I'm setting up my PC with two hard disks: one has Windows and important files, while the other is for installing Ubuntu. I want to make sure that the Windows disk remains completely untouched when I'm using Ubuntu. Is there a way to do this, like making the Windows disk invisible from Ubuntu, without having to disconnect it physically? Any tips are appreciated!
3 Answers
When you're installing Ubuntu, the safest bet is to physically unplug the Windows drive. That way, you won't risk affecting it at all during the installation. Once Ubuntu is up and running, if you don't mount the Windows drive, it'll be safe from changes—just make sure to keep it that way!
If you're really worried about messing with your Windows drive, formatting your Linux drive in ext4 and not installing ext4 support on Windows is a good idea. That way, Windows won't even see the Linux drive. Also, you can use commands like lsblk or blkid in Linux to find the path of your Windows drive and adjust the fstab file to ensure it doesn't mount. No mount means no accidental writes!
Linux sees all connected drives, so without disconnecting the Windows drive, you'll need to be careful. You can prevent Ubuntu from automatically mounting the Windows drive by changing some settings. Just ensure during the installation that you target the right drive—especially since the layout looks a bit different in Linux. And of course, back up everything important beforehand!
Great advice! Also, make sure to go with the LTS version of Ubuntu to avoid any potential issues.
Totally agree with this method. Better safe than sorry!