I'm considering installing Linux on my second SSD while I currently have Windows installed on my first SSD. I've previously enjoyed using Linux on a virtual machine, but now I'm confused about the actual installation process. I've read various guides, but it's all a bit overwhelming. My plan is to set it up using Ubuntu or Mint. My laptop is primarily used for streaming my art and playing video games occasionally, but I also want to learn more about coding. I would like to know if there's a specific process for installing Linux on a separate drive, especially regarding dual booting, as I'm not sure if it's the same when using two SSDs. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated! By the way, here are my laptop specs: MSI GF75 Thin 9SC-278, Intel Core i7, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650, and 16GB of RAM.
4 Answers
To get started, first use Windows Disk Manager to shrink the NTFS partition on the SSD to make space for Linux. Follow a guide for the installation, ensuring you select the right SSD without creating a new partition table since your drive is already set up. If you want to practice, consider using a virtual machine for the installation process!
Make sure to check the official documentation for the Linux distro you choose to get the best installation steps. YouTube also has helpful videos that can guide you through the process. Having one OS on each SSD still counts as dual booting. Just follow the instructions for this setup, and you'll be fine!
I really appreciate it! I thought it was dual booting, but some forums confused me. I've saved Mint's documentation and found a good video about installing on two different drives.
Check out our installation tips in the wiki! Just a reminder: it’s always best to install over an ethernet connection, and don’t forget to remove the boot media after the installation is complete!
A good approach is to temporarily remove the Windows SSD before you install Linux. Put the SSD you want Linux on in the appropriate socket, install Linux, and check that it's all working fine. Once that’s done, you can reinsert the Windows SSD and adjust your boot sequence using the one-time boot key (often F12). This way, you can choose which OS to boot from.
Thanks for the tip! I can tell the SSDs apart, but it's smart to double-check. I'm super excited to get started!
Thank you! This is super helpful!