Yes, you can perform a clean installation of Windows 8.1 on a different hard drive.

F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems Yes, you can perform a clean installation of Windows 8.1 on a different hard drive.

GameBoosh
Senior Member

470

10-30-2016, 03:42 PM

Hello! Your setup involves combining an older hard drive with a newer 1TB drive. You can uninstall and reinstall Windows through the settings, but you’ll need to ensure the new drive is properly recognized and formatted. The files from the old drive won’t automatically disappear—you’ll need to move or delete them manually before installing on the new drive.

GameBoosh

10-30-2016, 03:42 PM #1

BabyBee2
Member

10-31-2016, 10:29 PM

For best results, install Windows using just the boot disk. Once installed, link the remaining storage devices. This prevents unintentionally erasing data from earlier partitions.

BabyBee2

10-31-2016, 10:29 PM #2

For best results, install Windows using just the boot disk. Once installed, link the remaining storage devices. This prevents unintentionally erasing data from earlier partitions.

dorklad
Member

11-02-2016, 03:39 PM

Performing the standard 8.1 "restore" feature requires cloning your drive. This process works only on the original drive; you must clone it first, disconnect the old one, and then run the restore from the new drive while it's powered off.

dorklad

11-02-2016, 03:39 PM #3