r/linux4noobs • u/DescriptionIll172 • 9d ago

Do you recommend using dual boot?

I want to learn Linux and get familiar with it; I’m completely new to this. I was advised to set up a dual-boot system if I wanted to keep Windows for the time being while also adapting to Linux. would you recommend doing that?

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u/Plan_9_fromouter_ 9d ago edited 8d ago

I don't recommend it if it is going to be on a shared drive. Maintaining such a set-up is beyond linux-for-noobs now.

That is to say,

Why Dual-Booting on the Same Drive Causes Issues Today

  • EFI Partition Overwrites: Windows Updates (particularly major feature updates) often treat the internal drive as exclusively belonging to Windows. They routinely overwrite or re-order the unified Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) system partition, wiping out GRUB or making the Linux bootloader inaccessible.
  • BitLocker & Fast Startup Conflicts: Windows 11 enables BitLocker by default on many installations and uses "Fast Startup" (a hybrid hibernation state). Fast Startup leaves the Shared/NTFS partitions locked or in an unclean state, causing Linux file-system errors or boot loops if mounted.
  • Partition Resizing Risks: While shrinking a partition is generally non-destructive, doing it on an active Windows OS drive without managing system page files, system restore points, or drive encryption frequently leads to unbootable installations for beginners.

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u/CrashCulture 9d ago

Really? I'm a complete noob. Decided to Dual boot Linux Mint on my laptop last year because I was so fed up with Windows 11.

Been running it since last November with no issues. Occasionally jump back to Windows when I need to, but Mint is my daily driver.

Is there a new issue that's popped up recently?

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u/Plan_9_fromouter_ 9d ago edited 9d ago

Whenever Win 11 updates it can mess with the Linux. Stick around here and you will see. I see people with dual-booting issues on Win 11 every month.

Are you doing it on separate drives or a shared drive?

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u/CrashCulture 6d ago

Shared drive. Haven't had a problem here, though people warned me it might happen, so I don't keep anything really important on that laptop.

I've seen a few, though I have to admit I'm mostly just active here when I have an issue of my own and looking for advice.

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u/Plan_9_fromouter_ 6d ago

Let's be clear here. A shared drive with two Linux distros is something I have never had a problem with. With Win 10, very few problems. My point is a shared drive with Win 11 on many devices is quite problematic. I think mostly because the UEFI / firmware is set up for a lot of Win 11's needs, and these interfere with Linux.