I'm looking to install Linux Mint on my computer and completely remove Windows without losing any of my important data, like photos and videos. All my files are saved in their respective folders on a different drive, not in the C drive where Windows is installed. I want to avoid a dual boot setup—just a straight switch to Linux.
4 Answers
Go for it! As long as your files are on a different physical drive, you should be good to go. Just make sure everything is backed up to be safe.
Check your disk partitions using Windows Disk Manager. If your files are on a separate drive (not just a partition), you can unplug that drive during installation to avoid any risk of data loss. Just select "something else" during the installation process to set up the partitions correctly.
You might want to consider transferring your necessary files to an external disk first and then, once Linux is installed, copying them back. Alternatively, you could keep Windows until after the installation and pull the files from its partitions before formatting it.
It's really smart to back up your important files to an external hard drive before you proceed with the installation. That way, you can restore everything after setting up Linux Mint. Just being cautious is the best way to go!
Exactly! External drives are a lifesaver. Make sure to double-check that your backups worked before you start the installation.