Setting up Windows on a fresh SSD while preserving existing data from the old drive
Setting up Windows on a fresh SSD while preserving existing data from the old drive
Hi, welcome! Your new 128GB SSD is ready to use. You can transfer your general files, apps, and games there. To replace the old 1TB HDD, you’ll need to move your Windows installation files and any other data from the HDD to the SSD. After that, you can reinstall Windows on the new SSD using a fresh installation from a USB drive. This way, you’ll have a clean setup with just the SSD and your desired applications.
There’s no method to delete Windows solely from the HDD. Once Windows is installed on the SSD, the programs and games on the HDD won’t be recognized until you reinstall them. Exceptions apply for games, as clients like Steam can verify file integrity. The only solution is formatting the drive, which erases all data. Tip: Disconnect your HDD before starting the installation.
It’s generally okay to reconnect the HDD after installing Windows on the SSD and transferring files like mp3s or zip archives. Just ensure the drive is properly formatted and connected before rebooting.
I recommended disconnecting the HDD just to ensure the installer includes the bootloader on the SSD. If the HDD fails or is removed, you won’t be able to boot into Windows from the SSD.