I have two SSDs and want to try Linux without mixing it with my existing Windows installation. My goal is to keep each operating system on its own drive and avoid accessing files from one drive while using the other. The second SSD is a blank 256 GB drive. What is the safest way to install Linux and choose between the two systems?
3 Answers
For maximum safety, disconnect the Windows SSD while installing Linux so there is no chance of selecting the wrong drive or changing the Windows boot files. Once Linux is installed, reconnect it and choose the desired drive from the UEFI/BIOS boot menu whenever you want to switch systems. This is slightly less convenient than a shared boot menu, but the drives remain as separate as possible.
Changing the boot priority can work, but disconnecting the Windows drive during installation is the safest way to guarantee the installer cannot modify it. Afterward, reconnect it and select the operating system through the firmware boot menu.
Two separate drives do not automatically prevent one operating system from seeing the other. Linux can usually read Windows partitions, while Windows generally cannot read common Linux filesystems without additional software. If you want true physical separation, disconnect or disable the other drive; otherwise, simply avoid mounting or modifying it. Also consider disabling Windows Fast Startup if you plan to access its files from Linux.
During the Linux installation, carefully select the blank SSD as the installation target and install the bootloader there as well. Afterward, set that drive as the first boot device in your UEFI/BIOS. The Linux boot menu should then offer both Linux and Windows. Keeping the bootloader on the Linux drive means Windows remains independent, and you can switch the boot order back to the Windows drive if Linux ever has problems.
The second drive is a blank 256 GB SSD. Would changing the boot priority be enough, or should I physically disconnect the Windows drive during installation?