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Install Ubuntu on external drive without removing internal drive? (during installation)

rated 0 times [ 2] [ 0] / answers: 1 / hits: 2388 / 1 Year ago, sat, may 13, 2023, 12:32:08

All the guides I've read on installing Ubuntu to an external drive strongly recommend unplugging the internal drive before installation. Is there a way around this? I have a Macbook Pro, and I'd really prefer not having to open and take my SSD out.

Given the flexibility of Linux, I would imagine there's a way to ignore the internal drive during the installation.

And I'd at least be interested in the explanation why this isn't possible, if that's the case :)

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answered 1 Year ago nuehan · Accepted Answer

You can install Ubuntu onto an external (or internal for that matter) drive without removing the internal drive. You just need to make sure you understand how linux identifies drives and where you install grub.

IMO most people who make such recommendations either

Do not understand grub.

Make such recommendations "just in case".

I do not want you to take my advice as dismissive, when installing a operating system, data loss (due to over writing your data) is a mouse click away.

Probably the 2 most important steps for you to take are:

Make a backup.

Read and understand the installation documentation.