Need guidance on configuring a dual boot setup?
Need guidance on configuring a dual boot setup?
I'm considering moving to Linux from Windows but need Windows 10 for certain tasks. I'm thinking about setting up a dual boot and have heard that using a separate dedicated SSD is better than adding another partition on the current drive. My current setup includes a 500GB NVMe SSD for Windows and programs, plus a 4TB HDD for files and games. I’m planning to switch to zorinOS.
What’s the best choice for a dual boot? Should I opt for another NVMe SSD or just a standard SSD? What size drive should I use—250GB, 500GB, or 1TB? Will I still be able to access my HDD data even if it uses a different file system? Any tips or advice would be helpful. Thanks!
linux supports reading ntfs drives, ensuring your data hdd remains reachable. the specific drive type isn't crucial; i prefer an nvme drive for daily linux usage and a separate one for windows. the choice of drive and speed hinges on your needs once windows is active. a standard sata ssd suffices for most tasks, though faster nvme drives offer benefits only for specialized work. the size should match your linux requirements and necessary applications. a 1 tb ssd works well unless you discover a better deal on a larger capacity.
since you already have windows on a small ssd, i recommend leaving it untouched and installing linux on your new 1 tb ssd. remove all other drives except the linux one until everything is operational. then reinstall the remaining ones, configuring the boot drive in bios and using f8 to switch between windows and linux at startup.
i should mention that i’m unsure if steam games for windows will run on linux, so it might be possible but not guaranteed. this is something to consider while planning your transition.
Your current configuration includes a 500GB NVMe SSD for Windows and applications, plus a 4TB HDD for files and games. You intend to transition to zorinOS. You might consider Bazzite; see the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovOx4_8ajZ8
It's ideal to keep them on separate disks. In your situation, I would put Linux on the 4TB drive, as it uses minimal space—just ensure a big enough partition is available and turn off Windows during installation. This was my approach before switching to a 2TB drive. Additionally, I made Windows the primary boot option, allowing me to start with the boot menu and select the desired OS without entering BIOS. This method saves time and effort. Program to set it up easily
https://neosmart.net/EasyBCD/