Can I Dual Boot Windows 10 and Linux Mint on the Same Drive?

In theory, it’s possible to dual boot on the same drive, but I wouldn't recommend it. Images and files are often fine, but applications won’t work since Windows and Linux are quite different in how they operate. For best results, separate partitions are the way to go. Also, be aware that playing games from your Windows partition on Linux might lead to some technical challenges.

You can't run both operating systems on the same partition, but you can have them on the same drive. It's safer to keep them on separate partitions to avoid issues. If you want to make room for Linux, you’ll need to shrink your current Windows partition to create a new one. Just make sure to back up your data before you start resizing, because there's always a small risk of losing files during that process.

Backing up your data is crucial before making any changes. Linux Mint can definitely recognize your other drives, but it doesn’t run Windows programs natively. You can still access your Windows files, but for applications, you'd probably want to use alternatives available for Linux instead. If you're keen on trying Linux, consider starting with a Live USB to give it a test run without altering your main system.

For dual booting, you’ll definitely need separate partitions for each OS. It’s recommended to put them on different drives if possible. When installing Linux, it usually won’t delete your files if you do it carefully. However, Linux can access your Windows files, while Windows can’t read Linux files easily. As for games, many will run on Linux, but some might need workarounds like WINE. Just be cautious, as certain games with anti-cheat systems may not work at all.