Hey everyone! So, when Windows 10 support ends, I'm considering going the dual-boot route since I play some games that require anti-cheat, but I also want to move away from Microsoft. My question is: can I share a drive between Linux and Windows? Specifically, is it possible to have a shared Steam library? I'd appreciate any insights! Thanks in advance!
4 Answers
You can share a Steam library on an NTFS partition, but it might bring up some issues, especially with games using Proton. If a game has a Linux version, its files can get updated every time you switch OS, which is tedious. I ended up using two dedicated 2TB drives for Win and Linux games—it makes everything a lot smoother!
Check out our wiki for some resources! There’s useful information on dual-booting and file sharing. Just remember to take regular backups and to try new stuff in a VM to avoid accidents!
What you're thinking about is dual booting, where both OSs exist on one drive but in separate partitions. However, you can't really share Steam libraries between them directly.
Yes, technically you can share a drive between Linux and Windows, but it's generally not recommended. It could lead to some headaches, so you might want to just get an extra drive to avoid potential issues. Trust me, your time is worth more!
Also, don't forget about external drives! Thumb drives and SD cards can work too, depending on your needs and RAM for Linux.