[SOLVED] Changing Windows boot manager drive

[Qwob]

I've recently installed Windows 10 on my new m.2 but when I unplugged my old HDD to perform an easier format on a different HDD, I only reached BIOS as the m.2 does have the OS on it but not the EFI system file partition.

How can I put windows boot manager on my m.2? as I may need to trash/upgrade the HDD down the line because it is around 6-7 years old now

 

[Lutfij]

Mind sharing a screenshot of your partitions as shown on Disk Management in OS? It seems like you didn't install the OS the right way(or you cloned it). The only way you can have the Boot Manager on the SSD is if you had it during OS installation.

Backup your critical data, then reinstall the OS with the HDD unplugged from the system, format the SSD and install the OS. Prior to installing, create your bootable installer using Windows Media Creation Tools.

 

[Qwob]

Mind sharing a screenshot of your partitions as shown on Disk Management in OS? It seems like you didn't install the OS the right way(or you cloned it). The only way you can have the Boot Manager on the SSD is if you had it during OS installation.

Backup your critical data, then reinstall the OS with the HDD unplugged from the system, format the SSD and install the OS. Prior to installing, create your bootable installer using Windows Media Creation Tools.

https://prnt.sc/qy9r71

Yeah, I probably should have removed my HDD when reinstalling. Is the only way to format and reinstall again?

 

[SkyNetRising]

Recreate bootloader on M.2 drive.

First - make sure M.2 drive is partitioned in GPT partition style.
(in disk management right-click on "Disk 1", choose properties/volumes and find Partition Style)

Then execute from elevated command prompt. Regular command prompt will give error on last step.
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-open-a-windows-10-elevated-command-prompt/
(Stop immediately, if you get any errors!)

diskpart​

list disk​

select disk 1​

list partition​

select partition x​

(select 465GB partition, x = 1 or 2)​

shrink desired=500​

create partition efi​

format fs=fat32 quick​

assign letter=H​

exit​

bcdboot C:\windows /s H:​

​

Then shutdown your pc, disconnect hdd and try booting from M.2 drive.

 

[TerryLaze]

https://prnt.sc/qy9r71

Yeah, I probably should have removed my HDD when reinstalling. Is the only way to format and reinstall again?

You can also use the free version of EasyBCD to do what SkyNet explains above through a nice graphic UI.

 

[Qwob]

Recreate bootloader on M.2 drive.

First - make sure M.2 drive is partitioned in GPT partition style.
(in disk management right-click on "Disk 1", choose properties/volumes and find Partition Style)

Then execute from elevated command prompt. Regular command prompt will give error on last step.
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/how-to-open-a-windows-10-elevated-command-prompt/

diskpart​

list disk​

select disk 1​

list partition​

select partition x​

(select 465GB partition, x = 1 or 2)​

shrink desired=500​

create partition efi​

format fs=fat32 quick​

assign letter=H​

exit​

bcdboot C:\windows /s H:​

​

Then shutdown your pc, disconnect hdd and try booting from M.2 drive.

Thanks, ill try this when i've backed up my files

 

[SkyNetRising]

Thanks, ill try this when i've backed up my files

Backup is not really necessary for this (unless you're not careful and format wrong partition).