Use USB to switch boot partitions
Use USB to switch boot partitions
I haven't tested it with EUFI, but on the old legacy startup it worked. Some users keep Windows installed, hide a secret encrypted Linux partition that Windows can't detect, and place /boot and bootloader on a USB drive. If the device was stolen or inspected by officials, it appeared like a standard Windows machine.
Why? That's complicated. Disconnect your Windows disk, set up Linux on the second one, then reconnect the Windows disk and use the BIOS menu to select. Or keep the Windows disk connected, install Linux on the second one and GRUB will recognize Windows and add it to the boot options so you can pick it at startup.
It's really absurd. Windows still detects encrypted partitions, but they remain inaccessible. Authorities won't rely on Windows to investigate your device if it's seized. The only true way to completely conceal a partition is by physically removing the drive; otherwise, even skilled technicians can locate it quickly.
Windows marks encrypted drives as unknown or unused. Breaking into one will be extremely time-consuming. Have you ever had your computer checked before? Yes, I have. The safest approach is to start with a blank copy so they can verify it quickly without trouble.
It’s simple in fact. The USB device functions like a real switch. I’ve done something like this before—added a switch to the power supply of my Linux disk. Now it boots Linux when the drive is active and Windows when it isn’t.
A quick visual check would likely be enough, but even minor attention would spark more doubt. I have no idea where you obtained this info—it’s incorrect. Windows doesn’t mark Linux partitions as unused or unrecognized; it indicates a valid, active partition is present. Some Windows programs can read encrypted Linux files using tools like LibreCrypt and EXT2Read, which support encrypted file systems. As mentioned, anyone with basic technical skills examining a large unlabeled hard drive partition would quickly question its purpose and contents. It won’t deceive anyone familiar with airport or border security personnel who have no computer knowledge.