Inquiries about installing Windows 10 on Linux
Inquiries about installing Windows 10 on Linux
I understand, I’m aware there are many discussions out there, but I haven’t found a specific thread that addresses these points. I’ll start by summarizing how I currently operate. Right now, I use Windows 10 on an SSD and Windows 7 on another SSD—just for smoother loading of older games and to avoid online issues. To switch between them, I enter BIOS settings and pick the appropriate drive. I don’t have a more straightforward method because I previously tried EasyBCD, which caused problems that made loading both OSes nearly impossible about a year ago. Now I have both systems safely backed up in an image, but I’m hesitant to risk losing everything again.
My main concerns are:
1. What decides which OS boots first—whether on separate drives or the same one?
2. If I need to reinstall Windows and both OSes are on the same drive, does that affect performance or space?
3. Could files or media behave differently depending on which OS is running? For example, a document that works on Linux might not open on Windows.
4. Testing games from Linux would require reinstalling them, even if I’m just curious.
I’m frustrated with the current setup and prefer something cleaner and more reliable, like Mint for everyday use, especially since I mainly play older PC games and don’t expect them to run well on Linux.
The bootloader handles the initial startup process. Microsoft uses BOOTMGR and GRUB is the standard choice for GNU/Linux. While both allow multiple operating systems, GRUB generally offers a smoother experience. The Windows partition remains separate, and the Linux installation stays distinct. Be mindful that these systems can occasionally affect each other—such as when updates to Windows 10 inadvertently break GRUB. For instance, certain updates introduced by Microsoft have altered partition settings, leading to hidden partitions or mismatches. Windows doesn’t support file systems like ext4, which is typical for Linux distributions. This means files saved in the Linux OS while running on Windows won’t be accessible vice versa. It’s usually best to allocate a third drive and store essential data there, allowing both systems to function together. Adjustments might be possible, but they can be challenging and may require reinstalling games on the Linux side.
The Linux bootloader tends to be simpler compared to the MS version. Maybe it’s because running Linux on a different HDD is more straightforward than dealing with a bootloader setup. The minimum storage needed for Linux alone would depend on your usage—productivity files, media, and backups—but it shouldn’t require as much space as Windows does. You might need to allocate at least several gigabytes depending on your needs. Regarding the installation, if you move games to another drive, they should work with Wine or similar tools. The issue with the second HDD is likely tied to the specific installation process rather than just storage size.
It's really helpful, thanks! I was thinking I might be out of space on my desktop, so I considered using partitions. Sounds a bit tricky, though. I’ll check my tower and hope I’m not missing anything.
When working with Microsoft products, compatibility often depends on how you set up your system. Installing Ubuntu on a machine already running Windows can handle partitions and link both operating systems smoothly. Conversely, adding Windows to an existing Ubuntu setup may cause conflicts, as Windows might ignore the installation or overwrite files. Running them together is generally stable, though updates could pose risks. Storage requirements differ significantly—GNU/Linux installations tend to be smaller than Windows ones. You can run Ubuntu on just a few GB, but a minimum of 20GB is advisable for smooth operation. Files stored on the Linux partition won’t be accessible from Windows due to differing file systems, though NTFS support in Linux avoids this issue. The key factor is the partitioning filesystem used.
There’s no single perfect method, but you can achieve good results either way. Using a Linux Mint USB involves formatting it properly, while a Windows 7 SSD setup gives more flexibility for testing. Your approach of keeping the Windows offline is smart—it helps avoid interruptions from updates or connectivity issues.
Use Rufus to make a Mint USB drive and then boot from it. This lets you choose to start without installing. For better support options, consider Ubuntu instead of Mint. Running it in a VM is possible but much slower than using actual hardware.
I have some concerns about Ubuntu. The appearance feels too similar to Apple products, the dock, and the font bother me. I also feel uneasy about the Amazon integration and data tracking mentioned. I made a Live USB, but it doesn’t install on my other drive as expected. With fast flash drives, I wanted to try Mint for a short time, but I can’t save settings. For Windows 7, I’m thinking about partitioning the SSD I have—it’s mostly used offline for games and has plenty of space. What do you think about that idea? Could I remove the partition and give the space back to Windows 7?
Previously, I stored game saves and shared files on a different NTFS partition or drive for use by both Windows 7 and Linux. That might be a viable option. Note that Linux typically doesn't install directly onto a USB drive. You can employ software to prepare a USB for a live distribution, similar to the CD/DVD format, though it usually only works on HDDs or SSDs. I tried using a bootable USB for a short period, but the available storage was quite limited, and it seems the system didn't support updating the distro on the USB—just adding files to user space.