Hi

I believe so.

However IF you changed the internal 2230 for a higher capacity, and then made the old/existing NVMe and a case for backups?

Also boot options may be a sticking point, 

A simple setup for most users is:  EFI System Partition: 512MB to 1GB on UEFI systems

And W11... Minimum sizes: for UEFI/GPT systems Windows expects an EFI System Partition (ESP) of at least 200 MB (FAT32) and an MSR of 16 MB;

Therefore I would not expect to be able to expand the W11 EFI system partition, as it would wipe out the recovery area.

So please proceed with caution on installation (and consider the option to go LARGE).

I was thinking of going with 512 Gb but the prices are very steep for SSDs. This fellow makes it look easy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glu1f90NrJc

Apparently the Windows stuff is not affected; will backup data. Thanks for your input Anne

Hi

IF you have yet to purchase anything, but you do have a USB stick of 8GB or larger, then you can practice/trial run Mint as a LIVE OS.

https://www.fosslinux.com/60398/create-a-linux-mint-usb-drive-with-persistence.htm

The persistence means you can download or save documents in a separate area on the USB.

IF that works and you are happy to proceed, follow the video.

Get your BitLocker Key from MS first.

If in doubt please ask.

Yes, thanks. I have tried Zorin. I think Mint will be a better choice long-term. My biggest concern is how everything will play out - especially hardware. I would like to leave the external permanently plugged in; don't want to wear out the USB-C port. Will let you know... and thanks again.

PS I probably will run the live Mint distro just to be sure.

Yes, it should work.

Install Windows first.

Install Linux with GRUB.

Dedicated drives for each. The GRUB goes on "the Linux drive".

Only thing is ... if this is a UEFI-class computer ... both "main drives" need to physically inside computer (or partitions there-of). 

Tesla1856

This system only has one ssd slot. That said your last statement is quzzical. If you watch the video the setup is on an UEFI BIOS. In the video person says to turn off Secure Boot but doesn't mention it's okay to re-enable it. I'm assuming it was an oversight (or obvious) that you can/should. > ??

Two questions.

1. Re the SSD Controller:

I currently have a 256 Gb SSD installed. The maximum tested size of my 5410's is 512 Gb re SSD size (capacity ?). If I purchase a 512 external SSD for the 'Linux drive' would I be 'overloading' the system, ie the SSD Controller OR would I be fine since if I boot to the external Linux SSD drive the other (read internal) drive would not be accessed/pushed ?

2. I have AHCI enabled in BIOS; can I assume that can remain unchanged for this 2-Drive dual-boot scenario ? 

@Maxd1​ ,

1. This system only has one ssd slot.

2. That said your last statement is quzzical.

3. If you watch the video the setup

4. I'm assuming it was an oversight (or obvious) that you can/should. > ??

5. Re the SSD Controller: I currently have a 256 Gb SSD installed. The maximum tested size of my 5410's is 512 Gb re SSD size (capacity ?).

6. If I purchase a 512 external SSD for the 'Linux drive' would I be 'overloading' the system, ie the SSD Controller OR would I be fine since if I boot to the external Linux SSD drive the other (read internal) drive would not be accessed/pushed ?

7. I have AHCI enabled in BIOS; can I assume that can remain unchanged for this 2-Drive dual-boot scenario ? 

  

1. Then you would split into multiple partitions (and Windows will get it's own).

2. I think I understand ... you want a Windows/Linux Dual-Boot on a laptop.

3. No thank you

4. I would try

5. 1tb SSD should also work. Why would it not?

6. Again, I don't think it's going to dual-boot (as you will like) via USB. AFAIK, you would have to use F12 each time you want to boot a USB drive. Personally, I would want to use GRUB to boot either OS.

7. Yes, AHCI should be fine.

Hi

With regards to F12...

I found, on my iMac, that having, the absolutely excellent, rEFInd as the boot loader covered all bases.

@anne_droid​ 

I thank you both for your learned comments.