Question Can I add an SSD to my PC with new copy of Windows and use existing HDD as storage?

[DervalC]

I have a PC with a HDD on it that I've been using for years.

I'd like to add a new SSD and use my existing HDD for storage. I'm reading a lot about cloning vs creating a clean install of my existing Windows, etc. None of which I have any experience with and I immediately feel out of my depth.

I'm thinking of just picking up another copy of Windows (if I can find one cheap), installing it on the SSD when I get it into the PC, and then moving any applications I use the most from the HDD to the SSD (i.e. Office, Steam, etc).

From an ease of setup/process standpoint, would this work? Will it cause problems right off the bat if I have Windows installed on the HDD and try to install another copy on the SSD?

Clearly, I don't have a ton of experience here, so if there are existing walkthroughs or tutorials that I should look to, I'd also greatly appreciate some suggestions.

I'm also open to the possibility/probability that I'm going in completely the wrong direction here. Software changes just kinda scare me, so the simplest option is usually my favorite.

 

[Lutfij]

Don't clone. Just backup all critical content from the current installation drive onto a removable storage device. Then install the OS onto the SSD after creating the bootable installer using Windows Media Creation Tools.

If it's a desktop, list your specs like so:
CPU:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:

If it's a laptop, include the make and model of the unit and the SKU.

 

[DervalC]

Thanks! I just saw another thread where it was suggested that once a new SSD is installed, I could just disconnect the HDD --> install Windows on the new SDD --> reconnect the HDD. Does that sound right?

I guess my next question would be - once I've re-connected the HDD, would I leave windows installed on it as-is? Or is there a step involved to make it just a storage drive?

Sorry if this is tedious, I'm just very aware of how out-of-my-depth I am with this stuff.

CPU: i5-3550 3.30GHz
Motherboard: Asus P8H67-V
Ram: 8 GB
SSD/HDD: WD5000AAKX-603CA0 Western Digital 500GB 7200RPM SATA 6.0 Gbps 3.5
SSD (to be added): Crucial 1TB MX500
GPU: GeForce GTX 1060 6GB
OS: Windows 10 Pro

 

[howtobeironic]

Found a related topic, best answer might be your solution as well:https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/migrate-only-os-from-hdd-to-new-ssd.2865472/

 

[DervalC]

Found a related topic, best answer mght be your solution as well:https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/migrate-only-os-from-hdd-to-new-ssd.2865472/

Sweet. I'll check it out. Thanks!

 

[seagate_surfer]

You can also tie your Windows info to your account for switching hardware like a storage device:

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

 

[Curtis14]

There is no necessity to clone your system..Taking a back up of all the critical content from your system would be sufficient.So go with that...It would help solving your problem.Wish u the best DQFanSurvey

 

[DervalC]

You can also tie your Windows info to your account for switching hardware like a storage device:

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-re-activate-windows-10-after-hardware-change

This ended up being super helpful. Thanks!

 

[DervalC]

There is no necessity to clone your system..Taking a back up of all the critical content from your system would be sufficient.So go with that...It would help solving your problem.Wish u the best DQFanSurvey

Ultimately this was the route I took. Worked great. Thanks for the help!