[SOLVED] Changing Windows boot manager drive

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Qwob

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Nov 24, 2016
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4,510
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
 
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Solution
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...

Lutfij

Titan
Moderator
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

Reputable
Nov 24, 2016
16
1
4,510
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?
 
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.
 
Last edited:
Solution

Qwob

Reputable
Nov 24, 2016
16
1
4,510
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
 
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