I'm running Arch Linux with systemd-boot installed on an NVME drive, and I want to install Windows 10 on a separate SATA drive. My goal is to keep the Windows bootloader on the SATA drive because I intend to use that drive to boot different PCs. In the past, when I tried dual booting Windows, it ended up placing its boot files on my Arch NVME drive, which caused issues. Is there a way to properly install Windows on the SATA drive without causing any problems for my Linux setup? I'd prefer not to physically remove the Linux drive if possible, as doing so could lead to having to restore the bootloader later since the Windows installer tends to mess with unused UEFI boot entries.
4 Answers
The safest route is to remove the drive with Linux during the Windows installation. Once you've installed Windows, you can reconnect your Linux drive and use UEFI to set it as a boot option. This way, Windows won't accidentally mess with any EFI partitions on your Arch drive.
If you don't want to remove the Linux drive, consider disconnecting all other drives except for the one with Linux during the installation. Then, after Windows is installed, you can reconnect everything and choose the boot order in the UEFI settings.
We have some helpful installation tips linked in our wiki! Also, always install Windows over an ethernet connection, and don't forget to remove the boot media once you're done!
Honestly, just use a screwdriver to disconnect the Linux drive. It's a straightforward method that never fails.
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