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Will installing windows on a separate drive break my current linux install? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) by Quills@sh.itjust.works to c/techsupport@lemmy.world

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So, i use linux, i don't have any windows install on my disk, but someone wants me to install windows on their HDD, so, if i plug said HDD on one of my sata ports and try to install windows 10 on it, will it mess with my linux boot? if yes, is there a way to prevent that without physically disconnecting my main drive? (my main is an nvme ssd, that's why I'd rather not remove it, already suffered enough trying to screw that in ther

Edit: Fortunally i got to convince the person to bring their whole PC, so now i won't have to deal with this anymore! Thank you very much for all the answers everyone

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[–] ShunkW@lemmy.world 12 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Windows is notorious for fucking with GRUB and other bootloaders. You might be able to go into your BIOS and disable your main drive while doing the install to prevent any issues. But it's been so long since I've tried to do that, maybe verify before taking my advice.

[–] Quills@sh.itjust.works 1 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (2 children)

Sadly only SATA ports can be disabled on my board, that doesn't seem to be possible to do to the nvme port, but thanks there!

[–] circuitfarmer@lemmy.world 5 points 8 months ago

I'd even suggest unplugging the Linux drive entirely. Let Windows install as if it is on the only drive. When complete, plug everything back in and set up your boot order accordingly. Manually add the Windows drive to your Linux bootloader.

[–] ShunkW@lemmy.world 2 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

Ah bummer. Definitely be careful. Unfucking Windows bootloader bullshit can be tedious and annoying in my experience. And I haven't messed with it since secure boot and stuff started which I've heard could be even worse.

Honestly why not just get their whole PC and install it for them instead of just getting the HDD?

[–] Quills@sh.itjust.works 1 points 8 months ago

Yeaah.

Fortunally i got to convince the person to bring their whole PC, so now i won't have to deal with this anymore! Thank you very much for the answers you and everyone here!