Hello guys,

I bought a new SSD (WD black sn770 2 TB) for my laptop and I also got a USB-C hub which includes a slot for an SSD. My old SSD is 512 GB

So here is what I want to do: I want to change to Linux from Windows 11. I want to keep my old SSD in the USB-C hub with Windows still installed in case I need it for some software/games but Linux will now be my main OS.

Are there any tips or recommendations on things I should look out for when doing this?

I also don’t know if I can just install Linux in what is ATM the external SSD and then swap it out afterwards with the SSD inside the laptop without having to do anything extra and if it will just work like that.

I plan on following this tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfWdnCIrcxk.

Also any recommendations on how I can safely transfer some files? Do I need a special software?

In case interested this is the distro that I plan on using: https://garudalinux.org

As a side note, I did check that the SSD is compatible with my computer and has everything right.

  • Telorand@reddthat.com
    4·
    4 days ago

    It may work to swap drives, but you should definitely minimize physical swapping if possible. Pick where the drives will live, then try to stick with that (or be ready to do some troubleshooting). Create a Linux install media for your chosen distro, put the empty drive in the laptop, and boot from the install media. Most distros come with a graphical installer, so you should be able to navigate from there.

    Also, for the best experience, the drive inside the laptop should be your daily driver, anyway. USB-C is great, but you’ll have the best I/O with the slot on the mainboard, which is both physically closer to the CPU and likely uses NVMe. If you plan on making Linux your daily driver, that should be the drive in the laptop.

    Lastly, try booting from a live ISO where you can give it a test run before you install. Might identify any glaringly obvious issues with your hardware before you go through the trouble, though not all distros have live media.

    Good luck, OP! I’m right there with you, making the switch to Linux, though I’m just going to relegate Windows to a VM.