I'm trying to set up my system so that I can use a USB stick with GRUB installed to switch between Windows and a Linux distro (Bazzite) that's on a separate SSD. The goal is to have my BIOS boot into Windows by default when the USB isn't plugged in, and then boot into Linux through the USB when it is. However, I've struggled to find any guides on how to specifically install GRUB on a USB to boot an OS located on another drive. Most tutorials only focus on making a Live Linux USB. Can anyone offer some guidance on how to achieve this?
2 Answers
While your approach is creative, I suggest a simpler method. Just install GRUB on your main Linux SSD and set it up to let you select which OS to boot. This way, you can avoid the hassle of plugging and unplugging the USB each time you boot. It would streamline the process with just a click or key press to choose your OS, which is likely a lot easier.
To boot an OS from another drive using GRUB, you'll need to modify the configuration file on the USB to point to the OS image you want to boot. The process isn't too straightforward, as many tutorials skip explaining how to set it up if your OS is on a different drive. However, once you identify the correct path, you should be able to configure it. It might take some trial and error, though!
Yeah, that's where I'm struggling too. The guides I've found aren't clear on how these config files work for a bootable OS on a separate drive.
I appreciate the suggestion! But I really like the idea of having a physical switch for ease of use.