How to safely partition a Windows 10 XPS 15 9550 and add Linux ?

Question

I just received my new XPS 15, and am (cautiously) setting it up as a data science workhorse. Windows 10 will be my primary O/S, but I also want Linux. There are so many forum discussions that I don't know what direction to follow.  It seems that a dual-boot setup risks wiping the Dell O/S recovery sectors during disk partitioning.  So, it might be safer to just run Linux from a flash drive (or even run cygwin). On the other hand, it seems crazy not to partition a 1 TB drive, anyway. (On my bespoke desktop I have separate partitions for O/S, programs, and data.)  So, I need to find out how to partition safely -- whether or not I put Linux on one. Are there standard procedures or guidelines from Dell on partitioning and setting up Linux in a dual-boot environment?  Thanks!

theflash1932 · Accepted Answer

With dual-booting Linux and Windows, the Windows boot loader is not used - you use the Linux boot loader (unless you choose the WUBI installation. Most modern Linux distros can use UEFI, and some can even use Safe Boot. Turn off Safe Boot in the BIOS and install Linux. Linux's boot loader will be used and will give you the option to boot Windows or Linux.

beamermt79 · Answer

Hello!  So i'm not a linux expert, however I have read from multiple sources that the Windows 10 UEFI boot loader does not play well with other OS partitions.  I've also read that for some reason people have had issues with UEFI in general and linux.  I think until you get a definitive answer, you keep the linux distro on your USB drive for now.

AltShift · Answer

Thanks, that certainly sounds like the safest approach.

Gazevs · Answer

As described by @theflash1932 Linux works perfectly well with UEFI.  I dual boot to Linux Mint 18 on my XPS15 9550 and the only hic-cup is the Broadcom Wifi/Bluetooth card, however there is a lot of info out there on how to resolve this.  Just Google 'Dell XPS 15 9550 Ubuntu' and you will see how to do it.

AltShift · Answer

Thanks, Gazevs!

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