Combining NTFS and extended file systems side by side
Combining NTFS and extended file systems side by side
You can install Linux on a partition of your second hard drive even after splitting the drive. You don’t need to wipe the entire drive; just format the new partition with the files you want. If you have games and other data, they should work fine once the partition is created. Regarding Windows and programs, they should be able to write files to an enPMT or exFAT drive after formatting it properly. Let me know if you need more details.
Begin by installing Windows on the full storage. After that, when you set up Linux, you can choose to use the whole drive or opt for a guided setup with Windows. Selecting the guided method will have Windows reduce its size and then reorganize the leftovers for Linux.
You already have Windows on your SSD. Installing Linux on an HDD with existing files is possible. Do you need to stick to the original instructions? — Saksham, Nov 1, 2019
You can arrange your setup so Windows games stay on the Linux boot drive while using the SSD for your main system. Be aware that some file systems like ext4 and NTFS may have compatibility challenges, especially with large game files. You might need to explore alternatives or configure mount options carefully to ensure smooth access.
You should select the custom option during installation. This lets you adjust the partition size directly. You’ll also need to set up your root directory, possibly a separate home partition, and rearrange partitions (typically around twice your RAM). A distinct home partition is helpful because it preserves your personal files and configurations when reinstalling the OS.
Set up two distinct partitions: one for Linux using a filesystem like XFS or EXT4, including a boot partition, and another for Windows games on NTFS.
When setting up an OS, I assumed you needed to clear the entire drive rather than just the partition. However, on my USB drive, I tested creating two partitions and using Etcher to burn the ISO, which asked me to select the drive instead of the specific partition.
For a tailored setup, you can build partitions yourself. However, there are things that require configuration. Alternatively, you can begin with Linux installation, adjust the Linux/partition size, and then utilize the remaining space to form a new partition for Windows using tools like GParted or native Linux utilities.