[SOLVED] Can I install windows in my SSD while I already have it in my HDD?

[hzxzhang]

So I just built a new pc which has a 2tb hdd in it. I currently have not installed my m.2 ssd because I do not have the screwdriver for that specific screw. I installed windows 10 in the hard drive so to make sure everything else is working and do benchmarks etc. the question is, is it possible to install windows 10 once again in the ssd without touching anything I already installed in the HDD. Also, if it is possible to have another copy of windows system file in the SSD without deleting the previous copy of them in the HDD, can I do some clean up in the HDD to free some space in the drive? Thanks for any advice/help.

 

[terry4536]

Yes, just unplug the SATA data cable from all other drives.

 

[akun90003]

I think you should reinstall your windows in SSD, I don't know if copy and paste file system will work.

 

[terry4536]

While you have the operating system on the other drive, connect the M.2 drive. Then initialize the drive set the drive to NTFS file system as a basic drive. Then partition the drive using a GPT partition.

Set the BIOS PCIE configuration in the BIOS as a M.2 NVMe drive.

Once that is done and the drive shows up in the BIOS, unplug the SATA data cable from the other drives and do a fresh install on the M.2 drive

 

[terry4536]

Then once Windows is installed on the M.2 drive, boot into the BIOS and set the M.2 drive at the top of the Boot Priority list. Then exit saving your changes.

Next plug the SATA data cable into the other drives. Then format the drive that has the other copy of the hard drive. And then you are done.

 

[hzxzhang]

Then once Windows is installed on the M.2 drive, boot into the BIOS and set the M.2 drive at the top of the Boot Priority list. Then exit saving your changes.

Next plug the SATA data cable into the other drives. Then format the drive that has the other copy of the hard drive. And then you are done.

thanks for all the instructions, I will try these later tomorrow. I also have one more question, according to what you said, does that mean I can just unplug the SATA from the HDD and install the system with only my M.2 installed and plug the HDD back in when everything is done? If so, can I wipe out all the windows file in the HDD without a problem since the system will be booted from the SSD after the settings you just said. Thanks again for the help, much appreciated.

 

[terry4536]

Then once Windows is installed on the M.2 drive, boot into the BIOS and set the M.2 drive at the top of the Boot Priority list. Then exit saving your changes.

Next plug the SATA data cable into the other drives. Then format the drive that has the other copy of the hard drive. And then you are done.

thanks for all the instructions, I will try these later tomorrow. I also have one more question, according to what you said, does that mean I can just unplug the SATA from the HDD and install the system with only my M.2 installed and plug the HDD back in when everything is done? If so, can I wipe out all the windows file in the HDD without a problem since the system will be booted from the SSD after the settings you just said. Thanks again for the help, much appreciated.

Yes, that's right. The system at that point will boot from the Windows installation on the M.2 drive.

 

[hzxzhang]

Then once Windows is installed on the M.2 drive, boot into the BIOS and set the M.2 drive at the top of the Boot Priority list. Then exit saving your changes.

Next plug the SATA data cable into the other drives. Then format the drive that has the other copy of the hard drive. And then you are done.

thanks for all the instructions, I will try these later tomorrow. I also have one more question, according to what you said, does that mean I can just unplug the SATA from the HDD and install the system with only my M.2 installed and plug the HDD back in when everything is done? If so, can I wipe out all the windows file in the HDD without a problem since the system will be booted from the SSD after the settings you just said. Thanks again for the help, much appreciated.

Yes, that's right. The system at that point will boot from the Windows installation on the M.2 drive.

thank you very much, I successfully installed windows in the SSD. Now I have some other issues with software I guess. I just posted another thread regarding these problems.

 

[USAFRet]

So I just built a new pc which has a 2tb hdd in it. I currently have not installed my m.2 ssd because I do not have the screwdriver for that specific screw. I installed windows 10 in the hard drive so to make sure everything else is working and do benchmarks etc. the question is, is it possible to install windows 10 once again in the ssd without touching anything I already installed in the HDD. Also, if it is possible to have another copy of windows system file in the SSD without deleting the previous copy of them in the HDD, can I do some clean up in the HDD to free some space in the drive? Thanks for any advice/help.

1. Disconnect the HDD while you install on the new SSD.
How to do a CLEAN installation of Windows 10

2. Later, wipe whatever is on the HDD. Everything. All partitions.
It does no good to have the two installs in there.