F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems No need to duplicate files on fresh hardware; existing systems work fine.

No need to duplicate files on fresh hardware; existing systems work fine.

No need to duplicate files on fresh hardware; existing systems work fine.

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Pariss22
Junior Member
39
08-26-2025, 04:17 PM
#1
Hello, many recommendations suggest copying all files and data to a fresh installation during major upgrades. I wanted to understand if this is truly essential. I previously had an Intel system and upgraded to an AMD Ryzen one, still running the same Windows install without issues. I also have a Windows 10 drive for testing that uses an older hardware setup, and hardware changes between Intel and AMD often occur. What might actually happen by doing all of this? Thanks.
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Pariss22
08-26-2025, 04:17 PM #1

Hello, many recommendations suggest copying all files and data to a fresh installation during major upgrades. I wanted to understand if this is truly essential. I previously had an Intel system and upgraded to an AMD Ryzen one, still running the same Windows install without issues. I also have a Windows 10 drive for testing that uses an older hardware setup, and hardware changes between Intel and AMD often occur. What might actually happen by doing all of this? Thanks.

I
Infallity
Senior Member
379
08-26-2025, 04:17 PM
#2
It may lead to problems sometimes, but usually it works okay. Doing it is still beneficial just for the sake of it.
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Infallity
08-26-2025, 04:17 PM #2

It may lead to problems sometimes, but usually it works okay. Doing it is still beneficial just for the sake of it.

K
KnightMinor
Member
51
08-26-2025, 04:17 PM
#3
Because users tend to skip setup, there will be numerous dump files and odd configurations being moved. I prefer clean installations always.
K
KnightMinor
08-26-2025, 04:17 PM #3

Because users tend to skip setup, there will be numerous dump files and odd configurations being moved. I prefer clean installations always.

S
Star_Lars
Member
175
08-26-2025, 04:17 PM
#4
Absolutely, it's true that people tend to be lazy. A fresh setup is usually the best option.
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Star_Lars
08-26-2025, 04:17 PM #4

Absolutely, it's true that people tend to be lazy. A fresh setup is usually the best option.

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CapnCrunch
Member
73
08-26-2025, 04:17 PM
#5
@Opencircuit74 : It's not essential and you're handling it well. Many believe it's a myth that windows need constant reinstallation whenever hardware changes. It's not a mysterious process; your system should function properly without repeating the same setup. Only those who don't grasp how systems operate or drivers work might claim issues will arise. If you aim for a smoother experience, tools like Ghostbuster can help eliminate outdated drivers. People often worry about problems when they try a clean install without a clear reason, even on the same hardware. Why do you hear about such complaints? Probably because some users repeatedly install the same setup. Who knows, perhaps it's just a habit of others. There are no known Mac or Linux users doing the same, as they tend to manage their systems more effectively. It's only Windows that has lingering concerns about older versions, but that era is long gone.
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CapnCrunch
08-26-2025, 04:17 PM #5

@Opencircuit74 : It's not essential and you're handling it well. Many believe it's a myth that windows need constant reinstallation whenever hardware changes. It's not a mysterious process; your system should function properly without repeating the same setup. Only those who don't grasp how systems operate or drivers work might claim issues will arise. If you aim for a smoother experience, tools like Ghostbuster can help eliminate outdated drivers. People often worry about problems when they try a clean install without a clear reason, even on the same hardware. Why do you hear about such complaints? Probably because some users repeatedly install the same setup. Who knows, perhaps it's just a habit of others. There are no known Mac or Linux users doing the same, as they tend to manage their systems more effectively. It's only Windows that has lingering concerns about older versions, but that era is long gone.