Consider upgrading or starting fresh with Windows 10. Think about adding a new SSD.
Consider upgrading or starting fresh with Windows 10. Think about adding a new SSD.
Summary of questions: Users seeking advice on Windows 10 need guidance on data preservation, installation methods, and hardware upgrades. They want recommendations for keeping Steam games intact, whether to use an SSD or a clean install, and if upgrading to an SSD is worthwhile.
Upgrade to Windows 10. Get your Windows 10 activation code to get ready for a new setup. Install Windows 10 on your SSD. Keep your 1TB WD Black drive untouched—don’t format it during the process. Start with your SSD installation of Windows 10. Wipe out everything on your 1TB WD Black except the Steam apps folder. Add Steam to your SSD. Make a fresh Steam Library folder on your 1TB WD Black. Merge your previous Steam apps folder with the new one. Done.
You can create a backup of your Steam data and later recover it after reinstalling. It's wise to install compatible drivers, especially for the GPU. Regarding the SSD, you can upgrade your Windows version to use the new HDD and then copy the SSD over once it's ready.
Transfer the Steamapps folder to an external hard drive. Once reinstalled, simply move the backed-up Steamapps into the Steam directory, and the game files will locate them automatically during installation.
You're asking about the process of clearing everything except your Steam folder. This action could erase all other data except what's stored in the Steam directory. If you delete it completely, you'd lose all files outside of that folder. Regarding Windows 10 upgrades, yes, the installation often overwrites existing data on the hard drive, so you're essentially installing on your HDD. Cloning would be challenging if the SSD holds more information than the drive.
I found a discussion mentioning it’s possible, though there were some issues. It seemed easier to start fresh rather than dealing with the partitioning complications.