Hey everyone, I'm a newbie looking to switch from Windows to Linux, but I'm a bit worried about losing my files during the transition. I have two SSDs: the first one has Windows installed along with my documents and drivers, and the second one is primarily used for games. Can I move my important files from the first SSD to the second, install Linux on the first SSD, and then later transfer the files back? Also, will Linux be able to read the files on the second SSD if it's formatted as NTFS?
4 Answers
Linux can read and write NTFS without much trouble. Just be cautious with your file names—make sure they’re legal. But if you're trying to run games installed on the NTFS drive, you'll need to reinstall them on Linux. Just save all your important game data and configs before switching!
You'll definitely want to back up your files first. It's crucial to have a solid backup plan, just in case something goes wrong during installation. I recommend using a cloud service like pCloud, or even just getting an external backup drive for safety. When I switched, I actually bought a new SSD just for Linux. That way, if I didn't like it, I could just switch back easily. I've been using Linux for 8 years now and I hardly even touch my old Windows drive unless I need extra space for games!
Yes, you can move your files to the second SSD and install Linux on the first. However, it’s also really smart to back everything up on an external drive to avoid any accidents. When it comes to file systems, Linux can read NTFS just fine, but it's not the best idea to rely on it long-term for regular use. NTFS can sometimes cause issues, so I recommend planning to switch to a Linux-native file system eventually. Also, make sure to take backups because you never know when a drive might fail!
And don’t forget about creating a 3-2-1 backup strategy! That's the way to go for data safety.
There might be some quirks when using NTFS with Linux, but it generally works fine. If you plan on fully committing to Linux, you should think about converting your drives to a Linux file system in the long run. It usually leads to a more stable experience!
Exactly! Having backups is key. Drives can fail unexpectedly, so always have your data secured.