[SOLVED] Best way to upgrade to Windows 10 (from Windows 7) with a new SSD?

[pufut]

Hello,

I'm looking to get a bit of advice regarding the best way to upgrade to Windows 10 with a new SSD (still in box, hasn't been used yet). My PC is currently running Windows 7 which is installed on a HDD, of which I have 2, the other just for personal files, videos, games, etc. I want to install Windows 10 on this new SSD, and then continue using my other two HDDs with my PC, but I'm not sure the best way to go about it.

I will look to see if I can still get Windows 10 free, but if not I'll just buy it, that's not an issue for me. However, I'm concerned that when I install Windows 10, it will wipe my other two HDDs? I have a lot of games on there that I'd rather not have to download again. I was thinking I could just unplug the HDDs and only have the SSD plugged in during the Windows 10 install, but then will there be issues when I put the HDDs back in? Because one of them will still have the Windows 7 OS on it?

I'm just a bit nervous to upgrade as I haven't messed with my OS for many years and I'm not entirely sure on the best method, but I understand it is necessary as Windows 7 is coming to the end of its support soon. If anyone could give me a brief overview or the best way to go about upgrading that would be very much appreciated!

Thank you

 

[Barty1884]

You can probably still upgrade your W7 to W10 for free.

You could either:
1. Upgrade your current W7 to W10 as an 'in place' upgrade. Once upgraded/activated, you should be able to clean install to the SSD and just skip when asked for a key.

2. Install W10 onto the SSD, using bootable media and then enter the W7 license key if you still have it. I've heard of this still working, but don't have first hand experience.

As far as keeping data on the seconday HDD(s), yes, disconnect them while installing Windows to the SSD.
Not only does it not risk your data (however slight that risk might be), but you will ensure all the Windows installation goes onto the SSD. In some cases, the boot partition etc can end up on secondary drives.

https://forums.tomshardware.com/faq/how-to-do-a-clean-installation-of-windows-10.3170366/

 

[Lutfij]

it will wipe my other two HDDs?
No

Just format the partition that holds your installation for Windows 7. An easy way to identify the partition for your OS is if you rename C:\ as OS or 7 or Windows 7, so it shows up during the installation window where you choose which partition to install the OS on.

Also, first thing you should do is format the drive that has Windows 7 on it, power down the system, disconnect all HDD's then connect the SSD and then install Windows 10 on said SSD, while that is the only drive connected to system.

Now you will need to source an installer for Windows 10 using Windows Media Creation Tools. You should still be able to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 using your existing licence key though you will need to make sure that the HDD with Windows 7 on it, has it's data backed up in case the installation upgrade goes sideways and knocks out the entire HDD.

Once you've upgraded, you should be free to format and reinstall the OS as many times as you want since the licence key will be bound to your BIOS/motherboard.

 

[howtobeironic]

First off: Whatever you do, DO NOT HAVE ANY OTHER DRIVE PLUGGED IN EXCEPT THE INSTALLATION MEDIA AND THE DRIVE YOU WANT TO INSTALL TO. This is one thing I can't emphasize more. Even though you might or might not see anything failed, it'll be an headache for anyone who tries to repair if something goes nuts. Rule of the thumb.

For the drive thing, it'd be the best thing to upgrade on the current 7 install then loading it from zero. Eliminates the chance that there's a problem during getting the key active and ending up with a trashed key. Did not hear that happening, but to be safe. Back up your stuff using some backup program, Macrium Reflect, Acronis TrueImage, or something in between. Also, depending on how you have the key in the form (OEM, which comes with the computer and probably has a sticker on the bottom saying that it has win7 installed, or retail, which you buy from microsoft in a box) you might need to get the key ready. Use LicenseCrawler to get it from your PC.

1)Back up.
2)Get media and the keys ready.
3)Upgrade on the 7 HDD. "I don't have a key" if it asks you during the install. Windows will sort it out after the install is done. Use a Microsoft account to log in.
4)Wipe the HDD.
5)Install Win 10 on SSD. It'll automatically get your key up from the servers.

 

[pufut]

Thank you all for your replies