New Pc but same ssd and hdd

[thedragonslayer1233]

So I am finally building a new pc and I am upgrading my motherboard, GPU and CPU. I am also switching from AMD to Intel. My question is that since I am switching everything except my hard drives; can I just use my old hard drive and SSD on my new pc? The problem is that the drivers might conflict because of the parts being switched and switching platforms. So do I have to format my ssd and hdd and reinstall windows or can I just format my ssd and keep the stuff on my hard drive?

 

[Nemesia]

Transfer all data you do not want to lose on your HDD and format the SSD when you start your new PC for the first time. Something important to know. Only leave your SSD plugged when you install the OS. Do not plug your HDD when you do that. Plug your HDD when the OS is installed on the SSD.

A new OS install is recommended when you switch hardwares like that.

 

[USAFRet]

So I am finally building a new pc and I am upgrading my motherboard, GPU and CPU. I am also switching from AMD to Intel. My question is that since I am switching everything except my hard drives; can I just use my old hard drive and SSD on my new pc? The problem is that the drivers might conflict because of the parts being switched and switching platforms. So do I have to format my ssd and hdd and reinstall windows or can I just format my ssd and keep the stuff on my hard drive?

The physical drives, yes.
The OS that exists on one or the other? Almost certainly not.

The new system will need a clean install. Preferably on the SSD.

"keep the stuff on my hard drive" ?
Depends on what is on it.
Personal files, sure
Steam/Origin games, yes.
Other "programs", no. They will need to be reinstalled.


For the OS install on the SSD in the new system, this:

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

For the OS activation, read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

 

[thedragonslayer1233]

Transfer all data you do not want to lose on your HDD and format the SSD when you start your new PC for the first time. Something important to know. Only leave your SSD plugged when you install the OS. Do not plug your HDD when you do that. Plug your HDD when the OS is installed on the SSD.

A new OS install is recommended when you switch hardwares like that.

Thank you for your help. My new pc parts will be here by the end of the week and I will try that and see how it goes.

 

[thedragonslayer1233]

The physical drives, yes.
The OS that exists on one or the other? Almost certainly not.

The new system will need a clean install. Preferably on the SSD.

"keep the stuff on my hard drive" ?
Depends on what is on it.
Personal files, sure
Steam/Origin games, yes.
Other "programs", no. They will need to be reinstalled.


For the OS install on the SSD in the new system, this:

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

For the OS activation, read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

Thank you for your help. I should be getting my pc parts by the end of the week. My hdd has all my games and personal files on it so based on what you said it checks out.

 

[USAFRet]

With the new OS, you'll also install a new Steam client. (along with all your other applications).

Then, tell that new Steam client where those games live on the other drive.
Steam games location
In the steam client:
Steam
Settings
Downloads
Steam Library Folders
Add library folder

To move an already installed game
Games library
Right click the game
Properties
Local Files
Move Install Folder

 

[thedragonslayer1233]

The physical drives, yes.
The OS that exists on one or the other? Almost certainly not.

The new system will need a clean install. Preferably on the SSD.

"keep the stuff on my hard drive" ?
Depends on what is on it.
Personal files, sure
Steam/Origin games, yes.
Other "programs", no. They will need to be reinstalled.


For the OS install on the SSD in the new system, this:

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

For the OS activation, read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change

Hey so following up to the old conversation. I want to format my SSD that has windows on it but how do I do it? I went to disk management but the option is greyed out and I can't format it. I'm assuming its because I have windows on my ssd but I want to format it, so how would I do that?

 

[Deleted member 14196]

Make a windows 10 bootable USB drive and use that boot to it And then choose to delete all partitions and reinstall windows

 

[USAFRet]

Hey so following up to the old conversation. I want to format my SSD that has windows on it but how do I do it? I went to disk management but the option is greyed out and I can't format it. I'm assuming its because I have windows on my ssd but I want to format it, so how would I do that?

Right...you can't "delete" the running OS partitions.
Booting from a Win 10 USB that you create, that is when you delete that.

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

 

[thedragonslayer1233]

Thank you everyone. Your guys suggestions worked and helped me.