Will installing an SSD running Linux on a PC with Windows 11 Pro SSD be successful?
Will installing an SSD running Linux on a PC with Windows 11 Pro SSD be successful?
I recently switched to a new system after my old one failed. I was using a SATA SSD running Linux Mint only, along with some VMs that had particular setups. There were also files that weren’t backed up to my cloud storage on the old drive. Now I have a fresh Windows 11 Pro system on its first card, and I’m considering putting the old one in the second M.2 slot to access my Linux data. I’m concerned about possible compatibility problems or damage to the old SSD since the Linux OS was installed there separately without a Windows dual boot. Is it safe to try booting from the old SSD, or are there better options?
As long as Linux and Windows are on separate disks and each OS installed without other at that time, there would be no problems.
Normally, you would have to enter BIOS and change BOOT order but there's easier way, Set Windows disk as default BOOT disk and make a BOOT time menu that would let you switch to Linux. It can be done thru msconfig.exe or easier way by using EasyBCD to do it for you.
https://www.techspot.com/downloads/3112-easybcd.html
If you start Windows with the Linux SSD installed, it will attempt access but fail, prompting you with a warning about needing to format this drive—something risky because overlooking it could lead to data loss.
Old Linux systems can boot even with backup or default drivers, though graphics might be poor; copying files should work if the system boots sufficiently.
The best approach is to completely remove the Windows drive, or at least use a bootable USB with Linux to recognize the SSD partitions immediately, enabling smooth file transfers.
It won't fail when using different disks with separate OS installations. Each system functions properly even during a triple boot of the latest Linux Mint, along with two versions of Windows 11 as outlined. There is no interference between the operating systems, and all files are recognized correctly on each disk. Updates perform smoothly across all setups.
I've placed the card with the Linux OS, but it isn't being recognized even in the BIOS. The connection looks correct; the M.2 slot type with the M key works, yet the M.2 SATA still fits. Are there any further steps I can suggest to help troubleshoot?
Which model names do your storage devices have?
The model name for the new motherboard is unclear.
The M.2 slot you're filling might not be compatible with the M.2 drive you're using.
The SSD that isn't being detected is the Team group MS30 512GB model.
https://www.teamgroupinc.com/en/product-...512G0C101/
The motherboard is an ASUS Prime B850M-A Wifi CSM.
PRIME B850M-A WIFI-CSM offers the AMD Ryzen™ 9000 series with DDR5, PCIe 5.0, WiFi 6E, advanced AI, strong cooling, and full customization options.
www.asus.com
The SSD is located in the M.2_2 slot, but it's unclear how to verify its compatibility.
None of the M.2 slots on your motherboard accommodate SATA M.2 devices. Only NVME M.2 drives are compatible. Consider using an M.2 SATA adapter to install your SATA M.2 drive, and then connect it as a standard 2.5" SATA SSD.