Query about HDD functionality on Windows versus UEFI firmware support
Query about HDD functionality on Windows versus UEFI firmware support
Hello, my mom just got a new computer. It came pre-installed with an SSD running Windows 11. I transferred her old HDD to the new drive so she could keep her bookmarks and photos. But after a while, she realized she wasn't happy with Windows 11, so I thought it would be fine to switch back to Windows 10 using the old HDD.
Unfortunately, the UEFI didn't recognize the previous HDD. I'm confused because when I open Windows, both the SSD and the old HDD appear, and all her files are there. I tried removing the old HDD, but it seems to be missing from the system. I think the only way forward is to disconnect the SSD in the new machine... though I can't see it physically. I was surprised it wasn't included, and I hope she could have upgraded her old PC instead.
Pictures show the HDD works in Windows 11 but not in the UEFI firmware. How can I boot from it if it doesn't show up there?
Shannon
Yeah, it usually doesn't go well, even under ideal conditions. If the previous installation was a Legacy setup, it won't function properly. Even if it shows up in the boot sequence, it probably won't work as expected. Plus, the licensing issue will still occur.
Legacy support is turned off (the fifth row in the first screenshot).
Windows on HDD is likely running in legacy mode.
To start from HDD, you need to turn on legacy support.
However, this isn't assured to function properly.
It works, but it’s clear how to configure it to boot from the HDD each time the PC starts. The HDD is placed above the SSD in the Legacy boot order. I can only boot by navigating to Settings > System > Recovery Advanced Start Up, restarting, choosing "use a device" and selecting the HDD.