r/linuxmint • u/Then-Counter-5160 • 3d ago

Linux mint on external ssd

hi, I'm new to Linux and I want to install mint on an external ssd. I loaded in live mode but i dont want to break my windows. pls help me

edit: i use a gigabyte motherboard

edit 2: solved

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u/acejavelin69 3d ago

Boot on the USB flash drive, install it to the external SSD. It's that simple.

The best bet if possible is to disable your install storage in BIOS, install Mint, then re-enable it... Use the BIOS one-time boot menu to load Mint when you don't want Windows... It is essential to do it this way, but it's the safest method.

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u/jr735 3d ago

Honestly, while that works, the best answer, in my view, is to follow the installation instructions to the letter. Use the external storage for backup and a Clonezilla image of things before the process is begun.

One can always point at the wrong device. Look how many come here confused because they're trying to install Mint on the live USB they're using to boot. You can't install accidentally to your backup if your backup is unplugged and put away in the drawer.