Question Do I need to Format my HDD When Upgrading MOBO?

[zdslmn]

Hi all, I will shortly be upgrading my motherboard and will be getting a new M.2 SSD where I will be installing Windows on.
I have an SSD and a HDD, and I will be formatting my current SSD for sure, but what about my HDD where I have my games and other files on? Do I also need to back it up and format it?

 

[USAFRet]

The HDD is a secondary drive? No, you don't need to format it.
If Steam games are on this, you can even use them in their current location.

The new Steam client you install with your new OS, you just have to tell it where those games live.

Of course, install the OS on the new SSD with only that drive connected.
Reconnect the others after, and do what you need.

How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial

If you are looking for the Windows 11 Clean install tutorial, you can find that here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here) Otherwise, welcome to the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows...

forums.tomshardware.com

 

[USAFRet]

Also (assuming win 10):
For the OS activation, read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/windows-build-1607-and-activation.2786960/

 

[zdslmn]

The HDD is a secondary drive? No, you don't need to format it.
If Steam games are on this, you can even use them in their current location.

The new Steam client you install with your new OS, you just have to tell it where those games live.

Of course, install the OS on the new SSD with only that drive connected.
Reconnect the others after, and do what you need.

How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial

If you are looking for the Windows 11 Clean install tutorial, you can find that here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here) Otherwise, welcome to the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows...

forums.tomshardware.com

Yes the HDD is a secondary drive.

Also (assuming win 10):
For the OS activation, read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/windows-build-1607-and-activation.2786960/

Will do. Thank you so much for the swift and clear response.

 

[USAFRet]

For your Steam games:

Steam games location
In the new steam client you install with your new OS:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder

 

[zdslmn]

For your Steam games:

Steam games location
In the new steam client you install with your new OS:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder

Much appreciated friend, this will save me a lot of time and effort.