No. Windows will, however, find other reasons to break.
this post was submitted on 25 May 2025
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Microsoft, uh, finds a way.
I got tired of windows updates breaking my dual boot. After some research I found that it's possible to have two uefi partitions: one for windows and one for Linux. It's not standard but there is nothing expressly written into the efi spec that prohibits it. And it just works. My bios doesn't care, and works with them both just fine.
I only use Windows for that 1% of business stuff I can't accomplish in a vm under windows. Invariably after I boot into widows once ever 3 months it installs so.e update and would kill my ability to boot into Linux. Since setting up 2 partitions I haven't had this problem.
Hopefully the day comes soon when we can just leave Windows behind altogether. I wouldn't be surprised if they ruin dualboot on purpose with every update.
What is that 1%? I've got windows on a vm and I'm curious
My company uses a VPN where the client is so slow inside the VM it is functionally useless. 99%of the time I can still get away with it because my connection amounts to a couple of telnet sessions, but when I actually need data or a spreadsheet or something transferred local, I need to fire up windows directly to snag it.
Sonicwall has a VPN client that will run fine on Linux (or so they say), but the company won't switch over to it. And sonicwall considers the windows only version eol and won't add a Linux version
One example I have is the university breaking their VPN on Linux. They moved us from an open source VPN to some proprietary crap but I found an open source client that worked on Linux. Then they did something on the config that broke that client, and IT told me to use the proprietary client instead. But the proprietary client crashes if you even so much move the window slightly. So I gave up, and just use my Windows partition instead.
Stuff like this is why my Windows partition still exists. I've also thought about getting a cheap Mac Mini for this sort of thing, and for dealing with the MS Office suite when the web version craps out (as it often does).
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.
Windows wont care either way, it's just an unreadable partition to it.
No, encrypted or not won't matter, because the boot partition is still unencrypted.
I don't think anyone recommends dual booting these days. If you're not watchful, an upgrade on one system might break the boot config for the other.
But if the OS are installed on two separate hard drives they shouldn't interfer?
Depends. A naive installer will always install to the first drive in the boot order. I haven't dual booted in years, so I don't know how smart they are these days.
That's been my go to solution for years. Only had one failure. I'm still suspecting Windows 7.
Nah it should be fine.
Microsoft intentionally broke dual boot for like 9 months. Windows is malware. Use two systems if one needs to be malware.
[edit: I love how you cowards downvote me despite never actually articulating a counterpoint🖕🖕]
Amen. If not this at least separate drives.
Corporate boot stack IS malware, if you have the money or skillz x hardware, open boot, kids. Just say no to corporate stacks where possible from boot to network one day!
[edit: love the no actual objection downvotes, you cowards are standing up for... something...]
[edit: love the no actual objection downvotes, you cowards are standing up for... something..
You just come across as abrasive.
Even though i agree with you, I still think you're a bit of an ass.
It is telling that you are willing to subvert a message you agree with because the messenger doesn't tickle all your itches... one might characterize you as an ass. But I would never do that as it would be abrasive.
You just need to tailor your message better, is all. Nobody resonates with doomsayers, even if they may be right.
Honestly I don’t see where he could be “abrasive” aside from the edits addressing those who are downvoting, which is well-deserved imo, and definitely not grounds for a downvote for information that you do agree with.
If you want to be safe backup anything you care about before hand. Assume that you might end up needing to wipe the system and reinstall everything. Encrypting the Linux partitions should not affect windows but there are so many other steps that could go wrong when partitioning and installing a system it is better to backup everything you care about just incase.