I need to reinstall Windows 11 after upgrading my second SSD. My computer dual-boots Zorin and Windows, but during the Windows installation, the required reboot sends me straight to the boot-selection screen, which prevents the installation from continuing. I know the usual advice is to install Windows first and Linux afterward, but I would rather avoid rebuilding the whole setup. Would temporarily disconnecting the Zorin SSD be the simplest and safest solution, or could that create boot problems later?
2 Answers
Set Windows as the default boot entry in your firmware settings for the duration of the installation. If your bootloader is handling the menu, you can also configure it to choose Windows by default temporarily. That should let the installer restart without getting stuck at the selection screen.
The safest approach is to disconnect the Zorin SSD before starting the Windows installation. Install Windows with only its target drive connected, then reconnect the Zorin drive afterward. You can select the desired drive from the firmware boot menu, or configure Zorin's bootloader to offer both operating systems.
That sounds like the least confusing option. I just hope reconnecting the Zorin drive afterward doesn't leave the boot setup needing repair.
If Windows is installed on its own SSD, would it be safer to disable the other storage devices in the firmware settings while installing?