[SOLVED] Is this a good method for updating to Windows 10 with a new SSD?

[pufut]

Hello,

I'm looking to update to Windows 10 with a new SSD. My PC is currently running Windows 7 on a HDD, and I also have a secondary HDD for photos, videos and other personal files. Will the following method work okay?


Preparation:

1. Move any files from the primary HDD I wish to keep to the secondary HDD.

2. Backup most important files from both drives onto an external HDD (just in case)

3. Create Windows 10 USB media for booting.

4. Format the primary C: Drive so it no longer contains Windows 7 (I'm not entirely sure on this step? Do I need to do this after installing Windows 10? If so, what will happen if I reconnect a HDD that still contains Windows 7?)

Part 1:

5. Disconnect both HDDs, and connect only the SSD.

6. Boot Windows 10 via USB and install on SSD.

Part 2:

7. Reconnect both HDDs (former C: drive and secondary HDD)



Do I need to format the SSD before trying to use it as the drive to install Windows 10 on? (It's brand new, still in the box) And as stated above, do I format the C: Drive before or after installing Windows 10? Are there any other precautions I need to take? Any advice is much appreciated!

 

[USAFRet]

"4. Format the primary C: Drive so it no longer contains Windows 7 "

You can't do that from within the running Windows 7 instance.
Nor is it needed.

Connect it after, and wipe it clean.
It would simply be seen as a different drive letter.

Have ALL other drives disconnected when you install on the new SSD.

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

 

[pufut]

"4. Format the primary C: Drive so it no longer contains Windows 7 "

You can't do that from within the running Windows 7 instance.
Nor is it needed.

Connect it after, and wipe it clean.
It would simply be seen as a different drive letter.

Have ALL other drives disconnected when you install on the new SSD.

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

Okay, thank you! So my PC won't freak out if I connect a HDD that still contains Win7? I suppose it will only boot from the C: Drive which will be the new SSD, so should be fine?

 

[USAFRet]

Okay, thank you! So my PC won't freak out if I connect a HDD that still contains Win7? I suppose it will only boot from the C: Drive which will be the new SSD, so should be fine?

It will boot from whatever the boot order dictates.
Ensure that the new drive is above the old one.