[SOLVED] Windows 10 installation question

[saowens117]

I recently bought a new 500 GB SSD which I want to install windows 10 on. I only want to have my OS on the SSD. I have 2 other HDs. My main 2TB HD and 4TB backup drive. This question sounds dumb and I should know the answer but I want to install win 10 on the SSD but still access my programs and files from my main HD. Do I simply rearrange the boot order in the BIOS? Will Bios boot SSD(win10 OS) then load my programs, files and folders from my main 2TB HD?

 

[USAFRet]

With a new install on the new drive, you can't use the applications that live on the old drive.
They WILL need to be reinstalled.

Also, 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

 

[saowens117]

Do I have to install them on the SSD? Is there a better option that allows me to install just the OS on the SSD and use my HDs for all my files and programs?

 

[USAFRet]

Do I have to install them on the SSD? Is there a better option that allows me to install just the OS on the SSD and use my HDs for all my files and programs?

1. You'd be throwing away half the usability of the SSD. You WANT applications on it, for the speed.
2. You'd have to choose each individually as to where to install to.
3. Applications, apart from games, don't really take up that much space.

 

[USAFRet]

Steam games can be easily installed to other drives.

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

 

[saowens117]

Got it. I will reinstall all applications on the SSD and put larger files like games onto the HD. Thanks for the help. Wish me luck.