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I had Windows 10 and Ubuntu 14.04 installed on my laptop before. Because there were some problems, I upgraded it to Ubuntu 15.10, unfortunately the upgrade didn't complete(even though Ubuntu can boot).

I wonder could I just install Ubuntu 16.04 to replace 15.10 without damaging Windows 10.

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If you have a previous installation of Ubuntu you can instruct the Ubuntu installer to use its partition(s). That means that the installer won't need to touch the Windows partitions, so there's only a minuscule chance that the installation accidentally alters Windows despite that fact. You'll need to use manual partitioning during installation though.

As always, make a back-up anyhow. Data without back-up is unimportant data by definition.

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  • When I installed Ubuntu 14.04, I selected "INSTALL ALONG SIDE OF WINDOWS 8 (upgraded to Win 10 later)", rather than "SOMETHING ELSE". Could I select "INSTALL ALONG SIDE OF WINDOWS 10" when I install Ubuntu 16.04, so I don't have to do "manual partitioning"? May 26, 2016 at 13:06
  • I don't think so. The installer has 3 options: 1) remove everything and install Ubuntu, 2) shrink the Windows partition and install Ubuntu in the freed space (only works if you have a single partition with Windows and nothing else), and 3) manual partitioning ("something else"). May 26, 2016 at 13:11
  • So I should remove the existing Ubuntu 15.10 first, then install a new version, right? How should I remove Ubuntu 15.10, is it different from the uninstallation which used manual partition when installed? May 27, 2016 at 1:38
  • The partition manager of the Ubuntu installer lets you format existing partitions if you want to get rid of their previous content. May 27, 2016 at 2:19
  • So I don't have to do the uninstallation. Thanks, I am gonna try! May 27, 2016 at 2:34

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