Hey everyone! My laptop was doing fine with Windows 10, but ever since I upgraded to Windows 11, it's been running super slow. I tried to roll back to Windows 10, but Microsoft removed the option (thanks!). Recently, I added a second SSD to my laptop and after watching PewDiepie's video about Linux, I've decided it's time to make the switch. But I need some serious help! Here's the situation: My current OS is Windows 11 on my main SSD (C: drive), and I have an empty second SSD (D: drive) that I can wipe. I have all my important uni work on the C: drive, and while I've dabbled in Ubuntu before, I'm still a bit of a noob. What I want is to dual-boot, keeping Windows 11 while using Linux Mint as my daily driver. I plan to use the second SSD (D:) for Linux to make sure I don't mess with my C: drive, and I really don't want to screw up my laptop because finals are coming up! I have a few questions: 1. Is dual-booting a good idea? Will it speed up my laptop or should I go all in and switch to Linux? 2. Can someone give me a step-by-step guide to install Linux Mint on the second SSD without messing up Windows? 3. Will GRUB mess up my bootloader? I've heard a lot of scary stories. 4. Any tips for a smooth experience? I'd love any advice, especially from those who recently made the switch. Thanks!
5 Answers
Always keep your important data backed up, and maybe try out Linux in a live environment before committing fully. You'll get a feel for it without any risk to your Windows setup! And remember, GRUB is usually manageable, but it's good to be cautious and have a recovery plan handy just in case. Good luck!
Dual booting can be a hassle if you're not careful with partitions. But it's doable! Just remember to pick the right SSD during installation. You mentioned you have an NVMe drive; Linux typically recognizes it as /dev/nvme0n1, while your SATA SSD will be /dev/sda. Take your time with it and follow the guide closely!
I’m with you! I made the jump last semester and had a few hiccups, but getting familiar with the partitioning helped a lot.
It's really crucial to back up your important files before trying anything. No matter how good the guides are, there’s always a risk when dual-booting, especially with your uni work on the line! If you can afford to lose your files, then maybe it's fine to tinker with your system, but otherwise, make sure you've backed everything up first!
Absolutely agree! Backing up is the best safety net. Even if things seem straightforward, there's always a chance something could go wrong. Better safe than sorry!
If you’re determined to dual-boot, make sure to remove the Windows SSD when installing Linux. That way, you prevent any accidental overwriting or errors during installation. Plus, it’ll help you set up the bootloader correctly later.
Great tip! I did that, and it worked perfectly. Just remember to change the boot order back in BIOS later!
I recommend holding off on dual-booting until after finals. If Windows 11 is making your laptop slow, try to get it working as best as you can for now. Consider using a virtual machine for Linux instead. It takes the pressure off your main system!
Yes! Trying it out live is a great way to dip your toes in. It helped me a lot before I decided how to set things up.