Replacing SSDs with Windows and software Switching storage devices to Windows and related programs
Replacing SSDs with Windows and software Switching storage devices to Windows and related programs
You can exchange the SSDs and reinstall drivers, but you’ll need to prepare the systems properly. The Windows version on your Samsung EVO SSD won’t work with an Intel CPU and Intel GPU, while your wife’s system runs on AMD and a Lexar SSD with an AMD GPU. Simply swapping drives isn’t enough—software compatibility matters. You may need to clone the SSDs or use virtualization to run the correct OS on the wrong hardware.
Changing from AMD to Intel usually doesn’t harm performance, but switching from Intel to AMD often does. To avoid lingering graphics driver issues, run DDU on both systems afterward. Some chipset drivers might remain installed and be difficult to remove completely. Windows might also react negatively if it thinks your key is invalid, which could cause future problems. You might be missing out on the benefits of using multiple accounts for easier sharing.
We both require a PC while using it. I believe DDU is only for clearing old GPU drivers, not for other drivers.
Prepare the installation media by disconnecting both devices from the internet. Execute DDU on each machine while swapping drives if needed. If differences are minimal (GPT vs MBR, legacy vs UEFI, bootloader misplaced, etc.), both systems should start normally. Launch Setup.exe from the USB inside Windows. Avoid booting directly from the USB. Perform an in-place Windows installation concerning drivers and system parts while preserving your apps, settings, and files. After the first reboot, connect the network cable.