Restarting Windows while maintaining applications on a secondary storage device
Restarting Windows while maintaining applications on a secondary storage device
Hi, I noticed some problems with my PC recently. The SSD seems to have lost storage unexpectedly, making me think a fresh install might be necessary. I've changed components before without reinstalling, possibly due to old drivers affecting performance. I'm planning to replace the SSD and switch to more storage. My main concern is whether a Windows installation will still work with my game files on a different drive—no need to reinstall them, just set up the locations in settings. It sounds like it should be possible since they're on another drive, though I'm not sure. Thanks for your help! Best regards, NE0XY
P.S. The SSD I’m using is a Samsung 840 EVO, which some users have reported issues with.
You can reinstall and retain files on identical drives; they’ll appear in 'C/windows.old'
Hey team, I’ve got all the games ready in multiple libraries—Origin, Steam, Uplay, GoG (Witcher3) on another drive, so I’m pretty sure everything’s safe. My main concern is those save files that seem to hide in AppData folders instead of being in regular spots. I’ll make a backup copy of the SSD on an external drive just in case something gets lost. Regarding Windows reinstallation, since I haven’t used it in a while and bought it online, I’m wondering if I can reinstall it onto another SSD without buying a new copy. If not, I might just purchase it again. Also, I was last formatting a USB drive when I bought it, but now that it’s installed—how do I do that again? =P
Supporting AppData, documents and program data folders (also in windows.old folder) can assist with most applications. However, they won't appear in the Start menu. You can retrieve them using traditional methods by accessing them through the older approach. Some programs may require a reinstall, especially those linked to registry settings. I performed this task just a few weeks ago.
Need the correct keys and some installation media. Keys might be challenging after switching motherboards, but a full reinstall eliminates that concern. You can follow the USB method just like before. Windows provides very clear and helpful installation instructions. There are only two installation options: either install on an empty drive or reinstall/start a new OS on the same drive. Both steps need formatting before any installation occurs. With Windows, it confirms you have a prior setup and asks if you want to retain existing files.
I'll reinstall on a fresh SSD, and all other aspects will remain the same.
Windows can be installed on several drives simultaneously. However, only one can be active at a time. Use the key your system currently employs to enable it.