I'm looking to install Linux Mint on my SATA drive while I have an NVMe drive with Windows. Most guides suggest that I should disconnect the Windows drive before installing Linux, but this sounds like a hassle since getting to that drive requires removing my CPU cooler. Is it really necessary to unplug the Windows drive, or is that just a precaution to avoid mistakes during installation?
3 Answers
There's a genuine risk here. The Linux Mint installer can sometimes install the GRUB bootloader on the Windows EFI system partition, which can create issues when Windows updates or changes certain settings. If disconnecting the NVMe drive is tricky for you, one workaround is to use GParted before installation to adjust the flags on the partitions, ensuring that your Linux installation won't interfere with Windows.
Good point about the accidental erasures! If you opt not to disconnect the drive, just keep a backup of your essential Windows data. It's always a good idea to be cautious with installations.
You don't strictly have to remove the Windows drive. The main reason for doing so is to prevent any mistakes during the installation process. If the Windows drive is disconnected, it's impossible to accidentally overwrite anything on it. Just make sure to carefully select the correct drive for the Linux installation.
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