I'm a new Linux user, transitioning because Windows 11 isn't working for me anymore, and I think Linux might be a better fit. I have two SSDs that are currently formatted as NTFS. I need some guidance on how to format these drives for Linux. Should I do this before, during, or after the installation? Also, any tips on an efficient procedure would be fantastic since I've recently reinstalled Windows and don't have much data left on these drives except for what's backed up on an NTFS USB drive.
4 Answers
Before you install Linux, make sure to double-check if you have any files you want to keep. Once you’re ready, let the installer manage the formatting for you. It’ll likely recognize the drives as sdaX or nvmeX. For the OS installation, select the drive with the lowest number and choose ext4 if asked for a file system. It's pretty standard for Linux. If you're uncertain about the second drive, just leave it be until after the installation, then you can format it easily using graphical tools available in Linux.
You could first try out a virtual machine or run a Live USB version of Linux to see how it goes. When you finally decide to install a distro, I recommend unplugging one of the SSDs to keep things simple. Just go with the default settings during the install; they usually handle the formatting automatically, making your life easier!
If your drives are empty, just let the Linux installer handle everything—it simplifies the process. But, if you're a bit cautious, consider creating a new partition table (GPT) on the disk before starting the installation to avoid any weird issues. And before booting that installation USB, turn off CSM/Legacy BIOS in the firmware settings for better compatibility.
Thanks to everyone for their helpful responses! I think I’ll start by running Linux from a USB; I’m not sticking with Windows 11 since none of my games work. I'm mainly using my PC for gaming, paying bills, and some word processing. Your advice has really guided me on the right path!
If you're going with the Live USB, check out options like Ventoy for creating your installer. It’s super user-friendly! Here are some useful links to get you started on Live USBs and some popular distributions like Debian and Linux Mint.