Transferring Hard Drive to a New PC

[edge321]

Is there a way to transfer my data that's in my hard drive into a new computer that I will be buying soon? Or maybe just transfer the hard drive itself into the new computer? I'm trying to save time and avoid reinstalling programs and games

 

[lxgoldsmith]

It's generally recommended to do a clean installation, but you can easily download new drivers to fix any compatibility issues from plugging in the old drive.

If you're running windows, you'll also need to update the product key to match the new motherboard.

Also, make sure to replace the hard drive when it's approaching the end of its lifespan. Electronics break after years of usage.

 

[USAFRet]

Is there a way to transfer my data that's in my hard drive into a new computer that I will be buying soon? Or maybe just transfer the hard drive itself into the new computer? I'm trying to save time and avoid reinstalling programs and games

The drive with its installed OS?
There are three possible outcomes:
1. It boots up just fine
2. It fails completely
3. It boots up, but you're chasing little issues for weeks.

What OS is this? Win 10 is a bit better than earlier, but the above still applies.

A clean install is always recommended, often required.

And if this is Win 10, Read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

 

[edge321]

Is there a way to transfer my data that's in my hard drive into a new computer that I will be buying soon? Or maybe just transfer the hard drive itself into the new computer? I'm trying to save time and avoid reinstalling programs and games

The drive with its installed OS?
There are three possible outcomes:
1. It boots up just fine
2. It fails completely
3. It boots up, but you're chasing little issues for weeks.

What OS is this? Win 10 is a bit better than earlier, but the above still applies.

A clean install is always recommended, often required.

And if this is Win 10, Read and do this before you change any parts:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/20530/windows-10-reactivating-after-hardware-change
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3164428/windows-build-1607-activation.html

So I have windows 10 already on my old hard drive. Do I have to uninstall windows 10 before moving it to the new computer and then reinstall windows 10 when I move it into the new computer by following these steps?

 

[USAFRet]

So I have windows 10 already on my old hard drive. Do I have to uninstall windows 10 before moving it to the new computer and then reinstall windows 10 when I move it into the new computer by following these steps?

1. Read the links about transferring the license.
Do what it says.

2. Prepare for a clean install, even though it may not be needed.
Any personal files you need to keep, save them off to some other drive.
Document all your passwords, etc

3. With an 8GB USB stick, make a Win 10 install. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Build up the new system.
Put this drive in.
See if it boots up.
You might get lucky, and it does.

If it fails, you're prepared for it.
How to do a CLEAN installation of Windows 10
During this install, you delete ALL existing partitions, and start with a blank drive.