Two hard drives, each running one operating system.
Two hard drives, each running one operating system.
I thought formatting could free up more space on my PC. I need to move all the files I require from the old HDD to the new one and format the old HDD after installing the OS on the new one. This ensures everything from the old HDD is removed completely, so I can maximize my storage. I wasn’t sure what you meant by steam-copy or how to properly organize files into folders, then move them back to the old drive while searching online for instructions on changing game paths so they stay on the old HDD. Could you clarify and give me a step-by-step guide?
I’ll also send the files you need after formatting the old HDD. Do I really need a backup system? I don’t think I have any important files left—I moved all my family photos and videos to another PC. My Wi-Fi is slow, so a clean install would be a big hassle. Nothing will go wrong if I format my old HDD correctly? As long as I boot from the new one when it has an OS installed, everything should work fine. Your advice makes sense; I have many questions, so I want to make sure everything is planned carefully before I start.
I don’t grasp what you mean fully. But here’s a simpler version:
Avoid filling your free space; it’s not essential and you’re not paying for unused room. If your files are already on the old hard drive, keep them there instead of moving everything back and forth between disks. You might free around 20 GB by removing the Windows installation. Modern hard drives are affordable and most motherboards have multiple SATA ports, so adding more drives is easy. They use minimal power (3-7W), making it practical to delete only what you really need—including possibly some important files.
Regarding Steam: if your games are on the D drive (formerly C drive), just install Steam and point it to the existing games folder. You can learn more through online guides or videos about changing game locations in Steam.
Understood, I'll skip the old HDD (1), set up a new one (2). Install OS and drivers on that (2). I need to apply the OS directly to my system so I can use a genuine Windows 10 Pro shutdown install (1). I won't back up my games anymore since I won't format anything to boot from (2). If this works, I'll mark it as solved.