is it possible to have 2 different bootable SSDs and use them from the same mac (separately of course)? any limitations to consider?

[chestbox]

basically as title says. would like to have 2 different bootable SSDs with different software installed, and based on my needs/tasks at hand, I would shut down my mac, switch the SSD and boot it back up.

is this possible without any issues? not sure if the mac needs one “main” drive and constantly switching isn’t advised?

if it is indeed possible, any “smaller issues” to be aware of? ie. icloud or apple music? would it be best to only login to it, from one of the SSDs?
anything to consider?


if it matters, i have a late 2012 imac, currently running catalina, and if possible would install catalina on 2nd SSD as well

edit: spelling

 

[DaveFromCampbelltown]

Yes.

1. Install macOS on each SSD.
2. Switch to either by
   1. rebooting and holding down the Option key when it goes "Bong" and choosing the one you want
   2. or go to System Preferences, click on Startup Disk, choose the one you want and reboot.

Or

1. Install one instance of macOS
2. Create two users
3. Log into each user and set up the apps you want for that user on the Dock.

The second option is the one I usually use. I have one user (Me) for my normal stuff (browsing, banking, emailing, MacRumoring, etc) and a second one (Writer) which is distraction-free with only writing apps available on the dock.

 

[chestbox]

rebooting and holding down the Option key when it goes "Bong" and choosing the one you want

interesting so i would not even have to physically plug and unplug the drives?

appreciate the input and the additional suggestion. i think different drives will work best for me until i can actually get a 2nd mac, it just feels too bloated otherwise, way to many different software installed that i'd like to keep separate

 

[jz0309]

basically as title says. would like to have 2 different bootable SSDs with different software installed, and based on my needs/tasks at hand, I would shut down my mac, switch the SSD and boot it back up.

is this possible without any issues? not sure if the mac needs one “main” drive and constantly switching isn’t advised?

if it is indeed possible, any “smaller issues” to be aware of? ie. icloud or apple music? would it be best to only login to it, from one of the SSDs?
anything to consider?


if it matters, i have a late 2012 imac, currently running catalina, and if possible would install catalina on 2nd SSD as well

edit: spelling

yes, use Option (⌥) or Alt: Start up to Startup Manager, which allows you to choose other available startup disks or volumes.

Mac startup key combinations - Apple Support

Learn about the Mac features and tools that you can access by holding down one or more keys during startup.

support.apple.com

You can have as many bootable drives as your Mac supports (I've never had more than 3 )