Moving Windows 10 from SSD to HDD after wiping both.

[myleslacayo]

I'm looking into building a new PC and only plan on keeping my SSD and GPU. Currently, my OS (Windows 10) is installed on the SSD. I would like to wipe this SSD completely and install a new copy of Windows 10 on it; whilst reinstalling the existing copy on the original HDD. (after wiping this as well)

To make a long story short: I plan on selling the old PC, but don't want to hassle the buyer with purchasing Windows themselves. I'd like both drives wiped clean and the OS to be installed and ready to go on the HDD, as I'll be using the SSD as the boot drive in my new system. (with a fresh copy of Windows)

What would be the most practical way of accomplishing this?

 

[USAFRet]

Where did your current Win 10 license come from?

 

[myleslacayo]

Where did your current Win 10 license come from?

The PC was pre-built by Digital Storm. They key was printed on the side of the case and Windows was originally installed on the HDD. I moved it to an SSD a few years after purchase. Not sure if any of this helps.

 

[USAFRet]

Where did your current Win 10 license come from?

The PC was pre-built by Digital Storm. They key was printed on the side of the case and Windows was originally installed on the HDD. I moved it to an SSD a few years after purchase. Not sure if any of this helps.

OK...

Get the old system in the config you want. HDD.
Do a clean install of the OS, with that original license key.
Don't use your MS account tp log in with, just create a Local account for the new owner.
Sell it.
Give all the documentation and license info to the new owner.

You've purchased a whole new OS license for your new system, right?
Do a clean install of Win 10, in your new system, on the SSD.

 

[myleslacayo]

Where did your current Win 10 license come from?

The PC was pre-built by Digital Storm. They key was printed on the side of the case and Windows was originally installed on the HDD. I moved it to an SSD a few years after purchase. Not sure if any of this helps.

OK...

Get the old system in the config you want. HDD.
Do a clean install of the OS, with that original license key.
Don't use your MS account tp log in with, just create a Local account for the new owner.
Sell it.
Give all the documentation and license info to the new owner.

You've purchased a whole new OS license for your new system, right?
Do a clean install of Win 10, in your new system, on the SSD.

Will I need to put the old OS on a USB for the reinstall since I'll be wiping both drives?

And yes, new license for new system.

 

[USAFRet]

Will I need to put the old OS on a USB for the reinstall since I'll be wiping both drives?

And yes, new license for new system.

You create an install USB to do the clean install.
Here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

You can use the same install for both systems.
Just enter the relevant license key when it asks for it.

 

[myleslacayo]

Will I need to put the old OS on a USB for the reinstall since I'll be wiping both drives?

And yes, new license for new system.

You create an install USB to do the clean install.
Here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

You can use the same install for both systems.
Just enter the relevant license key when it asks for it.

Awesome. Thank you so much!

And any advice on wiping the SSD?

 

[USAFRet]

And any advice on wiping the SSD?

For both systems, just delete all existing partitions on the drive while you install the OS.

How to do a CLEAN installation of Windows 10
Section II, Step 6 & 7 speaks to deleting those partitions.

 

[myleslacayo]

[/quotemsg]

For both systems, just delete all existing partitions on the drive while you install the OS.

How to do a CLEAN installation of Windows 10
Section II, Step 6 & 7 speaks to deleting those partitions.[/quotemsg]

Will this be as effective as a full wipe though? Or will some data still be accessible?

 

[USAFRet]

Will this be as effective as a full wipe though? Or will some data still be accessible?

The data will be gone.

For the HDD, if you're really concerned, DBAN.
For the SSD, it doesn't matter because you're keeping that drive anyway.

 

[myleslacayo]

Thanks for all of your help with this!