I'm trying to set up a dual boot with Windows and Fedora, but I ran into some issues last time I tried with Ubuntu. My computer didn't show the boot menu, and I had to reinstall everything. I've heard mixed things about installing Linux on an MBR system, and I'm a bit worried about running into the same problems again. Is dual booting Windows and Fedora on MBR possible? If yes, what's the best way to go about doing it? I really need Linux for certain programs that aren't available on Windows.
4 Answers
For dual booting on an MBR setup, it's generally recommended to keep Windows as the primary bootloader. You can use a tool like EasyBCD to configure Windows so it launches GRUB as an option on its boot menu. This way, you can select which OS to boot without hassle.
It's worth noting that MBR is considered outdated at this point. If you're planning on upgrading to Windows 11 in the future, keep in mind that it doesn't support MBR installations. I recommend backing up everything and considering a switch to GPT instead. Some utilities allow for in-place conversion, but there’s a risk of data loss, so be cautious!
If your system is older and doesn't support UEFI, you can still install GRUB during the Fedora setup, which should let you select your OS at boot. However, with MBR systems, Windows tends to overwrite the bootloader, so you'll need to be prepared to restore GRUB afterward. Also, it seems like information on dual booting with MBR is dwindling since UEFI is now the standard. You might want to check with the Fedora forums for specific advice on MBR support.
Yeah, MBR is getting less attention these days, and Linux installers are sometimes not optimized for it anymore. In the earlier days, GRUB would take the MBR and manage both operating systems, but Windows can overwrite the MBR, which complicates things. If you can, try reaching out to Fedora's community for guidance specific to their OS.
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