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My system configuration is:

 1. 256 GB SSD (Win 10 installed)
 2. 2TB HDD (here I want to install Ubuntu with 200 GB space)
 3. UEFI + GPT
 4. Acer Predator Helios 3000
 5. 16GB RAM/ Intel Core i7 9th Gen/ 6GB Nvidia GTX 1660Ti

I have pre-installed Win 10 Home on my SSD. I want to install Ubuntu 20 LTS on my HDD with dual boot.

Here's what I have tried-

I have read lot of articles and came up with conclusion that the installation of Ubuntu could be proceeded as per the recommendation, with bootloader installed in SSD alongside Windows Boot-Loader in order to get the dual boot done.

My problem-

My system uses SATA Mode- RST Premium with Optane option while booting Windows. If I use this option, then my Ubuntu won't boot. If I set SATA Mode from RST Premium with Optane to AHCI, then Ubuntu gets booted but not Windows.

Here is where I need help. Previously while installing ubuntu, I had also tried to create an EFI partition in HDD, but that also had its own issue (only Ubuntu would boot; for Windows, I have to go again to BIOS and manually select boot option every time, or I have to do some mind-blowing coding in GRUB black screen to boot into Ubuntu some times. A lot of problems).

If its not a big issue, I want to keep the bootloaders of both the OS in SSD. However, I want to install Ubuntu in HDD and keep my Win10 in SSD. Also, after doing the installation, I want a simple dual boot screen from which I could easily boot either of the two OS. No more entering into the BIOS every time I have to toggle my OS.

Thanks for your answers.

Kountay Dwivedi
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  • All operating systems are supposed to share the same EFI. – Nmath Nov 08 '20 at 03:57
  • I still like to have an ESP on every drive, even if just for backup. But you have add AHCI drivers into Windows first. Windows AHCI instructions - some have found safeboot method better https://www.dell.com/community/Laptops-General-Read-Only/Dell-M-2-FAQ-regarding-AHCI-vs-RAID-ON-Storage-Drivers-M-2-Lanes/td-p/5072571 & https://askubuntu.com/questions/1233623/workaround-to-install-ubuntu-20-04-with-intel-rst-systems & https://discourse.ubuntu.com/t/ubuntu-installation-on-computers-with-intel-r-rst-enabled/15347 – oldfred Nov 08 '20 at 04:03
  • @Nmath - I see. I actually read in articles where it was mentioned to create a separate EFI partition while installing Ubuntu. But thanks for your insight. – Kountay Dwivedi Nov 08 '20 at 04:13
  • Does this answer your question? How can I install Ubuntu on a second hard drive with Windows being on the first? – user68186 Mar 18 '21 at 20:14

1 Answers1

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Dual Boot Ubuntu 20 with Win 10 on Separate Disks

You do not need to install Ubuntu's bootloader on the same disk as Windows boot loader.

  • Assuming Windows boots in UEFI mode:

  • Unplug the Windows SSD before installing Ubuntu.

  • Boot Ubuntu install USB in UEFI mode.

  • Install Ubuntu.

  • Plug in Windows SSD.

  • Set Ubuntu HDD as first hard drive.

  • Boot Ubuntu and run sudo update-grub to add Windows to Ubuntu's bootloader menu.

This method will preserve the Windows bootloader on the SSD in case the HDD is ever moved or replaced.

C.S.Cameron
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