Choose between running Windows 11 alongside Linux or sticking with just one operating system.
Choose between running Windows 11 alongside Linux or sticking with just one operating system.
Windows may extend into the Linux bootloader. Even with a separate SSD, you might need to manually adjust the Linux setup. It could be a matter of technique, though I experienced similar issues. I believe I handled everything properly and physically cleared all SSDs except those assigned to each OS. However, after a few weeks, I still found myself with two 100MB W11 bootloader partitions on my Linux SSD and no Linux partition at all. Perhaps I lack the expertise, but there are some guides online: https://fullscale4me.com/Dual-Boot-MX-Li...-Guide.pdf. Still, the problem persists—reboots when switching apps are necessary. This becomes tedious fast. If you can't locate Linux tools for your tasks and need Windows utilities, stick with W11 and avoid complex tweaks. For Linux apps not available in Windows, consider WSL. That way you can run them without hassle. If you're curious about custom setups, secure boot is supported by most distros and shouldn<|pad|> to block Microsoft from blocking Linux. https://wiki.debian.org/SecureBoot
It seems you probably didn't set up the bootloader on the Linux SSD, which ended up in the Windows SSD. I always kept Linux and Windows bootloaders on different drives, and they've never mixed. I only dual boot for gaming; the rest runs in Linux. My main system is Windows 11 with Linux Mint, and secure boot is enabled.
No, the Windows SSD was taken out when I set up Linux. And the Linux SSD was removed during Windows installation. It functioned for a short time before failing. Likely I made an error somewhere, possibly due to Windows. As a user, that doesn<|pad|>'s perspective doesn't matter. I understand it works for many, but it can behave unexpectedly. For me, a single PC with one OS. If the OS doesn't meet my needs, I won't use it on that machine. This isn't about control; machines should serve us. Dual-booting wasn't appealing either. I just want to boot my PC and see the OS appear while I'm doing something else. I don't want to stand in front of it and change the BIOS boot drive. Then you realize you only want W11 for a brief moment, then restart the PC. Perhaps dual-booting is only practical if you need W11 occasionally, not regularly.
Previously, I would remove drives for setup, but haven't done that recently. Now I just install Windows first, then add Linux. I focus on setting up the partition for the bootloader and noting its location. I remember older versions of Mint might place it on the Windows drive if not handled properly, which could lead to problems.
Physically taking drives is the most secure option and makes it clearer what’s happening during setup. I installed W11 IOT after some time on Linux, but I still can’t understand why it matters if an SSD was removed during installation. IOT mainly handles updates only through QC and security patches. To me, dual booting is just a temporary fix to test if I can manage Linux alone. If I end up booting into Windows, it means I’ll eventually need a dual-boot setup for Windows—something I’m not interested in. YMMV. Right now it doesn’t matter. W11 IOT is essentially Debian with full compatibility for Windows software.
The main issue I faced with dual booting Windows 10 and Linux was a two-hour discrepancy in the system clock. I always removed all drives physically during Linux installation and kept separate operating systems on distinct drives. There were no major problems otherwise. Yet I've heard that Windows updates might overwrite boot information and that the system often treats the whole machine as its own. That means the Linux bootloader could be replaced during a Windows update. I haven't experienced it yet, but it seems plausible. Linux doesn't do this; it remains only on the installation drive.
Not any other option is worth suggesting for Windows 11, but if you need it, go ahead. The easiest configuration is a single boot; dual boot adds complexity. Particularly for a desktop with ample space and a robust BIOS, as @OhioYJ mentioned, it's best to install Windows first and then add Linux via GRUB or similar. Disconnecting drives is optional, but helpful for a single-boot setup—just ensure both devices are present during installation. You can always rely on the motherboard's boot menu to select the correct one. Just eliminate any "fast boot" tricks from Windows.
A solution exists in the registry. It appears you can resolve it on both operating systems, though I've consistently attributed the problem to Windows, so I addressed it there.