How do I keep a partition unmounted when installing CentOS Stream 10?

I want to keep a backup partition for my system files. I want it not to be mounted by default, so nothing can accidentally touch it. However, CentOS wants me to “enter a valid mount point” when I try to make a new partition. How do I make an unmounted partition?

A simple GUI app that edits fstab, gnome-disks utility (which may be installed already on your OS, or can easily be added) can control partition mounting at startup.

• Click on a drive to select it.
• Click on a partition to select it.
• Click the gear icon below to select Edit mount options...
• Remove the check from Mount at system startup.

Alternatively, edit /etc/fstab to control how partitions are mounted. Use the auto/noauto options to control if the partition is to be automatically mounted at startup or not.

Mount options are always available, so that configuration can be readily changed. Set as needed after installing the OS.