Arch Linux

ThreeMonkeys

Member

Registered: 2015-07-10

Posts: 16

[SOLVED] Dual boot with Windows 8.1 and Archlinux each on a HD

Hi!

I am using Windows 8.1, installed on a SSD with GPT partitioning. My computer boots up in UEFI mode, with Secure Boot enabled.

I want to install Archlinux on a second SSD, and I'd like to be able to dual boot.

At first, I considered reusing Windows EFI partition, but it seemed dangerous: what if I get rid of the first SSD? Here is what I am planning to do :

1. install Archlinux on the second SSD, as if it were alone, using GPT partitioning, creating an EFI partition and so on;

2. configure a boot loader with Linux AND Windows 8.1 entries (maybe systemd-boot) on this SSD (the Windows entry will point to the first SSD);

3. change the boot order of my UEFI firmware, by choosing the second SSD before the first.

Does it seem the best way to do it, according to you? Will I be able to use Secure Boot (at least for Windows 8.1)?

Last edited by ThreeMonkeys (2015-07-15 07:19:20)

Head_on_a_Stick

Member

From: The Wirral

Registered: 2014-02-20

Posts: 9,003

Website

Re: [SOLVED] Dual boot with Windows 8.1 and Archlinux each on a HD

The general advice is to share the EFI system partition.

If you get rid of the first SSD, just create a new ESP and reinstall the linux package (or whatever kernel package you are using) and your boot{loader,manager} or make some new NVRAM entries along with the relevant changes to your fstab (if you use one).

In respect of Secure Boot: it is theoretically possible to generate your own keys, self-sign your kernel image, initrd & boot{loader,manager} and enrol the keys into your firmware ("BIOS"):
http://www.rodsbooks.com/efi-bootloader … eboot.html
http://kroah.com/log/blog/2013/09/02/bo … nux-kernel

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Jin, Jîyan, Azadî

ThreeMonkeys

Member

Registered: 2015-07-10

Posts: 16

Re: [SOLVED] Dual boot with Windows 8.1 and Archlinux each on a HD

Thank you very much for your answer! I will follow your advice, regarding the ESP. I will however create an empty partition at the beginning of the 2nd SSD, if I want to use it as an ESP in the future.

According to the wiki, I will mount the first SSD ESP as /boot.

Nevertheless, Secure Boot seems really complicated... I think I will get rid of it for the beginning.

Head_on_a_Stick

Member

From: The Wirral

Registered: 2014-02-20

Posts: 9,003

Website

Re: [SOLVED] Dual boot with Windows 8.1 and Archlinux each on a HD

You're welcome.

Please add "[SOLVED]" to the thread title for the benefit of others

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Jin, Jîyan, Azadî

ThreeMonkeys

Member

Registered: 2015-07-10

Posts: 16

Re: [SOLVED] Dual boot with Windows 8.1 and Archlinux each on a HD

It worked perfectly: I'm now able to boot Arch Linux or Windows 8.1 with UEFI. I'm using the same ESP, systemd-boot as a bootloader, and got rid of Secure Boot (for now).

As planned, I created an empty partition (ef00 type) at the beginning my second SSD, which will be used as ESP if I want to remove the first SSD.

Thanks again Head_on_a_Stick!