Possible setup: run both Linux (Pop OS) and Windows simultaneously on the same storage device.
Possible setup: run both Linux (Pop OS) and Windows simultaneously on the same storage device.
You're considering dual booting Pop OS and Windows on the same drive—this setup can work but may lead to conflicts or instability if not configured carefully. Regarding SSD issues during Windows updates, they’re generally manageable with proper tools. For 3D art projects, each distro has its strengths: Pop!_OS offers a lightweight environment, Ubuntu provides extensive software support, Manjaro brings stability and flexibility, and Fedora excels in open-source tools. Choose based on your specific needs.
I perform this task across multiple platforms, divided by partitions. The ideal distribution varies depending on your needs. Ubuntu offers a gentle learning curve, making it a good starting point if you're new to it.
Windows doesn't completely erase itself, but certain newer versions caused problems—like deleting user files or preventing startup. To prevent this, avoid installing the latest updates (review the settings in Windows Update).
I believe it’s wise to back up your files first. Even if Windows can be reinstalled, your personal items like photos, videos, and documents are safe. Updates aren’t something you should wait forever for—Windows update settings only let you delay them for a short period. You’ll need to adjust the registry or GPO settings to stop automatic updates. The best approach is to skip the MS-issued “feature updates” and instead tweak the GPOs so Windows checks for updates but doesn’t install them automatically. That way, you get alerts when needed, just like I did after some issues with my computer.