Running Windows and Pop_OS on separate hard drives Setting up dual operating systems from distinct storage devices
Running Windows and Pop_OS on separate hard drives Setting up dual operating systems from distinct storage devices
Hello everyone, I recently started using Pop_Os and it’s been quite helpful so far. The main issue is that I still need Windows for gaming and other tasks. Since both hard drives are identical, I kept the one with Windows and left the other empty. I thought I could switch OSes by changing the boot order in the BIOS, but now I can’t boot into Windows anymore. From Linux, I can access all my files on the other drive and main Windows files, but I’m stuck without a way to get back. What’s the right approach? Should I reinstall Windows or install a boot loader? This is my first dual-boot experience, and I’m not sure what to do next.
The HDD appears in the BIOS settings, yet shifting its position in the boot sequence causes a brief pause before switching to Pop_OS.
I believe pop_os replaced the Windows bootloader. You might need to repair it using a Windows installation media, but back up your files first. This could damage pop_os, requiring a full reinstall. When setting it up, ensure only one drive is selected to prevent more issues.
Set them up on a different HDD one by one while the other is off. This way each bootloader stays on its own drive. To change the operating system just pick the boot device in BIOS. Some systems let you do this with a quick key like F9 without opening the BIOS menu. Using this method gives you a separate OS drive where you can disconnect any one and keep the other active. The issue with dual booting is that the last OS installed will erase the bootloader on the first drive. If Pop-OS is on the second drive, it will have its bootloader in Windows. When you take the Windows drive off, you won’t be able to start Pop-OS because there’s no bootloader left.
Please let me know which operating system you'd like to install first, and I'll suggest the best option for you.
I did the same action and encountered the identical issue. I set up Pop-OS after disconnecting the additional storage devices, but when trying to boot into Windows, I had to choose a drive from the BIOS menu instead of following the boot sequence.