220-1102 Question 31
Single answerMultibootA technician is configuring a lab workstation so users can choose between Windows 11 and Ubuntu Linux at startup. The PC currently has Windows 11 installed and fully updated on a single SSD that uses UEFI firmware and GPT partitioning. The technician wants the multiboot setup to be reliable and to minimize the risk of making Windows unbootable. Which action should the technician take FIRST before installing Ubuntu?
- A
Shrink the existing Windows partition to create unallocated space for Ubuntu
- B
Convert the SSD from GPT to MBR so both operating systems can use a legacy boot loader
- C
Disable UEFI and switch the firmware to Legacy/CSM mode before starting the Linux installation
- D
Format the Windows recovery partition so Ubuntu can use it for its boot files
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
In a multiboot scenario, best practice is to preserve the current boot architecture when adding a second operating system. Since this workstation already runs Windows 11 on a UEFI/GPT system, Ubuntu should also be installed in UEFI mode. Before installation, the technician should shrink the existing Windows partition in Disk Management to create unallocated space for Linux. This reduces the chance of overwriting Windows partitions or disrupting the EFI System Partition and recovery partitions. Microsoft documentation and common OEM deployment guidance for Windows 11 assume UEFI and GPT, and Linux installers routinely support installation into unallocated space on UEFI systems. Mixing boot modes or altering critical Windows partitions is a common cause of failed dual-boot configurations.
- A. Correct.
Correct. On a system that already uses UEFI and GPT, the recommended approach is to leave the existing Windows installation method intact and create free, unallocated disk space by shrinking the Windows partition. That space can then be used for Ubuntu partitions during installation. This is the standard and least disruptive preparation step for a dual-boot configuration.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Converting a working Windows 11 GPT disk to MBR is unnecessary and would create compatibility problems. Windows 11 is designed for UEFI-based systems, and changing the partition style could break bootability and does not represent best practice for a modern multiboot setup.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Switching from UEFI to Legacy/CSM after Windows 11 is already installed in UEFI mode can prevent Windows from booting properly. For reliable multiboot, both operating systems should generally be installed using the same boot mode, and on this system that should remain UEFI.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. The Windows recovery partition should not be reformatted or repurposed. It contains recovery tools for Windows and is not intended to store Linux boot files. Modifying or deleting it can remove recovery functionality and increase the risk of startup and repair issues.