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!

  • Classy Hatter
    3·
    5 months ago

    Depending on your needs, virtual machine might be the easiest solution.

    • untorquer@lemmy.worldOP
      11·
      5 months ago

      Dual boot is my preference. I want either OS to be able to do system management and direct hardware access.

        • untorquer@lemmy.worldOP
          11·
          5 months ago

          Windows for work exclusively. Linux for everything else. I’m also trading out Linux for performance and compatibility with programs in the hopes i can fully switch over eventually. I basically want two computers but using the hardware of one.

          • El Barto@lemmy.world
            1·
            5 months ago

            Ok, I thought you’d be saying something about games or heavy computing.

            You could use Linux as your main driver, and use Windows For Work in a virtualized environment.

            • untorquer@lemmy.worldOP
              1·
              5 months ago

              Hrmm… I could try vm but i want full power either way. Any issues that arise with commercial CAD and cod software would be a headache. I have little experience with vm and it seems like it’s negligibly different in terms of headache than having a dual boot system. I’m not short on drive space or anything. I do need to have some code dev in either os as well

              • El Barto@lemmy.world
                2·
                5 months ago

                Ah, so you do have a high computing need. CAD software definitely requires it.

                So, if I understood correctly, you’d be using a desktop machine - is that correct?

                Is getting a second machine with which you can share screen+keyboard+mouse feasible?

                • untorquer@lemmy.worldOP
                  1·
                  5 months ago

                  Not worth it in terms of budget. Both sides will be using cpu rather comparably. Linux side will def be using more gpu. I also can’t justify purchasing two computers with the company. The hardware is kind of a bonus from them and my personal budget needs to go elsewhere but I’m free to use/modify the computer for personal use as long as i continue to deliver on work. The company is (very) small enough i can get this kind of benefit every very long ince in a while😁

                  I think the consensus in this thread is that my issue was centered around using a partitioned drive for both instead of separate drives which is my current plan. If things still get whacky I’ll try stronger approaches.

                  My history is specifically windows attacking linux/bootloader so i’m not concerned I’ll be risking any work stuff as long as they aren’t futzing with each other’s storage.

                  I also have full control over windows group policies (admin in general) so i can really change it to my liking and minimize windows damage from the software side. There’s lots of software solutions for issues around storage use.

                  Furthermore, my old pc is going to be a home sync server so it will handle shared data to avoid the need to fish through the opposed drive.