Installing Windows 10 while using Windows on a main hard drive

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blade2697

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Jan 19, 2013
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Hi! I'm getting computer parts sent to me tomorrow, and I would like to put windows on my new SSD which I received early in preparation. What do I need to do this and how? I have the Windows media creation tool. I was told by a friend I can use this but I'll have a small message in the bottom right which says this copy isn't genuine. Thank you in advance!
 
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Epsilon_0EVP
It's recommended to format for Windows. In theory you can partition and do a more advanced setup, but that might just end up complicating things, and it still likely won't work. I wouldn't bother trying to do that, personally.
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You can activate your Windows copy later if you purchased a valid key. It's better to buy your license, and use the official Windows install ISO. It should ask for a key during installation, but if you miss it somehow you should be able to activate later.
 
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Did you buy a Windows 10 License? You'll need one.

It's ill-advised to install Windows onto a hard drive before it's in the computer it's supposed to be in, even if it is technically possible. When Windows is installed it does certain things based on the hardware of the current system, and if the hardware of the two systems is different you'll encounter random frustrating problems later on when it's in the new system.

You don't really save much time installing windows in advance, it only takes about 30mins to install Win10 nowadays.
 
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Wait, I think I misunderstood what you wanted to do. Do you mean you want to install Windows before getting all your hardware on your SSD and then putting the SSD into the new computer? If so, this is not recommended. It is likely to cause driver issues, and you'll have to end up reinstalling Windows anyway. I'd recommend just being patient until you get all the parts for the computer.
 
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Alright thanks fellas. Much appreciated. Can I put files ON the SSD prior to installation? I have a VERY slow DL speed so I'd like to put some games on before I install windows. Or do I have to format for windows?
 
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It's recommended to format for Windows. In theory you can partition and do a more advanced setup, but that might just end up complicating things, and it still likely won't work. I wouldn't bother trying to do that, personally.
 
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Solution


The OS must be installed first. Period.

What have you purchased for this OS? DVD, USB, what?
You can create a USB or DVD install, but you will need a valid OS license.
To create your own USB or DVD, see here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/

Putting this on the SSD has no impact on your download speed. Do not install the OS until you have the whole system built.

You cannot install games on your SSD before the OS. Doesn't work like that.
 
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Ya I figured so, I just thought someone might have a work around or something haha. I didn't mean putting it on the SSD would impact my download speed I mean't that I have a slow DL speed so I didn't want to reinstall all the games I have but I'll just have to make do or go pick up an extra HDD from best buy or something because i'm impatient :)
 
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Bear in mind that Steam and most other clients let you backup your games, and you can otherwise try to transfer the files directly to the new installation to avoid having to download everything again. Otherwise, patience is a virtue 😛
 
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