Hey everyone! I've been using Windows for personal desktops for years, but I've been managing CentOS and AlmaLinux for over 15 years, so I'm pretty comfortable with Linux. Given the recent privacy concerns, I'm looking to switch to Fedora. I plan to dual-boot for now and transition gradually until I'm fully settled with Linux.
Currently, my OS is on an NVMe drive with two additional HDDs, all encrypted with BitLocker and requiring a passphrase to boot. I think I need to disable BitLocker first, create a new partition on the NVMe for Fedora, and then install it. But I'm unsure if that's everything I need to do.
Can Fedora read and mount my Windows partition along with the other disks formatted to NTFS? I tested Fedora through VirtualBox, and it prompted me about encrypting disks—should I skip that during the installation to avoid corrupting my Windows setup? Lastly, can I enable encryption later on like BitLocker does? Thanks in advance!
3 Answers
Honestly, I wouldn't dual-boot if you want encryption. Just grab an old SSD and keep your Windows drive separate. Familiarize yourself with the installation process using a VM and research alternatives to your Windows software. You’ll feel more prepared!
Are you really planning to use the same NVMe for both OSes? I highly recommend against that. It's better to keep them on separate drives. As for BitLocker, you don't have to disable it, but be sure to keep your recovery key handy. Linux can read BitLocker, but it's not 100% reliable. Just remember not to perform any disk operations from Linux on NTFS—always do that from Windows! As for encryption, it's easier to set it up right away than to try adding it later on.
Hey! I recommend getting a cheap SATA SSD and installing Fedora on that instead. It's safer since different encryption methods might interfere with Windows. Fedora can read NTFS drives, but if they're encrypted with BitLocker, you may have issues accessing them.
I've heard of ways to read BitLocker drives in Linux, but you'll need the key to do it. Maybe look into tools that can help you with that transition!
Thanks! I could consider getting another NVMe for Fedora. It seems like a better route.
Thanks a lot for the advice! I'll definitely keep that in mind!