Switch my OS from HDD to SSD

Grayy_

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Feb 22, 2015
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Is there a way to switch my Windows 10 OS from my HDD to SSD for faster boot up times? Been looking everywhere but can;t seem to find a proper ''easy'' solution. thanks
 
Solution
Clean install of WIn 10?
No problem.

Go here, and create your DVD or USB install media:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/

Disconnect all drives other than the new SSD
Boot from your install media, and follow the prompts.
When it asks for a license key, skip that. It will activate on its own, because your hardare is already registered at the mothership.
Later, when it is verified working from the SSD, reconnect the HDD.

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


1. How big is the new SSD?
2. How much total used space is on the current HDD C drive?
3. How old is this OS install?
4. What OS is it?
 

Grayy_

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Feb 22, 2015
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ssd is 480gb
464gb used out of 1TB on HDD
Windows 10 installed not so long ago

 

Grayy_

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Feb 22, 2015
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Would this not send everything from my HDD to my SSD?
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


OK...2 options
1. Clone from the old drive to the new SSD
This requires you to get the total current used space to be below 400GB.
This usually works.
This will move everything from the C drive to the new SSD. You can't do 'just the OS'.
Depending on the software used, you can leave out things in the Libraries. Doc/mp3/video...

2. Clean install on the new SSD
Will work 100%, but of course this requires a full reinstall of all your applications, etc.



But there is no function to move 'only the OS'. Nor do you really want to.
 

Grayy_

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Feb 22, 2015
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Damn making me sad up in here. Might just go for clean install. How tf do I do that tho, do I have to buy a copy of windows?
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Clean install of WIn 10?
No problem.

Go here, and create your DVD or USB install media:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/

Disconnect all drives other than the new SSD
Boot from your install media, and follow the prompts.
When it asks for a license key, skip that. It will activate on its own, because your hardare is already registered at the mothership.
Later, when it is verified working from the SSD, reconnect the HDD.
 
Solution

Grayy_

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Feb 22, 2015
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Wait, when i plug my HDD back in with all my applications and files already on it, wont it * it all up?
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


The applications on that old drive will not work.
The 'files' will be accessible, no problem.
The drive won't mess anything up.
 

Grayy_

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Feb 22, 2015
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So I dont have to wipe everything on it before plugging them back in?
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


2 different things:
Files and Applications

Files:
.doc, .mp3, .whatevervideo, .SomeOtherFileType
These will not be corrupted. You can access them as needed

Applications:
Anything that might 'install'. An image editor, a video editor, a hardware monitoring application.
These will not be 'corrupted', but you cannot use most of them unless you actually run the install routing again.

You see the difference?
 

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator


OK.
Before you do this, document all your username/passwords
Find all of the install files for your applications.

After the OS is verified working on the SSD, you'll need to reinstall whatever applications you wish to use.
 

Grayy_

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Feb 22, 2015
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Okay nice, think I understand everything. Thanks so much!!
 

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