I've just switched to using Linux (specifically Fedora 43 with KDE) on my PC, and I'm considering doing the same for my laptop. However, I want to ensure I have a backup of my Windows system, just in case I need it again. I've heard conflicting advice about having both Linux and Windows on the same drive and how Linux could potentially cause issues for Windows. The only available storage I have for backing up my Windows is the SSD where my Linux is currently installed. Is it safe to back up Windows on that SSD? If so, how should I properly partition it?
2 Answers
Consider using an external USB drive for backing up Windows instead. It's often easier and keeps your systems more separated. Just plug it in when you need to do the backup and avoid dealing with partitioning issues altogether!
Windows doesn't recognize Linux filesystems, which can be tricky since Fedora uses btrfs. To back up your Windows, you'd need to shrink the root partition and create an NTFS partition specifically for Windows. So technically, it can be safe as long as you manage the partitions correctly. Make sure to back up your data securely!
Thanks for the advice! I'm mainly trying to back up my entire Windows image, so I just need to make sure I allocate enough space on that NTFS partition.