this post was submitted on 25 May 2025
38 points (93.2% liked)

Linux

54461 readers
633 users here now

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

Rules

Related Communities

Community icon by Alpár-Etele Méder, licensed under CC BY 3.0

founded 6 years ago
MODERATORS
 

I want to have a dual-boot laptop where half is Windows and half is Debian. If i encrypt Debian during installation, will it break Windows? I just want to be safe. Thanks in advance

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] Mirokhodets@lemmy.ml 2 points 3 days ago

When you install Debian with encryption (usually LUKS — Linux Unified Key Setup), only the partition where Debian is installed is encrypted. Windows will remain on a separate partition and will not be touched. Debian encryption does not break Windows, provided that: The partitions for Windows and Debian are clearly separated. You do not change or delete the Windows partition. The bootloader (GRUB) is correctly configured and not damaged. Usually, Debian will install GRUB, which will recognize Windows and add it to the boot menu. If something goes wrong during the bootloader (GRUB) installation, Windows boot may temporarily break. But this can be fixed — you can restore the Windows bootloader using a bootable USB stick. It is always better to back up important data before installation. When installing Debian, choose manual disk partitioning to accurately specify the partitions. Use encryption only for the Linux partition, leaving the Windows partition alone. Save a backup copy of the boot partition (for example, EFI) or make a full backup.