I'm trying to set up a dual boot system with Windows and Linux on two different SSDs. I've got two SSDs for my new small form factor PC because I've heard it's safer to keep the operating systems separate, which helps avoid issues with updates. However, the second SSD's slot is located at the back of the motherboard, and accessing it would require disassembling my entire computer, which I'd like to avoid. Is it possible to install Windows on the first SSD while ensuring it doesn't affect the second SSD? And can I install Linux on the second SSD without impacting the first, all while both drives are connected? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
You can totally do this without removing any drives! Just make sure to install Windows first, as it tends to overwrite the bootloader. After that, when you install Linux on the second SSD, it usually won’t mess with the Windows bootloader since it’s on a different drive. So you're all set on that front! Just keep an eye on which drive you're installing each OS on to avoid any accidental wipes.
You're good to leave both drives plugged in during the installations. The key thing is knowing which drive to install Linux on. A lot of people accidentally wipe the wrong drive because they misidentify it. In Linux, drives are labeled differently than in Windows, so double-check the labels! For example, your Windows drive might show as /dev/sda while the new one would just be /dev/sdb. If it's unformatted, it won't have any partitions yet, so you should be fine as long as you're careful!
I've got a cool workaround: I installed Linux Mint on a USB drive with persistence. This way, I can take my OS anywhere without needing to mess with internal drives. Just pop it in and boot! Might not be what you're looking for right now, but it's a neat option to have!
Wait, are you serious? That sounds awesome! How does that work?