Do I need to partition to dual boot?

[Chaosolous]

I have a friend who wants to get into Linux after their Windows 10 runs its course for updates at the end of this year. They don't want to get rid of Windows until they are comfortable or happy with Linux so they want to dual boot.

When I installed Linux Mint I went with a complete wipe or removal of Windows to just Linux. I don't know much about how to dual boot. I seen a few videos online but as always there's conflicting information.

Would someone be kind enough to link to a recommended guide video or, if you're so inclined, explain how to dual boot?

If partitioning is in fact required, is there a guide somewhere explaining the best way to go about it?

Thank you in advance, I appreciate any answers.

[_I_]

yes, drives need to be partitioned for data to be written to them

each os would need to have it own partitions
but ideally each os should be installed on its own drive so it can have boot and other partitions ll toether

remove the windows drives, and install linux only with the drive you want to use for linux
when complete, attach all drives, and use bios boot options to pick which to boot to

linux can see windows ntfs partitions, but is not always happy using them

[A&A]

Windows loves to overwrite EFI partitions making Linux bootloader unavailable if they are on the same drive.

Often the Linux installer can handle the partitioning automatically. The only thing he must do is to chose how much storage he wants on the old and new partition.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Best way would be disconnect the WinOS drive, connect another drive you can fresh format and install other OS to that drive

[Chaosolous]

Can I install Linux on a external HDD or SSD then just boot the PC from that USB on startup, instead of partitioning the internal SSD on their PC?

I know that I can "test" Linux Mint before officially installing it by just having the ISO boot from USB but that doesn't save anything, it's just to test it.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Yes you can use an external with a Linux distro. I evenrun Linuz off a Samsung Type C USB Flash Drive and it's fine that way.

First make a bootable Linux USB Flash Drive for installer purposes. When done shutdown the PC and Disconnect the WinOS drive. If you have secondary drives attached to WinO like a Steam Gamea drive Disconnect that as well. Then connect the USB OS installer media and the other drive of choice, either internal or external HDD or SSD that u will be installing new OS onto. Boot from the USB OS installer media

[HypersleepyNaputunia]

Usb stick linux
Just have rufus install your iso to usb stick then during pc bootup tell bios to boot from usb.

Other way is to add a second harddrive and install linux on it. During pc bootup you chose win or linux. But windows might overwrite your bootloader or even linux can overwrite your win bootloader. You can repair the bootloader by using your install iso and running boot repair tools. Not always 100 percent easy though

[Dusk of Oolacile]

Windows 10 will continue to get updates targeted at corporations for a fee. It'll be all over the internet, for anyone to easily access for free. Don't you remember the Windows XP Posready stuff? Youngsters these days... Windows 10 isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

[Bad 💀 Motha]

Początkowo opublikowane przez Dusk of Oolacile:

Windows 10 will continue to get updates targeted at corporations for a fee. It'll be all over the internet, for anyone to easily access for free. Don't you remember the Windows XP Posready stuff? Youngsters these days... Windows 10 isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Hmm well no it's for everyone. For the first time, consumer editions will have the option to pay for those updates. But this will end come Jan 2028.

However, yes the updates will get leaked, I can guarantee it. And thus free for all.

[Spanky]

run a vm. lots out there. linux, google chrome, or ubuntu or whatever