I currently use Linux Mint Cinnamon after a previous attempt to dual-boot Windows 10 and Linux went badly. I'm considering adding Windows again, but I'd prefer to install it after Linux rather than starting over. Is that possible, and would using separate drives make the process easier?
3 Answers
The computer normally boots through GRUB, which gives you a menu for choosing Linux or Windows. If Windows is installed on the same physical drive after Linux, it may replace GRUB with the Windows bootloader. You can reinstall or repair GRUB afterward and add Windows to the menu. Installing Windows on a separate drive is generally less risky and easier to recover from.
Dual-booting is common, but make a full backup first. Disconnecting the Linux drive while installing Windows can help prevent accidentally formatting it; afterward, reconnect it and set the Linux drive or GRUB as the preferred boot device in the firmware settings. Also, use a currently supported Windows version rather than an unsupported Windows 10 installation.
Yes, you can do this. Since you have two drives, the cleanest setup is to install Windows on one drive and keep Linux Mint on the other. During installation, be careful to select the correct drive so you don’t overwrite your Linux installation. Windows may change the bootloader, but you can restore or repair GRUB afterward using a Linux Mint installer or recovery USB.
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