Hi. I’ve not really used Windows since the early 2000. Even then not much.

I have a single mini PC with windows on. And use it only for device firmware updates. As a ham radio nerd. You get many devices that can only be modified via windows.

Anyway it was set up with dual boot the normal way. Windows first as it came with it. Then make a real Linux partition to use the PC on my boat while travelling.

Now the issue is I am upgrading the Mini PC. Basically replacing memory and the tiny 128gb ssd. So need to install it all from scratch.

I have order a copy of windows 11 from ebay. (At a price I consider acceptable for the crap)

But its going to take several days to arrive. And I would like to be more efficient.

So I am hoping folks can advice me on the best way to set up the PC with Linux first then install Windows 11 later. Knowing windows has a habit of messing up grub etc.

  • 2xsaiko@discuss.tchncs.de
    42·
    5 months ago
    1. Stop using GRUB, it’s a horrible legacy sprawling mess, most of which you don’t need
    2. Windows doesn’t delete the bootloader with EFI boot, just make sure you have free partition space for it to create the system partition and a large enough EFI partition.
    • potkulautapaprika
      4·
      5 months ago

      For 1, grub is fine, but systemd-boot is simpler, so I’d say that as ‘use grub if you actually need it’

      For 2, has this actually ever happened to anyone in uefi times? Mbr overwrite was the good old times, now we have something at least better

      • 2xsaiko@discuss.tchncs.de
        2·
        5 months ago

        For 2, has this actually ever happened to anyone in uefi times? Mbr overwrite was the good old times, now we have something at least better

        I assume this is just from people remembering how that happens with MBR boot and just assuming it does the same with EFI.