Can Rufus modify a ready-made OEM Windows installation on an SSD or M.2 drive?
Can Rufus modify a ready-made OEM Windows installation on an SSD or M.2 drive?
Yes, you can use Rufus with a preinstalled OEM Windows version stored on a hard drive.
Rufus is limited to writing a bootable disc into a USB so it can start up. The existing files on the machine are a system image, intended solely for restoring the operating system.
I took some time getting used to the idea that Windows 10/11 is embedded in laptop motherboards. I have a couple M.2 drives that haven’t been installed with Windows yet. If I can’t activate the version already on them, I’d prefer to use them in desktops with a local offline account.
It's not clear what you're aiming for.
You shouldn't transfer the drive+OS from the laptop to a desktop.
The desktop requires its own separate installation and license.
You can install on a blank drive and do a fresh setup, but you'll eventually need a valid license for that desktop.