Would it be a bad idea to run 3 different OSs?
Posted by shiftyrebbit@reddit | linux | View on Reddit | 31 comments
I don't feel comfortable switching straight over to Linux mint no matter what so I would prefer to try it alongside Windows 11. For context I have used Mint previously but decided to switch my Mint dual boot for Kali Linux as I am interested in cybersecurity, but I would prefer to keep that separate as I don't see Kali as fit for daily use, but I would like to start experimenting with Mint as a main OS.
Would it be a bad/weird idea to triple boot 3 different operating systems on my computer?
inbetween-genders@reddit
Run that on a usb stick?
shiftyrebbit@reddit (OP)
Wouldn’t do that because it annoys me and I only have 2 usb sticks, one of which is crappy and old and the other one I want for file storage.
inbetween-genders@reddit
Just buy new ones. That’s what I did. I only had 1 usb stick. The other two I had went bad.
michaelpaoli@reddit
Nope, you can do that just fine.
IrrerPolterer@reddit
Only question is, why would you? Ultimately everyone ends up just sticking to their preferred os anyway.
shiftyrebbit@reddit (OP)
Windows 11 feels like one big shitty Microsoft ad at the moment. I reinstalled my windows recently and realised the insane amount of bloatware and adware that comes with it. It’s weird but this feels suffocating to me so thats part of the reason I want to move to Linux.
SexyPregnantDog@reddit
use kali in a vm
shiftyrebbit@reddit (OP)
I have done this in the past but its a struggle to run two monitors in a virtual machine especially at a high refresh rate which does make a difference to me even for non gaming purposes.
Even with one 60Hz monitor I have experience severe keyboard delay and terrible performance with kali VMs as I was never able to remove the turtle in the bottom even after disabling hyper v.
Chris73m@reddit
I don't understand why so many people seem to need some kind of 'permission' from strangers to do what they want to do.
If you want to triple boot, just do it.
If it doesn't go to your liking, then you've learned something and you move on.
shiftyrebbit@reddit (OP)
I’m not asking for permission. Generally if you are inexperienced it makes sense to question if something is a good idea.
savorymilkman@reddit
On the same drive? No. 3 diff drives? Who cares? Lol
shiftyrebbit@reddit (OP)
2 different drives main 120GB for windows boot second ~450Gb for both Linux’s
gwynaark@reddit
Not really no, though most guides and tutorials you might find talk more about dual booting. Also, Kali Linux is perfectly usable as a daily driver imo, what makes you think it isn't ?
shiftyrebbit@reddit (OP)
Nothing specific about it I know it could work it just feels wrong. I’d also prefer to keep it separate from my other stuff.
JellyBeanUser@reddit
as long you have enough storage, it shouldn't be a problem – but install Windows on a separate drive because it will screw up your Linux bootloader.
shiftyrebbit@reddit (OP)
I am aware of this issue and I heard it is caused by windows updates messing up boot flags when Linux and WBM are on the same EFI partition. A guy on YouTube did a video on how to install them together but I chose to use my second SSD anyway
zardvark@reddit
There is nothing special about Kali Linux, apart from the typical pen testing tools are preinstalled for you. You can find these very same tools in the repos of most distributions. So, unless you find something missing from the Mint repo, then there isn't a lot of value in either changing, or adding distros.
shiftyrebbit@reddit (OP)
I am aware of this and I chose kali Linux specifically because tools come preinstalled
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MichaelHatson@reddit
Keep kali on a usb stick or a vm
Itsme-RdM@reddit
Yes, perfectly fine. Free tip, use a separate drive for every OS.
In my case 1 x nvme 500gb for Fedora 42 Workstation as primary daily driver 1 x nvme 2tb for Windows 11 only for out of the box gaming 1 x ssd 256 Gb for openSUSE Tumbleweed, fun & testing
1 x 4Tb SSD for data, etc.
LBTRS1911@reddit
Install Linux Mint and use Kali in a VM.
NotSnakePliskin@reddit
I quad boot my main box with Mint, Zorin, Pop OS and Windows 10. As long as you are diligent when configuring a multi boot setup, you will be fine. Mint and Windows get their own disks, Zorin and Pop share one.
SystemAddikt@reddit
Definitely just keep kali on a usb drive.
Or use Ventoy and play around with as many different distros as you'd like until you've made a decision/
jerdle_reddit@reddit
You absolutely can, at least if you've got enough storage.
However, I would recommend keeping Kali in a VM or on a USB stick and dual-booting Mint and Windows.
Tehsillz@reddit
The distro doesnt matter much.. You can use security tools in mint or you can customize kali to make it look more like mint
NoelCanter@reddit
I run Windows 11 on its own drive and split a 4TB NVMe for Nobara and CachyOS and use a third NTFS Steam drive shared between all 3. Has worked like a charm. Took a little bit of figuring out the partitioning to add Cachy, but otherwise has been simple. No major issues. You should be fine triple booting.
Farados55@reddit
2 good options presented, live boot Kali from a USB stick or VM.
DGolden@reddit
the main problem is generally still microsoft windows in particular somehow doing horrible things to your boot config (though even microsoft windows "should" be a better citizen in the UEFI era), not how many different OSes other than microsoft windows you are dual/triple/N-booting.
That said, VMs exist. Just use a solid mainstream Linux distro on the host and bring up other stuff you're transiently casually interested in (potentially including Microsoft Windows) as qemu/kvm vm guests. Install virt-manager from your linux distro package repository to simplify vm startup/management.
firebreathingbunny@reddit
Technically it might work. But psychologically, if you never let go of Windows, you'll never let go of Windows. You know it's true.
GeoSabreX@reddit
Dual boot is fine. I did it for a few years. Even triple booted (win 7, win 10, Ubuntu).
Mint is a great daily OS. Most folks would probably say just run Kali in a VM on either machine. But if you're comfortable maneuvering partitions... Triple boot is definitely doable. Alternatively, let each OS have its own boot drive.