How to Dual Boot Remix OS for PC with Windows for Android on Desktop

Ever wanted to run Android apps natively on your computer without messing with tricky emulators? Dual booting Remix OS alongside Windows lets you do just that, giving you the best of both worlds. You’ll start by downloading the Remix OS ISO and a special USB tool, then prepare a USB drive for booting. Next, we’ll create a dedicated space, called a partition, on your hard drive for Remix OS to live. Finally, you’ll install Remix OS, and from then on, you’ll choose between Windows and Android every time you power on your PC. It’s like having two distinct operating systems on one machine, a straightforward process that transforms your computer into a versatile hub for work and play.

Tutorial – How to Dual Boot Remix OS for PC with Windows – Experience Android on Desktop

Get ready to unlock a whole new dimension for your PC, letting you enjoy the full Android experience right alongside your familiar Windows environment. The following steps will guide you through the exciting process of setting up Remix OS on your desktop or laptop, turning it into a truly versatile machine.

Step 1: Download Remix OS and the USB Tool

First, you’ll need to download the Remix OS ISO file from their official website. Make sure you grab the PC version, not the mobile one, since we’re putting this on your desktop or laptop.

Along with Remix OS, you’ll also need to download a special USB creator tool, often provided by Jide, the creators of Remix OS, or a similar utility like Rufus. This handy tool helps you make your USB drive ready to start the installation process. Getting the right files is super important, like picking the right key for a lock, so double-check your downloads before moving on.

Step 2: Prepare Your USB Drive

Next, plug a USB drive, preferably an 8GB or larger one, into your computer. Now, open up the USB creator tool you downloaded in the previous step.

Use this tool to “burn” the Remix OS ISO file onto your USB drive. This process will format the USB drive, meaning it will erase everything on it, and then copy the Remix OS installation files to make the drive bootable. Think of it as turning a blank notebook into a textbook-ready for class.

Step 3: Create a Hard Drive Partition

Before installing Remix OS, we need to free up some space on your computer’s hard drive. Open Windows’ Disk Management tool, which you can usually find by searching in the Start menu.

In Disk Management, find a drive with enough free space (at least 20GB is recommended) and right-click it to “Shrink Volume.” This will create unallocated space that Remix OS can use. It is like clearing out a room in your house to make space for a new guest. If you have an empty secondary drive, you could use that too, which makes things even simpler.

Step 4: Boot from the USB Drive

Now, restart your computer and quickly enter your BIOS or UEFI settings. The key to press for this, like F2, F10, F12, or Delete, varies by computer manufacturer, so you might need to look it up for your specific model.

Once in the BIOS or UEFI, change the boot order so your computer starts from the USB drive first. Save these changes and exit, then your computer will reboot and hopefully launch the Remix OS installer from your USB. This step is crucial, as it tells your computer to look at the USB drive for instructions instead of immediately loading Windows.

Step 5: Install Remix OS to Hard Drive

When Remix OS starts from the USB, you’ll usually see an option to “Guest Mode” or “Resident Mode.” For a full installation, choose “Resident Mode” to save your changes and apps.

Then, you’ll be prompted to select the partition you created earlier during the installation process. Be extremely careful here to select the correct unallocated space, or the partition you specifically created for Remix OS, not your Windows drive. This is the moment of truth, like picking the right canvas for your masterpiece, so take your time and choose wisely. The installer will then copy all the necessary files to your hard drive, making Remix OS a permanent fixture on your system.

After you complete these steps, your computer will restart one last time. You’ll then be greeted by a boot menu, giving you the option to launch Windows or dive into Remix OS. This means your PC is now officially a dual-boot machine, ready to switch between two powerful operating systems at your command.

Tips for Dual Booting Remix OS for PC with Windows – Experience Android on Desktop

• Always back up your important data before attempting any operating system installation or disk partitioning. It is a safety net for any unexpected issues.
• Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Remix OS, like having a 64-bit processor and at least 2GB of RAM, for the best performance.
• If you encounter boot issues after installation, try using a Windows boot repair tool or adjusting your BIOS/UEFI settings again.
• Consider disabling Secure Boot in your BIOS/UEFI settings if you have trouble booting from the USB or installing Remix OS.
• Use a high-quality, fast USB 3.0 drive for creating the bootable media, as this can significantly speed up the installation process.
• Keep your Windows recovery media handy, just in case you ever need to restore your system to its original state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Remix OS still officially supported?

Unfortunately, Remix OS is no longer actively developed or supported by Jide Technology. While it was a groundbreaking project, the company pivoted to other ventures. This means you won’t receive new updates or security patches. However, the existing versions still work and can provide a great experience for those who want to try Android on their PC.

Can I install Remix OS on a virtual machine instead?

Absolutely, installing Remix OS on a virtual machine like VirtualBox or VMware is a fantastic alternative, especially if you’re hesitant about dual booting directly onto your hardware. This method allows you to experiment with Remix OS without making any changes to your computer’s hard drive or boot configuration. It’s a safer way to get a feel for the operating system before committing to a full installation.

What are the main benefits of dual booting Remix OS?

The biggest benefit is getting a native Android experience directly on your desktop or laptop, allowing you to run Android apps and games without the performance hit often associated with emulators. You get full keyboard and mouse support, a larger screen, and potentially better performance than on many Android tablets or phones. It essentially turns your PC into a giant Android device when you want it to be.

Will dual booting affect my Windows installation?

If done correctly, dual booting should not negatively affect your Windows installation. Remix OS will reside on its own dedicated partition, completely separate from your Windows files. The only interaction is at startup, where a boot loader lets you choose which operating system to load. However, always remember to back up your data before making any major system changes, just in case something goes awry during the process.

How do I uninstall Remix OS if I no longer want it?

Uninstalling Remix OS is generally straightforward. You’ll need to boot into Windows, then use Disk Management to delete the partition where Remix OS was installed. After deleting the partition, you might need to use a boot repair tool, often available through Windows recovery options, to fix the boot loader and remove the Remix OS entry, ensuring Windows boots directly. This cleans up your system and frees up the space Remix OS was using.

Summary

1. Download Remix OS ISO and USB tool.
2. Prepare bootable USB drive.
3. Create hard drive partition for Remix OS.
4. Boot PC from USB drive.
5. Install Remix OS to the new partition.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, a complete guide to bringing the vibrant world of Android directly to your desktop or laptop through dual booting Remix OS for PC with Windows – Experience Android on Desktop. It’s a truly transformative process, giving you the power to switch between the robust productivity of Windows and the vast, engaging ecosystem of Android with just a simple reboot. Think of it like having two different cars in your garage, each perfect for a different kind of journey.

While Remix OS might not be receiving new updates, its core functionality remains a testament to the idea of bridging the gap between mobile and desktop computing. For many, it still offers a remarkably stable and enjoyable way to experience Android apps, games, and media on a larger screen, leveraging your PC’s hardware. You get the best of both worlds, without the compromises of an emulator or the limitations of a mobile device.

This journey isn’t just about installing another operating system, it’s about expanding your computer’s capabilities and your personal computing horizons. You’re no longer confined to just one way of doing things. Whether you want to play your favorite mobile game on a big screen, test Android apps, or simply enjoy a different browsing and light work interface, dual booting provides that flexibility. It’s a fantastic project for anyone looking to get a bit more technical and customize their computing experience. So go ahead, give it a try, and unlock the full potential of your PC. The world of Android on your desktop awaits, ready to be explored.