How should I do it if I want to...

• Format external SSD to use with linux
• Full drive encryption
• Compatible with windows (temporarily)
• Preferably do it with KDE GUI

Context: A linux noob. I got a new laptop earlier this year and uses it mainly for tinkering/playing with linux, get competent with it before dropping windows completely on my main desktop. There is a lot of stuff I want to move back and forth between those machines during this learning period.

My idea is to use an external SSD which when I'm done with windows, I can still use it to store work files or any sensitive stuff, so it will need encryption.

Saw a reddit thread saying I still need veracrypt, which I'm totally ok with on windows side but I prefer keeping everything simple on linux side (I only know it can be done without any extra package)

Extra question:
I can possibly store all works and sensitive data on encrypt external and leave root drive unencrypted. In that case, which file system should I use on which drive? Does it matter?

Thank you in advance.