How do I do a fresh install of windows without losing my games and files?

[claydo713]

I just upgraded my motherboard and CPU, and I wasn't aware I needed to do a clean install of windows to make it run right. I already have windows 10 on my ssd and all my games and files on my HDD. Can I just unplug my HDD and do a clean windows install on my ssd? Then plug my HDD back in?

 

[USAFRet]

I just upgraded my motherboard and CPU, and I wasn't aware I needed to do a clean install of windows to make it run right. I already have windows 10 on my ssd and all my games and files on my HDD. Can I just unplug my HDD and do a clean windows install on my ssd? Then plug my HDD back in?

Disconnecting any secondary drives is always recommended for a clean install.

How to do a CLEAN installation of Windows 10

However, you will, if you have not already, run into licensing issues.
Where did your current WIN 10 license come from?

 

[claydo713]

I just upgraded my motherboard and CPU, and I wasn't aware I needed to do a clean install of windows to make it run right. I already have windows 10 on my ssd and all my games and files on my HDD. Can I just unplug my HDD and do a clean windows install on my ssd? Then plug my HDD back in?

Disconnecting any secondary drives is always recommended for a clean install.

How to do a CLEAN installation of Windows 10

However, you will, if you have not already, run into licensing issues.
Where did your current WIN 10 license come from?

I have already bought a new windows 10 license for this motherboard. I figured that would be the first step. Because of course I went and tried gaming right after I installed the new mother board and cpu and it ran worse than before.

 

[USAFRet]

I have already bought a new windows 10 license for this motherboard. I figured that would be the first step. Because of course I went and tried gaming right after I installed the new mother board and cpu and it ran worse than before.

OK then.
You probably didn't need to, but since you did...

All the above instructions apply.

 

[USAFRet]

For your Steam games, you can tell the NEW Steam client you install where those are on the old drive.
After you connect it after the OS install.

Steam games location
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder