Question Changing my Windows Installation from Laptop to PC

[MozerallaCheese]

Hope I can get some clarity on this. I'm currently building a new PC and I'm selling this current laptop (in my signature). I want to transfer my SSD from laptop to my new PC, with the OS on it, but wasn't sure if the OS would also stay on my laptop for when I sell it. I assume not, but just need some clarity. Hope this makes some sense at least...

For the record, I have checked my OS is moveable, and it's retail and attached to my Microsoft Account.

 

[JohnBonhamsGhost]

want to transfer my SSD from laptop to my new PC, with the OS on it...
wasn't sure if the OS would also stay on my laptop for when I sell it

if you remove the disk then there is no OS left in the laptop.

if there is any secondary disk make sure it is formatted.
it could still contain some of your user data.

my OS is moveable, and it's retail and attached to my Microsoft Account

you will still also need to format this main disk and reinstall Windows for the desktop.

there will still be drivers/data pertaining to the laptop hardware and will usually lead to issues with the new system running properly, if Windows runs at all.

after the reinstall is completed you should be able to log in with your previous user information and register Windows again switching the license to this new machine.

my laptop for when I sell it

make sure any buyer knows the main disk has been removed and that there is no OS available.
could lead to some rough return issues between you both.

 

[USAFRet]

For the record, I have checked my OS is moveable, and it's retail and attached to my Microsoft Account.

The OS licenae may be movable.

The actual install, not.
From laptop to desktop, this is highly unlikely to work.


Further:
If you remove the physical OS drive, the laptop has nothing at all to boot from.

 

[MozerallaCheese]

if you remove the disk then there is no OS left in the laptop.

if there is any secondary disk make sure it is formatted.
it could still contain some of your user data.

you will still also need to format this main disk and reinstall Windows for the desktop.

there will still be drivers/data pertaining to the laptop hardware and will usually lead to issues with the new system running properly, if Windows runs at all.

after the reinstall is completed you should be able to log in with your previous user information and register Windows again switching the license to this new machine.


make sure any buyer knows the main disk has been removed and that there is no OS available.
could lead to some rough return issues between you both.

Thanks,

I probably should have clarified that I have two m.2 SSDs in the machine. One of which came with the laptop, the other was from a previous PC. I will be leaving the original ssd inside the machine, but moving the OS over to the new disk. If it needs reinstalling, as I don’t have a disk/usb to move it over, should I download a copy of windows 11 to a USB stick?

 

[MozerallaCheese]

The OS licenae may be movable.

The actual install, not.
From laptop to desktop, this is highly unlikely to work.


Further:
If you remove the physical OS drive, the laptop has nothing at all to boot from.

Thanks,

I’ve just clarified in my response to the other comment, that I have two m.2 drives in the computer so there will still be a drive inside the machine when I sell it on. In regards to the install, when you say “highly unlikely”, could you elaborate for me? Hardware im good at, software not so much

 

[JohnBonhamsGhost]

If it needs reinstalling, as I don’t have a disk/usb to move it over, should I download a copy of windows 11 to a USB stick?

you could backup any important files to transfer over
but for the new system a fresh installation of Windows will be required.

you should use the MS Media Creation Tool to create a new USB Windows install package before the disk transfer to the new machine.
this way you will be ready for the new installation when the time comes.

How To - Windows 11 clean install tutorial

Windows 11 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows 11, version 23H2 or newer but can be equally applied to earlier versions which may have some basic differences in the screens you see but will largely remain similar in...

forums.tomshardware.com

 

[MozerallaCheese]

you could backup any important files to transfer over
but for the new system a fresh installation of Windows will be required.

you should use the MS Media Creation Tool to create a new USB Windows install package before the disk transfer to the new machine.
this way you will be ready for the new installation when the time comes.

How To - Windows 11 clean install tutorial

Windows 11 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows 11, version 23H2 or newer but can be equally applied to earlier versions which may have some basic differences in the screens you see but will largely remain similar in...

forums.tomshardware.com

That’s great, thanks 👍 hopefully all should go to plan. I’ll just need to note that the old machine doesn’t come with windows

Thanks for your help!

 

[onespeedbiker]

Just a reminder, everything that is unique to you will disappear with a fresh install. Windows does come with its own back up software that will allow you to save and copy your unique data to your new install, but you have to set it up and know how it works; this includes Windows 11 Backup, which only works with OneDrive. There are also a myriad of back up programs available and you can also manually save your data to a USB if your system is not overly complicated.