How do I move windows to another Drive?

[bnewlands32]

I want to move Windows to an SSD so I can use it as a boot drive. The SSD is a lot smaller so I can't clone the whole thing. How can I do this?

 

[bnewlands32]

I really wan't planning on spending more than $170.

Right.
That would equal a 250GB SSD, and a 2TB HDD
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IAGSD5O
https://www.amazon.com/Seagate-BarraCuda-3-5-Inch-Internal-ST2000DM006/dp/B01IEKG402

$100 + $67

Okay. I just find the process of transferring just windows really confusing. I don't know if I should try to do it.

 

[USAFRet]

Okay. I just find the process of transferring just windows really confusing. I don't know if I should try to do it.

Was this a prebuilt PC?

 

[bnewlands32]

Okay. I just find the process of transferring just windows really confusing. I don't know if I should try to do it.

Was this a prebuilt PC?

no.

 

[USAFRet]

Okay. I just find the process of transferring just windows really confusing. I don't know if I should try to do it.

Was this a prebuilt PC?

no.

The the install on this new drive works exactly the way you did it the first time.
Except that now, you have a bunch of old gunk on your existing HDD.

 

[bnewlands32]

Okay. I just find the process of transferring just windows really confusing. I don't know if I should try to do it.

Was this a prebuilt PC?

no.

The the install on this new drive works exactly the way you did it the first time.
Except that now, you have a bunch of old gunk on your existing HDD.

If you could you make a list of what I EXACTLY need to do in order for this to work I would really appreciate it. I just want like step by step and don't want to forget anything.

 

[USAFRet]

Let me ruminate it on it overnight. This comment is a placeholder, to remind myself to make a full list in the morning, when the little grey cells are not quite so infused with Heineken.

 

[bnewlands32]

Let me ruminate it on it overnight. This comment is a placeholder, to remind myself to make a full list in the morning, when the little grey cells are not quite so infused with Heineken.

okay haha. No problem!

 

[USAFRet]

Clean install. Pretty easy, you just have to prepare for it:

1. Documentation - Find all of your username/passwords for sites you visit. Login details for any websites. Serial numbers for any licensed software. Email logins, etc.
The Windows license key!

You'll need 2 USB sticks.
2. 1 for the OS, if you don't have a DVD for it already. Create your own Win 10 install here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Another USB stick for all the drivers for your hardware. Go to the manufacturers websites, and find those now, and save them to this USB stick.

3. Find and save all the install files for whatever applications you are going to install later.
Find your SteamApps folder and copy it off to a different drive. We'll use this later.

4. Your personal data. Find and save ALL of that off to your other drive. Including game saves if you want.

5. Check all that stuff again, just to be sure.
-------------------
6. The install
Disconnect ALL drives except the new SSD
Power up and boot from your OS install media
Follow all the prompts.
Eventually, it will finish.
Assuming the OS installed a LAN driver, you should be connected online. If it did not, then you install it from the USB you created in step 2.

7. Now let it run all of its updates.
Verify the activation status.

8. Once it is all updated, now we can power off and reconnect the other drive(s)

9. Now you start to install all your applications.
With the new Steam client you're installing, you can simply tell it where the SteamApps folder is. That can live on a different drive, and the 120GB SSD you have is too small for games.
Tell it like this:
Steam games location
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder

10 Have fun.

 

[bnewlands32]

Clean install. Pretty easy, you just have to prepare for it:

1. Documentation - Find all of your username/passwords for sites you visit. Login details for any websites. Serial numbers for any licensed software. Email logins, etc.
The Windows license key!

You'll need 2 USB sticks.
2. 1 for the OS, if you don't have a DVD for it already. Create your own Win 10 install here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Another USB stick for all the drivers for your hardware. Go to the manufacturers websites, and find those now, and save them to this USB stick.

3. Find and save all the install files for whatever applications you are going to install later.
Find your SteamApps folder and copy it off to a different drive. We'll use this later.

4. Your personal data. Find and save ALL of that off to your other drive. Including game saves if you want.

5. Check all that stuff again, just to be sure.
-------------------
6. The install
Disconnect ALL drives except the new SSD
Power up and boot from your OS install media
Follow all the prompts.
Eventually, it will finish.
Assuming the OS installed a LAN driver, you should be connected online. If it did not, then you install it from the USB you created in step 2.

7. Now let it run all of its updates.
Verify the activation status.

8. Once it is all updated, now we can power off and reconnect the other drive(s)

9. Now you start to install all your applications.
With the new Steam client you're installing, you can simply tell it where the SteamApps folder is. That can live on a different drive, and the 120GB SSD you have is too small for games.
Tell it like this:
Steam games location
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder

10 Have fun.

I just went to micro center and picked up a 250 gb SSD and a 2tb HDD. So I copy everything over to the new HDD? You said I needed a USB stick for my drivers but I have the disks for them, I can use those right? I also have the disk for windows. You said in a previous comment I eventually deleted everything off the original HDD. Do I do that when I put it on the New HDD or after I got the SSD and everything installed?
Thanks for all the help I greatly appreciate it!

 

[USAFRet]

I just went to micro center and picked up a 250 gb SSD and a 2tb HDD. So I copy everything over to the new HDD? You said I needed a USB stick for my drivers but I have the disks for them, I can use those right? I also have the disk for windows. You said in a previous comment I eventually deleted everything off the original HDD. Do I do that when I put it on the New HDD or after I got the SSD and everything installed?
Thanks for all the help I greatly appreciate it!

Better to get the newest (non-beta) drivers.
Yes, you can use the ones you currently have on the CD, but those are old.

For Windows...when was that DVD created? Last year? You'll have to go through several rounds of updates.
A 8GB USB stick can get you the absolute latest Win 10 install, direct from Microsoft.
Either way works, though.


Install the OS with only the target drive connected. In this case, the new SSD.
Have all other HDD's disconnected.

 

[bnewlands32]

I just went to micro center and picked up a 250 gb SSD and a 2tb HDD. So I copy everything over to the new HDD? You said I needed a USB stick for my drivers but I have the disks for them, I can use those right? I also have the disk for windows. You said in a previous comment I eventually deleted everything off the original HDD. Do I do that when I put it on the New HDD or after I got the SSD and everything installed?
Thanks for all the help I greatly appreciate it!

Better to get the newest (non-beta) drivers.
Yes, you can use the ones you currently have on the CD, but those are old.

For Windows...when was that DVD created? Last year? You'll have to go through several rounds of updates.
A 8GB USB stick can get you the absolute latest Win 10 install, direct from Microsoft.
Either way works, though.


Install the OS with only the target drive connected. In this case, the new SSD.
Have all other HDD's disconnected.

Thanks. When do I delete the things off the old HDD and how do I transfer from Old To new?

 

[USAFRet]

Thanks. When do I delete the things off the old HDD and how do I transfer from Old To new?

1. After the system is up and running from the new drive.

2. Transfer what, exactly?

 

[bnewlands32]

Thanks. When do I delete the things off the old HDD and how do I transfer from Old To new?

1. After the system is up and running from the new drive.

2. Transfer what, exactly?

You said to move all my files to to the new drive.

 

[USAFRet]

You said to move all my files to to the new drive.

No, I recommended moving all your personal files off to the other drive you mentioned.
Just so you can eventually wipe the original OS drive.

If I was mistaken and you don't have a 3rd drive....copy anything from the original OS HDD....your personal docs, not applications....and later, wipe the partitions on that drive.

This is just trying to ensure the safety of your personal files.
Doesn't matter where they are, just offline during the OS and eventual wiping of the old OS drive.

 

[bnewlands32]

You said to move all my files to to the new drive.

No, I recommended moving all your personal files off to the other drive you mentioned.
Just so you can eventually wipe the original OS drive.

If I was mistaken and you don't have a 3rd drive....copy anything from the original OS HDD....your personal docs, not applications....and later, wipe the partitions on that drive.

This is just trying to ensure the safety of your personal files.
Doesn't matter where they are, just offline during the OS and eventual wiping of the old OS drive.

I have the original 1tb drive then bought a 250gb SSD and 2tb HDD

 

[USAFRet]

I have the original 1tb drive then bought a 250gb SSD and 2tb HDD

OK then...no problem.

Do the install on the new SSD, with only the SSD connected.
After that is all done, connect the two other drives...the original 1TB, and the new 2TB.
Copy all your personal docs from the old 1TB to the new 2TB
Once verified....wipe ALL the partitions on the old 1TB drive.

 

[bnewlands32]

I have the original 1tb drive then bought a 250gb SSD and 2tb HDD

OK then...no problem.

Do the install on the new SSD, with only the SSD connected.
After that is all done, connect the two other drives...the original 1TB, and the new 2TB.
Copy all your personal docs from the old 1TB to the new 2TB
Once verified....wipe ALL the partitions on the old 1TB drive.

okay. I just read the step by step post to confirm everything and in that you said to transfer it first.
Also how do I transfer? Do i drag and drop then delete from original? I couldn't find drivers for my gpu and Don't know which drivers to install for my Motherboard. Heres the link: https://us.msi.com/Motherboard/support/Z97-PC-Mate.html#down-driver

 

[USAFRet]

okay. I just read the step by step post to confirm everything and in that you said to transfer it first.
Also how do I transfer? Do i drag and drop then delete from original? I couldn't find drivers for my gpu and Don't know which drivers to install for my Motherboard. Heres the link: https://us.msi.com/Motherboard/support/Z97-PC-Mate.html#down-driver

Just copy/paste.
Do NOT delete from the original drive until you are 100% sure.

No GPU drivers?
What GPU is it?

 

[bnewlands32]

okay. I just read the step by step post to confirm everything and in that you said to transfer it first.
Also how do I transfer? Do i drag and drop then delete from original? I couldn't find drivers for my gpu and Don't know which drivers to install for my Motherboard. Heres the link: https://us.msi.com/Motherboard/support/Z97-PC-Mate.html#down-driver

Just copy/paste.
Do NOT delete from the original drive until you are 100% sure.

No GPU drivers?
What GPU is it?

GPU: https://www.amazon.com/GeForce-Overclocked-DisplayPort-Graphic-TURBO-GTX960-OC-4GD5/dp/B016TZUPSQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499641226&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+960+turbo+4gb
Which of the motherboard drivers do I download to the USB stick?

 

[USAFRet]

GPU: https://www.amazon.com/GeForce-Overclocked-DisplayPort-Graphic-TURBO-GTX960-OC-4GD5/dp/B016TZUPSQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499641226&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+960+turbo+4gb
Which of the motherboard drivers do I download to the USB stick?

GPU drivers here:
https://www.asus.com/us/Graphics-Cards/STRIXGTX960DC2OC4GD5/HelpDesk_Download/

Motherboard?
LAN, audio, chipset, and whatever else they have.
Just the most recent, non-beta versions.

 

[bnewlands32]

GPU: https://www.amazon.com/GeForce-Overclocked-DisplayPort-Graphic-TURBO-GTX960-OC-4GD5/dp/B016TZUPSQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499641226&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+960+turbo+4gb
Which of the motherboard drivers do I download to the USB stick?

GPU drivers here:
https://www.asus.com/us/Graphics-Cards/STRIXGTX960DC2OC4GD5/HelpDesk_Download/

Motherboard?
LAN, audio, chipset, and whatever else they have.
Just the most recent, non-beta versions.

I don't have the strix version of the card.

 

[USAFRet]

GPU: https://www.amazon.com/GeForce-Overclocked-DisplayPort-Graphic-TURBO-GTX960-OC-4GD5/dp/B016TZUPSQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499641226&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+960+turbo+4gb
Which of the motherboard drivers do I download to the USB stick?

GPU drivers here:
https://www.asus.com/us/Graphics-Cards/STRIXGTX960DC2OC4GD5/HelpDesk_Download/

Motherboard?
LAN, audio, chipset, and whatever else they have.
Just the most recent, non-beta versions.

I don't have the strix version of the card.

OK then...the Turbo
https://www.asus.com/us/Graphics-Cards/TURBO-GTX960-OC-4GD5/HelpDesk_Download/

 

[bnewlands32]

GPU: https://www.amazon.com/GeForce-Overclocked-DisplayPort-Graphic-TURBO-GTX960-OC-4GD5/dp/B016TZUPSQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499641226&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+960+turbo+4gb
Which of the motherboard drivers do I download to the USB stick?

GPU drivers here:
https://www.asus.com/us/Graphics-Cards/STRIXGTX960DC2OC4GD5/HelpDesk_Download/

Motherboard?
LAN, audio, chipset, and whatever else they have.
Just the most recent, non-beta versions.

I don't have the strix version of the card.

OK then...the Turbo
https://www.asus.com/us/Graphics-Cards/TURBO-GTX960-OC-4GD5/HelpDesk_Download/

I could only find the strix version on the website. Thanks!

 

[bnewlands32]

Just a clarification: I can still use the old HDD once I do this as long as I clear all the files off right?

 

[bnewlands32]

GPU: https://www.amazon.com/GeForce-Overclocked-DisplayPort-Graphic-TURBO-GTX960-OC-4GD5/dp/B016TZUPSQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499641226&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+960+turbo+4gb
Which of the motherboard drivers do I download to the USB stick?

GPU drivers here:
https://www.asus.com/us/Graphics-Cards/STRIXGTX960DC2OC4GD5/HelpDesk_Download/

Motherboard?
LAN, audio, chipset, and whatever else they have.
Just the most recent, non-beta versions.

I don't have the strix version of the card.

OK then...the Turbo
https://www.asus.com/us/Graphics-Cards/TURBO-GTX960-OC-4GD5/HelpDesk_Download/

For the motherboard do I have to download the manuals?