Installing Windows 10

[WombatWarrior]

Hi guys.
I have 2 SSD drives, 1 that i have Windows 10 on, and its only the system files, then i have the other SSD that i store my games and ETC on.
Do i need to format the SSD with the games and etc on it? Or can i do that somehow that i can keep it?
(Reinstalling windows cuz new PC build)

 

[Dulith1118]

u dont have to format that specific drive. U can choose to format the drive which windows is installed on...

 

[USAFRet]

Hi guys.
I have 2 SSD drives, 1 that i have Windows 10 on, and its only the system files, then i have the other SSD that i store my games and ETC on.
Do i need to format the SSD with the games and etc on it? Or can i do that somehow that i can keep it?
(Reinstalling windows cuz new PC build)

2 things, Licensing and Operation.

1. Licensing - Read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

2. Operation and install
Disconnect the other drive when you reinstall the OS. No formatting of that drive needed.
Your 'files'...video, music, etc...will be fine.
Any applications on that drive won't run.
Steam games can almost certainly work. You just have to tell the new Steam client where those games live.

 

[Dunlop0078]

No you shouldn't need to. Just format the ssd you intend to install windows on. If they are steam games just install steam after you finish installing windows, sign into stem, then it should automatically detect the games on second drive.

 

[WombatWarrior]

u dont have to format that specific drive. U can choose to format the drive which windows is installed on...

But If i will install a new operating system with new PC parts, it will not recognise the games on the second SSD, right???

 

[WombatWarrior]

Most of them are not steam games.
Reinstall i guess?

 

[USAFRet]

u dont have to format that specific drive. U can choose to format the drive which windows is installed on...

But If i will install a new operating system with new PC parts, it will not recognise the games on the second SSD, right???

Depends on what games.
Within the Steam platform, no problem. Origin, probably OK.
Other games would probably have to be reinstalled.

 

[WombatWarrior]

Thank you guys for quick answers!!
Cheers

 

[delaro]

Just do a recovery this replaces all system files and drivers while leaving settings and applications alone. The only downside is having to remove the windows.old folder manually.

 

[USAFRet]

For Steam games, "Add library folder" is what you're looking for.
Like this:
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder

 

[Dulith1118]

u dont have to format that specific drive. U can choose to format the drive which windows is installed on...

But If i will install a new operating system with new PC parts, it will not recognise the games on the second SSD, right???

Yes it will.. make sure u backup ur saved data before u reinstall or ull have to play from the begining if its not on steam