I'm looking to set up a dual boot system on my new SSD, keeping Windows 10 while adding Linux. Both operating systems will be on separate drives. I've heard that updates to one OS can disrupt the boot process of the other, which worries me since I'm not able to back up all my files. Can anyone share what precautions I should take when installing Linux alongside Windows?
5 Answers
I had a similar issue where the GRUB menu didn't appear, making it seem like Linux took over. I found that holding the Shift key during boot can bring up the GRUB menu even if it doesn't show normally. You might have to tweak settings later to make it show consistently, but that's a quick fix if it looks like it went wrong.
Check if your computer can handle two SSDs in M.2 slots. If so, you can choose which drive to boot from in the BIOS settings. You can also disable the other SSD, so it doesn’t interfere, allowing you to work on your Linux install without affecting your Windows system.
If you’re worried about Windows updates messing with your Linux boot settings, using two drives is the best bet. Just make sure Windows is installed first, then set up Linux. Also, consider trying out a few distros in VirtualBox on Windows first – it’s a risk-free way to experiment without impacting your main OS!
A great option is to use a USB enclosure for your new SSD. Install Linux on it and just boot from the USB whenever you want to use Linux. This way, your Windows setup remains untouched unless you choose to install it directly to the motherboard later. If you’re worried about GRUB issues, just boot your computer with the USB drive disconnected to keep everything safe.
If you're new to Linux, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with it on the second drive first before you try dual booting with Windows. Windows can mess with the Linux bootloader (GRUB) during updates, and while you can usually fix it, it can be a hassle for newcomers. If things go south, you can always boot with your Windows installation media and restore it.
VirtualBox is a cool solution! It allows you to test out different distros without any commitment. Plus, it’s relatively easy to set up; just search for some tutorial videos on YouTube!