I am building a new PC. I want to run Linux and windows on separate SATA 2.5/3.5 SSD hard drives. I need windows (Winn11 Pro) for work. Linux will run all personal computing needs.

I have a horrible history with dual booting Linux and windows (grub getting murdered).

I currently plan to shut down the PC, switch power to the drives, and start up on the other OS.

Can i use a switch which only toggles power to each drive while keeping data cables attached to accomplish this? Will this be possible with windows on one drive?

Is there a smarter solution?

Example: https://www.amazon.com/Kingwin-Optimized-Controls-Provide-Longevity/dp/B00TZR3E70

Thanks!

  • @[email protected]English
    2•5 months ago

    Framework laptop solve this quite nicely, you can just have a one terabyte USB drive plugged in, use that as your operating system boot. And if you want to change operating systems pull them out and put them in like an old game boy cartridge.

    • @untorquerOP
      3•5 months ago

      Oh that’s neat! Maybe down the one i can pick one up if i start traveling for work XD

      • @[email protected]English
        5•5 months ago

        You can buy the USB drives they sell, and 3d print the slots for them, for your desktop.

        Or you can get an NVMe hot swap device like this. And then use straight NVMe drives if that’s more your style

        • @untorquerOP
          2•5 months ago

          Noted for the future!!! Thanks