeared from the boot menu!”

Cause: Boot order shuffled itself or BIOS is being dramatic.
Fix: Open BIOS → put Bazzite above Windows → disable Secure Boot.

• “Black screen when trying to boot Windows”

Cause: Bootloader pointing at the wrong entry.
Fix: Reorder boot entries in BIOS.

• “Installer says the disk is locked or busy”

Cause: Windows did not shut down fully (Fast Boot again).
Fix: Fully shut down Windows by holding Shift while clicking “Shut Down.”

• “The unallocated space isn’t showing”

• You shrank the wrong drive
• You created a partition by accident instead of leaving it free
• UEFI vs Legacy mode mismatch

• “Keyboard won’t work in BIOS/boot menu”

• Plug into a USB 2.0 port
• Enable “Legacy USB Support” in BIOS

• Try screaming.

Optional, but honestly very cathartic.