[SOLVED] Proper Windows 10 Migration to new system

[neverknowu]

Hello! I'm updating my system and want to be sure I get this installation correct. I'd like the new system to run off of an NVMe drive. Old one has a sata SSD. What is the best way to install Windows on the new computer/NVMe and keep my files/apps from the old one? I looked on the Microsoft help websites and it wasn't too clear.

I'm assuming I can't just copy my system drive on to my NVMe, throw it in my new mobo, and have it magically boot. Maybe I have to have my USB thumb drive with windows installer, install it on to the drive first, then Windows will have an option somewhere to reinstall the files from a hard drive copy? Or can I install windows to a blank NVMe drive from a full backup, without the USB thumb drive?

 

[USAFRet]

Your NEW system really needs a clean install. Which means a reinstall of all your programs/applications.

Personal files, you can keep. Save those to some other drive.

 

[USAFRet]

I'm assuming I can't just copy my system drive on to my NVMe, throw it in my new mobo, and have it magically boot.

Correct.

 

[Leptir]

Actually, you could add the NVMe driver to your system, then copy everything to the NVMe SSD. I remember doing that some years ago. I also remember it was a royal pain in the a$$ to get it working.

Like USAFRet said, your best bet is to do a clean install of Windows 10. Grab the latest version from Microsoft, and you should be fine.

 

[USAFRet]

In addition, the Win 10 license:

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

 

[USAFRet]

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

 

[neverknowu]

Your NEW system really needs a clean install. Which means a reinstall of all your programs/applications.

Personal files, you can keep. Save those to some other drive.

Oh bother...yeah okay. I'll do it the right way the first time. I was hoping for a super short cut! So many applications and settings in applications from adobe I have to reinstall. Not complicated, just time consuming. Okay thanks!

 

[USAFRet]

Oh bother...yeah okay. I'll do it the right way the first time. I was hoping for a super short cut! So many applications and settings in applications from adobe I have to reinstall. Not complicated, just time consuming. Okay thanks!

Yeah, for an all new system, there is no shortcut.
Do it right, do it once.