Can I Run Windows and Linux on One Industrial PC?

In the industrial world, engineers often face a dilemma: You need Windows for its user-friendly interface (HMI) and office software compatibility, but you also need Linux for its stability, coding environment, and powerful edge computing capabilities.

In the past, the only solution was to buy two separate computers—one for Windows and one for Linux. This meant double the hardware cost, double the cabling, and double the installation space.

But today, you don't need two PCs.

At GIFA, customers frequently ask us: "Can your industrial PCs run two operating systems?" The answer is a definitive YES. However, how you do it depends on your specific application. Here is a simple guide to help you choose the right method: Dual Boot vs. Virtualization.

Method 1: Dual Boot (The "Switch" Approach)

Think of this like having two different keys for one car. You can choose to drive in "Sport Mode" (Linux) or "Comfort Mode" (Windows), but you cannot use both modes at the same time.

How it works:

When you turn on the Industrial PC, a menu appears asking you to choose an OS. You enter that system and use it exclusively until you restart the computer to switch to the other.

Best For:

• Maintenance & Testing: Engineers who need to test software in different environments.
• Non-Simultaneous Tasks: Applications that do not need to run concurrently.

Hardware Requirements:

• Standard: Since only one system runs at a time, you don't need a super-powerful CPU.
• Storage Tip: We recommend using two separate SSDs (e.g., one for Windows, one for Linux) to keep data safe and independent.

GIFA Recommendation:

For Dual Boot setups, our cost-effective Intel N150 or J Series is a perfect choice. 

Method 2: Virtualization (The "Multitasker" Approach)

Think of this like "Picture-in-Picture" on a TV. You are watching your main channel (Windows), but you have a smaller window in the corner showing another channel (Linux).

How it works:

You boot into Windows 10/11 IoT normally. Then, using software like VMware, VirtualBox, or Microsoft's built-in WSL 2, you run Linux inside a window. Both systems run at the same time.

Best For:

• IoT Gateways: Windows handles the local display/touchscreen, while Linux collects data in the background to send to the cloud.
• Development: Coding in Linux while checking email or specs in Windows.

Hardware Requirements:

• High Performance Required! Because two systems are fighting for CPU and RAM resources, a low-end processor will freeze or lag.
• Critical Specs: You need a multi-core CPU and ample RAM (16GB or more is recommended).

GIFA Recommendation:

Do not underpower your system. For smooth virtualization, we strongly recommend the GIFA Industrial Core i3 / i5 Series with at least 16GB RAM. 

Pro Tip: A Technical Reality Check

While running a Virtual Machine (VM) is convenient, as an industrial hardware manufacturer, we want to help you avoid downtime.

• Latency Matters: If your Linux system needs to control a fast-moving robotic arm or a high-speed camera, a standard Virtual Machine might introduce a tiny delay (latency).
• The Solution: For these "real-time" control tasks, standard settings might not be enough. Please contact our technical team. We can recommend specific motherboard models with advanced hardware virtualization support to ensure your system runs as smoothly as a dedicated machine.

Summary: Which Configuration Do You Need?

Still not sure? Don't guess on hardware specs. Contact our team today. Tell us what software you plan to run, and we will recommend the perfect Industrial PC configuration for your project.