[SOLVED] Can I reuse my E drive after a fresh windows install on my boot drive?

[SLAKING12]

I am looking into upgrading my system and I'd like to start with a fresh windows install obviously. I have a 1TB SSD that I have as my boot drive, and I also have a 4TB HDD, which I use to store my games and such. My stupid question is, after formatting my SSD to reinstall windows, will my HDD still work like before as an E drive with everything still on it upon plugging it back in? Would I have to reformat my HDD also to get it to work with the new install? Point is I don't want to wipe my HDD which has all my stuff on it, but I don't know if it will continue to work without a reformat also, which would save me from having to get an external drive.

 

[USAFRet]

Depends what is on it, but probably.

Things like Steam games, yes.
Personal files and docs, yes.
Applications, no.

For Steam games, just tell the new Steam client where those things exist on the other drive.
Steam games location
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder

To move an already installed game
Games library
Right click the game
Properties
Local Files
Move Install Folder

Other game launchers have similar functionality.

And of course, have ONLY the desired drive connected hen you install the OS.
Reconnect this drive later.

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